The Teacher's Role in the Blended Classroom ... Or When 1 + 1 > 2

Abstract

Despite the fact that schools have undergone many changes, there are still those who believe that classrooms and the activities that take place in them have not changed. Some insist that modern classrooms still mirror the structure of old. In this chapter, the author argues that it is time to put this myth to rest. At the same time, he points out what today’s teachers can achieve if they exploit the potential that the modern day classroom has to offer. With technological development, learning can occur in a variety of settings: either in a virtual classroom or in a physical space. When learning takes place in the combination of these two learning environments it is referred to as blended learning, and teaching that applies both modalities is referred to as blended teaching. The two classroom formats offer different characteristics that teachers can utilize for different purposes. A well-balanced blend will provide both teachers and students with great opportunities to experience visible teaching and visible learning.