Dive Brief:

• A new report from iNACOL takes a look at the blended learning landscape, identifying the four most popular blended models.
• Among those models: rotation, where students move between different learning models; flex, which combines brick-and-mortar school with largely digital learning; a la carte, where students supplement with an online course; and enriched virtual, which is similar to flex but adds emphasis to virtual learning.
• In completing the report, researchers also highlighted tips for avoiding typical pitfalls, advising educators to create a resilient school culture that can handle problems with implementation and to train teachers on the model.

Dive Insight:

One of the interesting aspects of the report is its selection of district case studies that illustrate how the four models have successfully been utilized.

For example, Spokane Public Schools in Washington takes a familiar approach to blended learning. Students can engage in special credit recovery via facilitated online courses, but the district also provides blended learning opportunities for at-risk students that are specifically intended to get them on track for college. These students work with teachers to design their own learning plans to reach their goals.

At the more extreme end is New York's Randolph Central School District, where students are grouped based on ability and rotate between different types of learning, from online to small-group self-facilitated and teacher-led instruction.