I am so glad
that Tucker, Wycoff, and Green (2016) offer to provide us with a good
definition of what blended learning (BL) is. I find that there are many
educators that have a vague or inaccurate perception of BL. In Chapter
1, Tucker et. al. (2016) wrote that BL is:
"[I]is a
formal education program in which a student learns: (1) at least in part
through online learning, with some element of student control over time, place,
path, and/or pace; (2) at least in part in a supervised brick-and-mortar-
location away from home; (3) and the modalities along each student's learning
path within a course or subject are connected to provide an integrated learning
experience" (pg. 6).
The importance
of addressing culture can not be underestimated when attempting to integrate a
new program or system. I am happy to know that the authors address this since
it is a well researched approach. For instance, Rogers (2003) wrote that when
an agent of change is attempting to engage in a process whereby an innovation
like BL is diffused into an organization, the culture of the organization must
be respected. "Change agents' success in securing the adoption of
innovations by clients is positively related to a client orientation, rather
than to a change agency orientation" (pgs. 374-375).
We must begin
with the culture and work within the system. That is the most successful
approach to truly make impactful change!
References
Tucker, C. R., Wycoff, T., & Green, J. T. (2016). Blended Learning in Action: A Practical Guide Toward Sustainable Change. Corwin Press.
Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of innovations (5th ed.). New York, NY: Free Press.
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