Blended Learning: Fundamentals
of the Planning Process
A How-to Guide from Edmentum
At their core, blended learning models are designed to help infuse technology effectively into
the learning process and personalize learning experiences for every student.
This workbook has been developed to help you determine the most appropriate blended
learning program for your school or district, build a plan for a successful rollout, and navigate the
implementation process.
Blended learning dened
The Christensen Institute denition of blended
learning is a formal education program in which
a student learns:
n at least in part through online learning,
with some element of student control
over time, place, path, and/or pace;
n at least in part in a supervised
brick-and-mortar location away
from home;
n and the modalities along each student’s
learning path within a course or subject
are connected to provide an integrated
learning experience.
Blended learning models
The majority of blended learning programs resemble one of four models:
Your partner in blended learning
Rotation A La CarteFlex Enriched Virtual
2
A rotation model involves learning in which students rotate on a xed schedule or at the teacher’s
discretion between learning methods, at least one of which incorporates an online component.
Other rotations might include activities such as small-group or whole-class instruction, group
projects, individual tutoring, and pencil-and-paper assignments. In this model, students learn
mostly during regular school hours on the brick-and-mortar campus, except for any homework
assignments. This model includes four sub-models: Station Rotation, Lab Rotation, Flipped
Classroom, and Individual Rotation.
Station Rotation
In station rotation, students rotate
through all stations within a classroom or
group of classrooms.
Benets:
- Easy to implement in a single
classroom
- No need to modify set schedules
- Only requires access to a small
number of mobile devices
- Doesn’t require a large amount of
space
Considerations:
- Requires classroom management for
efcient rotations
- Works best when longer blocks of
time are available
Lab Rotation
In lab rotation, students rotate to a
computer lab for online learning.
Benets:
- Suitable option when no classroom
devices are available
- Students access online learning at the
same time
- Educators can easily pull students for
1:1 instruction
Considerations:
- Computer lab time needs to be
scheduled
- Daily lab access may not be available
Online
instruction
School Central Learning Lab
Learning Lab
Intervention
5:1
Seminar
12:1
Direct Instruction
15:1
Group Projects
Home
Practice and projects
Online instruction
and content
Breakout
room
5:1
Study and collaborative space
Breakout
room
12:1
Science lab
Social area
Cyber lounge
Home
Online instruction
and content
Online Learning Offline Learning Teacher
Face-to-face
supplementation
School
Home
Online
Teacher
Collaboration
rooms
Breakout
room
10:1
Teacher-led
instruction
Direct Instruction
math/science
Direct Instruction
literacy/social studies
Direct Instruction
literacy/social studies
Learning lab
reading/math
Collaborative
activities and
stations
Station Rotation
Flipped Classroom
Lab Rotation
Individual Rotation
Rotation Models
T
T
T
T
T
T
Flex Model
A La Carte Model
A La Carte Model
Online
instruction
School Central Learning Lab
Learning Lab
Intervention
5:1
Seminar
12:1
Direct Instruction
15:1
Group Projects
Home
Practice and projects
Online instruction
and content
Breakout
room
5:1
Study and collaborative space
Breakout
room
12:1
Science lab
Social area
Cyber lounge
Home
Online instruction
and content
Online Learning Offline Learning Teacher
Face-to-face
supplementation
School
Home
Online
Teacher
Collaboration
rooms
Breakout
room
10:1
Teacher-led
instruction
Direct Instruction
math/science
Direct Instruction
literacy/social studies
Direct Instruction
literacy/social studies
Learning lab
reading/math
Collaborative
activities and
stations
Station Rotation
Flipped Classroom
Lab Rotation
Individual Rotation
Rotation Models
T
T
T
T
T
T
Flex Model
A La Carte Model
A La Carte Model
3
Rotation model
Image source: Clayton Christenson Institute Image source: Clayton Christenson Institute
Flipped Classroom
In a ipped classroom, learners receive
direct instruction online in place of
traditional homework and then attend
the brick-and-mortar school for
face-to-face, teacher-guided practice
or projects.
Benets:
- Easy to implement on a class-by-class
basis
- No need to modify set schedules
- Doesn’t require major modications
to classroom layout
- Great use of 1:1 technology
Considerations:
- Students need access to devices and
Internet at home
- Students must be held accountable
for completing lessons at home
Individual Rotation
In individual rotation, each student
has an individualized playlist of skills
and activities to complete. An
algorithm or teacher(s) sets individual
student schedules.
