Blended learning: proven approaches for a growing trend

Educational institutions are improving their understanding of how to effectively blend different learning environments and tools. Their reasoning is simple: to create a more flexible and personalised approach that is inclusive for all learners in different circumstances. The following are examples of successful blended learning implementation.

Bednet: Distance Learning for Sick Children

With the help of Bednet, chronically sick pupils can continue to receive education during their illness and treatment. Bednet connects the sick student to their class group via computer: it creates a live connection between them and their classmates, whereby the absent child is visible on a flat screen at the back of the classroom. Not only does the student keep up with the curriculum, they also keep in touch with the class. Bednet is available for pre-school children from the age of 5, as well as primary and secondary school pupils in all certified state-subsidised schools in Flanders and Brussels. Equipment and counselling are free for schools and families for as long as they are needed. Since 2005 when Bednet was launched, 1,593 children with a long-term or chronic illness have used it in 1,111 Flemish schools.

The School for Circus Children

The School for Circus Children offers education for professionally travelling, school-aged children. It was established in 2007 in Hilden, Germany, with online lessons taking place in real time, meaning that the learning group and the teacher log in to the virtual classroom at a certain time. Learning takes place daily with different students from different circuses, no matter where in the world they are located. The objectives of this school are:

• Support and extension of digital learning
• Intensive preparations for the central final examinations
• Individualised support and personalised learning
• Inter-circus and group-based learning arrangements

Within the projects of the school, students are encouraged to recognise their personal interests, abilities and dormant talents, familiarise themselves with the digital world, but also have fun with their peers, for example by playing online board games.

iScoil: Empowering Young People to Re-engage in Learning

iScoil is a non-profit online learning service addressing the problem of early school leaving and educational disadvantage in Ireland, so that young people can achieve their full potential.

In partnership with local services and agencies, iScoil has created a safe place to learn, where young people receive personalised learning programmes based on their unique needs, interests and abilities. Each day, online tutors and mentors review the student’s work, provide feedback on it, and adapt the next day’s learning plan as needed. Apart from re-engaging students with education, this service also offers employment opportunities by building a portfolio of work for students. Since its launch, iScoil has awarded 1146 QQI certificates to 437 young people.

Audentes School: Supporting the Upcoming Olympic Athletes

The Audentes Sports School e-gymnasium in Tallinn, Estonia has been created especially for all student athletes who might miss classes due to systematic training. It gives students the unique chance to acquire secondary school education online, without going to school on a daily basis. The Audentes Sports School focuses on the principles of wisdom, health and balance, and for that reason, educators encourage an active lifestyle, practising sports from an early age. E-gymnasium teachers have long-term teaching experience, both in the classroom and in a virtual learning environment, and have followed several training courses for teaching and mentoring. The resulting e-learning environment offers:

• Affordable education for all ages and levels
• Flexibility in learning
• Thorough support during students’ learning experience through clear action plans and a counselling system
• Opportunities for higher education.

To discover ongoing and past EU-funded projects in school education, please go to the Erasmus+ Project Results Platform.