The Blended Learning Classroom: An Online Teacher Training Program

Abstract

This blended learning classroom (BLC) case study identifies and describes successful procedures and methodologies that widen the use of online tools in virtual environments. It provides a systematic and organized access to theplethora of free social software available online for thedevelopment of collaborative learning activities. The goal of this particular BLC professional development activity was to offer a face-to-face group of English teachers in Venezuelathe opportunity to meet members of an international community of practice (CoP) and together review a packaged learning course material online. Blendedtechnology, the mix and match of available tools, served to display the wide use of resources and each person’s skills. By exploring online tools, participants gained an opportunity for learning about both educational theory andthe use of technology. The experience described here shows a prototype of future pathways towards educational content use and development.