Benets:
- Provides a fully personalized learning
experience
- Makes great use of 1:1 technology
- Excellent for team teaching
- Ideal for implementation across an
entire grade level or school
Considerations:
- Requires space and scheduling
modications
- Works best when multiple educators
and longer blocks of time are
available
- Works best in a 1:1 technology setting
4
Image source: Clayton Christenson InstituteImage source: Clayton Christenson Institute
Online
instruction
School
Central Learning Lab
Learning Lab
Intervention
5:1
Seminar
12:1
Direct Instruction
15:1
Group Projects
Home
Practice and projects
Online instruction
and content
Breakout
room
5:1
Study and collaborative space
Breakout
room
12:1
Science lab
Social area
Cyber lounge
Home
Online instruction
and content
Online Learning Offline Learning Teacher
Face-to-face
supplementation
School
Home
Online
Teacher
Collaboration
rooms
Breakout
room
10:1
Teacher-led
instruction
Direct Instruction
math/science
Direct Instruction
literacy/social studies
Direct Instruction
literacy/social studies
Learning lab
reading/math
Collaborative
activities and
stations
Station Rotation
Flipped Classroom
Lab Rotation
Individual Rotation
Rotation Models
T
T
T
T
T
T
Flex Model
A La Carte Model
A La Carte Model
Online
instruction
School
Central Learning Lab
Learning Lab
Intervention
5:1
Seminar
12:1
Direct Instruction
15:1
Group Projects
Home
Practice and projects
Online instruction
and content
Breakout
room
5:1
Study and collaborative space
Breakout
room
12:1
Science lab
Social area
Cyber lounge
Home
Online instruction
and content
Online Learning Offline Learning Teacher
Face-to-face
supplementation
School
Home
Online
Teacher
Collaboration
rooms
Breakout
room
10:1
Teacher-led
instruction
Direct Instruction
math/science
Direct Instruction
literacy/social studies
Direct Instruction
literacy/social studies
Learning lab
reading/math
Collaborative
activities and
stations
Station Rotation
Flipped Classroom
Lab Rotation
Individual Rotation
Rotation Models
T
T
T
T
T
T
Flex Model
A La Carte Model
A La Carte Model
5
In the ex model, learners move on an
individually customized, uid schedule.
Students learn mostly on the brick-and-
mortar campus, and instructors provide
face-to-face support on a exible, as-needed
basis through small-group instruction, group
projects, and individual tutoring.
Benets:
- Provides a fully personalized learning
experience
- Makes great use of 1:1 technology
- Excellent for team teaching
- Ideal for implementation across an entire
grade level or school
Considerations:
- Requires space and scheduling modications
- Works best when multiple educators and
longer blocks of time are available
- Learners must take ownership over their
learning
Flex model
In the a la carte model, learners take one
or more courses completely online and
also take some courses face to face at their
brick-and-mortar campus or learning center.
Benets:
- Easy to implement on a
student-by-student basis
Considerations:
- Students must be able to successfully
learn in a completely virtual setting
A La Carte model
Implementation examples:
Implementation examples:
Students begin by completing an online
tutorial independently. Throughout the
learning journey, teachers will meet regularly
with each student to discuss his or her
progress. At the culmination of each learning
experience, students will take an online
mastery test before advancing.
Students may choose to complete electives at
home while working on their core courses in a
traditional brick-and-mortar school. Throughout
the learning process, students and teachers
communicate in person, through email, and via
online learning programs.
