Engaging Learners with New Strategies and Tools

Hybrid learning is a combination of face-to-face interaction with online learning.  Customarily, it involves the delivery of curricular materials, access to resources, submission of assignments, project based learning, activities that support some order of thinking, and online discussions that may be asynchronous or synchronous in nature (Buzzetto-More & Sweat-Guy, 2006).  Hybrid learning for higher functioning special needs students (students with Specific Learning Disability, Other Health Impaired or Mildly Mental Retardation disabilities) can be beneficial by focusing on the educational learning styles and/or a combination of educational learning styles.  Therefore, hybrid learning in K-12 schools can provide assistance in preparing special needs students for college and university’s courses.  Several colleges and universities are now offering students quantity versions of distance education.  However, the shift from traditional classroom education to computer-mediated distance learning may pose an enormous challenge (Misanchuk & Anderson, 2001).   Galusha (1997) explained that the essential element and the key foundation of distance education is successful teaching regardless of the physical location during the learning process. References: Buzzetto-More, N.A and Sweat-Guy, R. (2006).  Hybrid learning defined.  Journal of Information Technology Education.   5, 152-158. Galusha, J. M. (1997).  Barriers to Learning in Distance Education.  Interpersonal Computing and Technology.   Publisher: ERIC Clearinghouse.  5 (3-4), 6-14. Misanchuk, M. and Anderson, T. (2001).  Building community in an online learning environment: Communication, cooperation, and collaboration.  Received on January 12, 2012. http://www.mtsu.edu/~itconf/proceed01/19.pdf.

This is a link to view my graphic organizer. Graphic Organizer