Recipe for the Best Blended Learning

Jared Carman of Knowledge Net suggests in this paper that there are five key ingredients in blended learning:

1. Live events (those that generally take place in the classrom - or perhaps via Web conferencing)
2. Self-paced learning modules (those segments that are done in online format - such as reflective essays and journaling)
3. Collaboration (those activities that engage students with students or others - often done online via social networking Web 2.0 tools)
4. Assessment (examinations, self-assessments are done both online and face-to-face)
5. Performance support materials (reference materials simulations, tools - all of which can be either online or face-to-face)

These ingredients are blended via the online and face-to-face modalities in ways to assure optimum learning outcomes.