Image source: Clayton Christenson Institute
Image source: Clayton Christenson Institute
Online
instruction
School Central Learning Lab
Learning Lab
Intervention
5:1
Seminar
12:1
Direct Instruction
15:1
Group Projects
Home
Practice and projects
Online instruction
and content
Breakout
room
5:1
Study and collaborative space
Breakout
room
12:1
Science lab
Social area
Cyber lounge
Home
Online instruction
and content
Online Learning Offline Learning Teacher
Face-to-face
supplementation
School
Home
Online
Teacher
Collaboration
rooms
Breakout
room
10:1
Teacher-led
instruction
Direct Instruction
math/science
Direct Instruction
literacy/social studies
Direct Instruction
literacy/social studies
Learning lab
reading/math
Collaborative
activities and
stations
Station Rotation
Flipped Classroom
Lab Rotation
Individual Rotation
Rotation Models
T
T
T
T
T
T
Flex Model
A La Carte Model
A La Carte Model
Online
instruction
School Central Learning Lab
Learning Lab
Intervention
5:1
Seminar
12:1
Direct Instruction
15:1
Group Projects
Home
Practice and projects
Online instruction
and content
Breakout
room
5:1
Study and collaborative space
Breakout
room
12:1
Science lab
Social area
Cyber lounge
Home
Online instruction
and content
Online Learning Offline Learning Teacher
Face-to-face
supplementation
School
Home
Online
Teacher
Collaboration
rooms
Breakout
room
10:1
Teacher-led
instruction
Direct Instruction
math/science
Direct Instruction
literacy/social studies
Direct Instruction
literacy/social studies
Learning lab
reading/math
Collaborative
activities and
stations
Station Rotation
Flipped Classroom
Lab Rotation
Individual Rotation
Rotation Models
T
T
T
T
T
T
Flex Model
A La Carte Model
A La Carte Model
6
In the enriched virtual model, all learning occurs
online and mostly in a remote location, away
from the brick-and-mortar school. In this model,
learners participate in face-to-face sessions, but
these sessions are usually not every school day.
Benets:
- Students are able to manage their learning
on their own schedules
- Educators can teach more students than in
a standard brick-and-mortar setting
- Educators can work across multiple
campuses
- Students still receive face-to-face support
Considerations:
- Requires schedule modications
- Complete shift from the traditional
school setting
- Students need access to devices and
Internet at home
Enriched Virtual model
Choose the right model for you
When considering which blended learning model makes the most sense for your specic situation,
review the following questions:
n What are the goals of the program?
n Can the schedule and space be modied?
n What technology is available?
n Will students have access to technology/Internet at home?
n Is online learning going to be the backbone of student learning or a supplement?
n Will the program be implemented across an entire school/district or on a class-by-class or
student-by-student basis?
Whether you’re ready to make a big splash or simply dip your toe in the blended learning pool, there
are different implementation options available. Many schools begin implementing models in smaller
segments or pilot programs, perhaps with a group of teachers, specic grade, or single school location.
Check out these free online courses to teach educators across your school or district about blended
learning and how to implement it. You can also visit the Blended Learning Universe for additional
educator resources that will help you start off on the right foot.
Implementation examples:
Students begin by meeting as a class to
introduce a new course. Following initial
kickoff, students complete the rest of
their lessons at home. Students have the
opportunity to work in a classroom if they so
choose or require assistance.
Image source: Clayton Christenson Institute
Online
instruction
School Central Learning Lab
Learning Lab
Intervention
5:1
Seminar
12:1
Direct Instruction
15:1
Group Projects
Home
Practice and projects
Online instruction
and content
Breakout
room
5:1
Study and collaborative space
Breakout
room
12:1
Science lab
Social area
Cyber lounge
Home
Online instruction
and content
Online Learning Offline Learning Teacher
Face-to-face
supplementation
School
Home
Online
Teacher
Collaboration
rooms
Breakout
room
10:1
Teacher-led
instruction
Direct Instruction
math/science
Direct Instruction
literacy/social studies
Direct Instruction
literacy/social studies
Learning lab
reading/math
Collaborative
activities and
stations
Station Rotation
Flipped Classroom
Lab Rotation
Individual Rotation
Rotation Models
T
T
T
T
T
T
Flex Model
A La Carte Model
A La Carte Model
7
When deciding to go forward with a blended learning implementation, it is best to consider what
elements are needed for your success, in the school as well as in your online curriculum partner.
As you identify a suitable digital partner, start by evaluating offerings according to the different criteria
listed below.
Having the right people involved is critical to the success of your blended learning program. Recruit
a cross-functional team that represents the varied interests and specialties of your school or district.
