In practice, the terms blended, hybrid, and online are often used interchangeably. This is incorrect, according to Barend Last, author of the book *Blended Learning and Educational Design.* For the explanation of these terms, we use the definitions from the animation series ‘Barend Explains’.
What is blended learning?
Blended learning is about providing the student with an enriched, student-centered learning experience. There is a logical integration of various activating methods in a lesson or project. The use of ICT is therefore supplementary, and the combination of online and offline is a well-thought-out mix. This requires specific teaching methods. Below, we provide some examples of cultural projects designed using blended learning.
Examples of blended learning
Blended learning through a game
- An online game that children play, combined with a physical lesson kit in the classroom
- A visit to the institution on-site where the game continues. The students investigate and use their smartphones as support for finding the solution
Blended learning around music
- An interactive assignment on the digital whiteboard about a piece of music, with explanations about the instruments and themes in the music
- A school concert or visit with a performance of the pre-discussed piece of music
- Afterward, there is a processing lesson in the classroom on the digital whiteboard, and students create their own music
Barend Last explains the key aspects of educational design from Blended Learning in a video by Kennisnet.
What is online learning?
In online learning, the entire lesson format is fully online. The lesson is developed in such a way that you deliver the content remotely. This form can replace a physical activity.
An example of online learning
The Drents Museum has the Largest Dollhouse in the Netherlands in its collection, reflecting the history of Drenthe in the 18th century. The physically arranged environment is equipped with a multimedia tour in which a resident guides you. The museum has additionally developed a 360-degree tour so the entire activity can be conducted online by school groups.
The commonly used term ‘flipping the classroom’ is also a variant of online learning. This simply means that lesson material is available online.
What is hybrid education?
Hybrid education means that online and physical activities coexist. If there is an online activity, its purpose is to give more students access to what is happening live, for instance, by allowing students to watch a live moment digitally. This form is interesting when it comes to accessible cultural education. For example, for students with disabilities or to connect students with (international) offerings that they cannot easily access due to travel time and distance.
An example of a hybrid activity
The educator of the Eise Eisinga Planetarium in Franeker was asked to give a workshop to teachers training to become cultural coordinators, where part of the group was present online via a screen.
First, he showed the video The Power of Ten, which amazed the teachers about distance, space, and time. He gave a short design assignment that the teachers worked on in pairs. Subsequently, the ideas were shared, and the participants who were physically present explored the museum themselves, while the educator used his smartphone to guide the online participants. This way, all participants could join in.
Tips for starting with digital cultural education
Make agreements
It is important to make clear agreements with your colleagues about what you mean by the terms and what the goal is of developing digital activities for the student. Are they supplementary or a replacement?
Stay informed
Developments are moving fast. Keep an eye on the use of digital tools and available facilities in schools. Where possible, consult with a school about the (digital) resources needed for the lesson offerings.
Engage with your target group
The mindset of the teacher or instructor is also changing when it comes to online and physical activities and their combination. To align optimally with education, it is wise to regularly engage in discussions with teachers in your network about this topic.
In the article How do I approach digital cultural education?, we discuss five tips for its development in practice!
Join the Digital Cultural Education Workshop
Do you guide cultural institutions in developing digital offerings for education? And would you like to expand your knowledge and skills in this area and learn how to involve the organization in your digital approach? Follow the Digital Cultural Education Workshop at the DEN Academy and take the next step.
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