Blended Learning and Flexible Learning

Blended learning or flexible learning? Are they the same? In this discussion we look at some options for distance learners whether online or in class.

Flexibility in completing degree requirements is important to students who work or live away from a campus or in an area that do not have accredited degree program. Some programs allow students to take a few independent studies, courses in other schools, graduate departments, or universities and apply the credits towards program. This however, is more likely to happen at the masters, not doctorate degree level.

In response to this concern, many accredited schools now offer online distance degree programs using a variety of delivery modalities. Some offer entire degrees at a distance, while others offer a certain number of classes online and students need to complete additional residency requirements. Coursework augmented with online and face-to-face instruction prepares learners for classroom and virtual instruction by helping you understand how to select, integrate and execute the most effective curriculum for all levels of students.

Some online degree programs various options that combine online learning and face-to-face instruction. The percentage of time on-line vs face-to-face varies from program to program. On-line learning brings flexibility to the blend. Some of the coursework is asynchronous meaning that learning occurs when participants are not all online at the same time, for example streamed audio/video, threaded discussions, and e-mail. Other work is synchronous, which refers to real-time learning where participants are logged on at the same time and communicate directly with each other for example chats and Internet conferencing.