This could include:
Attaining implementation success
n School or district buy-in
n Professional development
n Program vision and model
n Flexibility
n Hardware
n Infrastructure
n Change adaptability for teachers
n Space (and exibility with space)
n Administrators
n Teacher groups
n PTA members
n Technology directors
n CTE directors
n Finance directors
n Special education directors
n Alternative education directors
n Department leads
n Interventionists
n Virtual program directors
n Assessments (formative, interim, and
summative)
n Progress data
n Teacher resources for whole- or
small-group instruction
n Individualized learning path based on
assessment data
n Content that can be assigned to students
n Grouping tools
n Interactive and engaging platform
n Teacher management tools
n Standards based content and standards map
n Student data available to all stakeholders
n High-quality instruction and courses that
may augment rst-time instruction
n Directives for project-based learning
n Support for time management
n SIS/LMS integration capabilities
n Communication platform (asynchronous
and synchronous)
Your planning team
Online curriculum elements
School-based elements
8
Which blended learning model is right for me?
What does each model mean to me?
Station
Rotation
Lab Rotation
Flipped
Classroom
Flex A La Carte
Enriched
Virtual
Which model will work in my school?
Model Technology Resources
Software
Resources
School Culture For me
Station
Rotation
Computers < students
but always available
Teacher Web
presence required
Group differentiation
possible
Lab Rotation
Computers >= students
but limited availability
Teacher Web
presence required
Shared computers
are easily scheduled
Flipped
Classroom
Computers available
outside the school
Teacher Web
presence required
Students complete
homework
Flex
1:1 student-to-computer
count
LMS Required
Schoolwide
experimentation accepted
A La Carte
Enough computers
to support full
online learning
LMS Required
Independent
learning possible
Enriched
Virtual
1:1 student-to-computer
count
LMS Required
Independent
learning possible
9
Identify your early adopters
What type of teachers do we have at my school?
Type Description Teacher Names
Innovators
- Willing to take risks
- Willing to “try anything”
- Very social
Early
Adopters
- High degree of opinion leadership
- High social status
- More discreet in adoption choices
Early
Majority
- Adopt an innovation after a varying
degree of time and success
Late
Majority
- Adopt an innovation after the average
participant
- Skeptical about an innovation
Late
Adopters
- Last to adopt an innovation
- Averse to change
- Focused on “traditions” for sake of
traditions
From the book Diffusion of Innovations by Everett Rogers
Innovators
2.5%
Early Adopters
13.5%
Early Majority
34%
Tipping
Point
Late Majority
34%
Late Adopters
16%
10
Pilot start date: End of pilot date: Full rollout date:
Leadership team (list names of stakeholders)
Your educational goal
Blended learning model
Benchmark used to evaluate success (assessment or other instrument to measure progress)
Digital curriculum provider
Technology platform
Technology/hardware assessment (# of machines, type, ratio needed, funding needed)
Innovative teachers (list names of stakeholders)
Target metrics (target and timeframe)
Pre-implementation planning
Use this sheet to capture your pre-planning information. First consider all of the items of this list
before moving onto the ofcial timeline on page 11.
What does my program look like?
Existing technology infrastructure concerns (any infrastructure upgrades needed)
11
Build your blended learning project timeline
Activity Approximate Start Date
Program Planning and Leadership Team Building
Choose goal, targets, model, pilot scope, and evaluation benchmark
Curriculum and Technology Planning
Choose digital curriculum and identify new technology needed
Leadership Training
Train leaders on evaluation rubric and teacher expectations
Staff Onboarding
Initial introduction to pilot
Community Outreach 1
Market program and meet with pilot parents on purpose and goals of
the program
Install and Configure Digital Curriculum and Technology
Initial setup of software and load users and courseware
Staff Training 1
Train staff on pedagogical change and school environment change
Staff Training 2
Train staff on assignment, student monitoring, and data gathering
Pilot Project Begins
Student orientation, initial learner days, and issue baseline benchmark
Mid-Pilot Benchmark
Mid-Pilot Review
Meet with stakeholders to review benchmark successes and failures
Community Outreach 2
Policy Building
Provide time for stakeholders to discuss project and building unified policies
End-of-Pilot Benchmark
End-of-Pilot Review
Build Staff Development Plan
Build Final Policies
Community Outreach 3
Begin Full Rollout
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student outcomes everywhere learning occurs. We can give you the resources—and the expertise—
to leverage the power of effective learning solutions.
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Your blended learning partner
1. Program Needs
Analysis
Review blended
learning strategies
and best practices
2. Program Design &
Planning
Build a customized
implementation plan
based on your
program’s goals
3. Implementation &
Onboarding
Tailor onboarding
process to meet the
specific needs of your
educators
4. Professional
Development
Continuous support
focused on preparing
and sustaining a
blended classroom