Blended Learning in Ontario

The Ontario Ministry of Education define compares blended learning and e-learning as such:

Unlike e-learning classes where students are physically separate from their teacher and classmates, blended learning occurs within a face-to-face class that happens at a specific place and time. Blended learning combines the support of classroom learning with the flexibility of e-learning.

Blended learning uses the tools of the provincial learning management system (LMS) to teach and support learning in a face-to-face class. Through blended learning, K-12 students can access high-quality course materials, course calendars, and assignments during and outside school hours.

There is also an excellent document on the Ministry Website: How Can I Differentiate instruction in my Blended Learning Classroom? http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/elearning/pdf/TeachLearnDI.pdf

Blended Learning and the use of technology aligns perfectly with the ideologies pertaining to Special Education and ELL students.  Blended Learning easily allows students to choose ways to demonstrate their thinking by using charts, diagrams, comic strips, and illustrations with captions. A Blended Learning course or activity could also offer more choice in accessing and processing information, such as a link to a video, an online read aloud, or an interactive website. Students work at their own pace and can decide which activities to do first. Blended Learning would eliminate some of the stigma associated with being identified and needing special equipment, or adaptive instruction.  The difference would be that all students would be using tools and devices to enhance their learning and meet their needs.

Examples of Blended Learning in Ontario

Provincial learning management system (LMS) Kindergarten Blended Learning- Never Too Young               

Primary/Kindergarten: YouTube video showing Kindergarten students at St. Joseph's School in Port Elgin are accessing the Provincial Learning Management System (LMS), licensed through Desire2Learn of Kitchener, Ontario to interact online with activities in Math and Language.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wu7Er_VmHbY

Money Math     Money Math refers to the use of mathematical skills in making financial transactions, such as handling cash, preparing bills, and making payments.

Junior:  activities include interactive learning resources focused on adding and subtracting numbers and decimals.

Intermediate: activities include making correct change, calculating change, and understanding simple and compound interest.

Scheduling or Budgeting and Accounting   Planning for the best use of time and money, as well as monitoring of the use of time and money.

Junior/Intermediate:  includes problem solving activities related to time and money. Online calculators can be used.