Recent Research

Blended learning was almost across the board, in the studies I looked at, identified as a combination of face to face and web based techniques. A few technologies that were mentioned repeatedly were podcasts, wikis, blogs, twitter, virtual worlds, videos, websites, interactive exercises, individual and group activities. Blended learning was described in one study as "enriched education" (Kazu & Demirkol, 2014).

Recent research I found indicated that overall a blended model of learning has a positive impact on students. One study's investigation found that students who studied in a blended learning environment are more academically successful than students in a traditional classroom (Kazu & Demirkol, 2014). In addition, a study I found that related to foreign language asserted that the blended learning environment was more effective in increasing success via increasing motivation (Isiguzel, 2014). This is an important insight because motivation is truly the key to success in a foreign language as the cognitive and affective dimensions both have an impact on the learning process. Another positive impact it was found to have was giving students who may be more introverted in a traditional classroom a level of disinhibition based on possible anonymity to their peers in an online environment (Martin). There was also a lot of information out there surrounding the benefits (as well as challenges) of a blended learning environment for at risk students.

Blended learning requires teachers to effectively integrate face to face with electronic learning using the same best practices we used to guide our traditional classroom. There is a new added layer in shifting to a blended environment at first where the teacher must support the learning of various online technologies as well as the classroom content (Kazu & Demirkol, 2014). Blended learning requires teachers to shift their role to a facilitator of learning and a curator of tools and information.

Below are images from some of the studies I read, specifically ones mentioned above:

In addition to the theoretical research I came across a lot of new applicable tools I am excited to try out in the classroom this year.

Voicethread - for projects and having students practice their language orally, can also be created collaboratively.

Quizlet - for practicing different grammar skills in a fun, accessible way that also allows students to send their immediate feedback to you so you can better track progress.

Kahoot - I am a huge fan of game based learning and Kahoot is a fun way to do that, it can be used as practice or review, you can use what is there or make your own.

Duolingo - new feature allows you to make a class and track student progress, Duolingo looks and feels like a game and you get immediate feedback for each question which is very helpful and also motivating. I have to look into it more, hoping I can control the order in which students practice vocal to align with curriculum so this can be used in the classroom as a practice option.

Moodle - am still researching what this platform has to offer but so far it looks promising.

Glogster - fun, creative way to have students do a project / make a poster or teachers can use it as a way to present a topic to students.

Google Drive tutorials - pretty well done and thorough explanations for people new to Google Drive or looking to find out how to best harness all it has to offer!

Instagrok - really helpful research / information gathering tool - watch the tutorial video to see if you might want to use this !


Still researching how to best organize my classroom / tools that will enrich learning....