Online and blended learning programs represent one of the most profound opportunities to shift industrial-era instructional models to student-centered approaches. Our latest research analyzes whether and how a sample of brick-and-mortar schools in Brazil, Malaysia, and South Africa uses online learning to deliver content in new, more flexible ways. We distributed an online survey to educators and leaders in each country. The report shares and analyzes survey data, along with 30 case studies of blended-learning school models. A few common themes emerged. First, the field needs to clearly distinguish when technology is used for instructional —rather than merely administrative— purposes. Second, innovations in online and blended learning tend to grow differently according to circumstances, depending on the success metrics to which they are held. Third, infrastructure and human capital pose some of the greatest challenges to implementing technology in general, and blended learning in particular.
Authors
Ms Julia Freeland Fisher
Director of education research, Christensen Institute
Julia leads the Christensen Institute team that educates policymakers and community leaders on the power of disruptive innovation in the K-12 and higher education spheres through its research. She has published and spoken extensively on trends in the EdTech market, blended learning, competency-based education, and the future of schools.
Ms Katrina Bushko
Partnerships manager of the Blended Learning Universe, Christensen Institute
Katrina has interviewed numerous teachers and administrators to help with the development of the Christensen Institute Blended Learning Universe Directory. She also co-authored State of Opportunity, a survey-driven report on the status and direction of blended learning in Ohio.
Ms Jenny White
Content manager of the Blended Learning Universe, assistant to the director of education
Jenny has been instrumental in the development of the Christensen Institute Blended Learning Universe Directory, having interviewed teachers and administrators across the United States.
This report has been reviewed by:
- Lisa Duty, CEO and Principal Consultant, Innovation Partners America
- Allison Powell, Senior Learning Strategist, Bloomboard
Research Organization
