23 Nov 2009: Blended Learning (CALL)

I like learning about Computer Assisted Language Learning. This is a field of study that I think will become exponentially valuable as we move into the 21st century. Increasingly, people need to know more than one language. But, what are the best ways of helping learners to acquire second-language skills?

I believe that there is much merit in considering blended learning tools. Blended learning is defined as learning in a kind of hybrid methodology. It includes human face-to-face time as well as instructional/learning activities supplemented by various technologies. In this way, blended means mixed, flexible learning.

I think it's also interesting to define the term learning. Generally, this means mixing information with interaction. So, how should that interaction look? It could look several different ways, depending on the learners. This is profound and yet so simple: learning should be tailored for and by the learner!

"Learning is a sense-making activity in which the learner seeks to build a coherent mental representation from the presented material." (Richard Mayer)

The quality and quantity of comprehensible input and comprehensible output is essential to effective learning. Effectiveness of instruction is typically connected to high fidelity around interaction between learners and teachers as well as between learners and learners.