Hybrid Blended Class Has Success in Idaho

An experimental class offered by the Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA), an online state school created by the Idaho Legislature, had some unusual success with English Language Learner (ELL) students. The state loses many ELL students before graduation, and also sees this group of students dropping out from highly technical and content-driven courses like biology.

IDLA built a hybrid online/in real time (asynchronous/synchronous) class revolving around a curriculum that blended both science and English. According to EdSurge, most of the course work was completed online at a time of the students’ choosing; however students met with their teacher to provide additional instruction and support as needed. 

The results were impressive. According to the EdSurge article authors and IDLA project administrators Dr. Sherawn Reberry and Jeff Simmons the data shows significant upticks in graduation rates:

The advantages of blended learning have been well touted by the edtech sector. Some of the top advantages include learning at a student’s pace, higher engagement rates, and breaking down digital barriers for students who have to travel a great distance for classwork.

At the same time, online classes have their challenges. There can be technical difficulties; students can resist change, struggle with technology adoption, and face time management issues. Blended learning has also had challenges, with inconsistent and unstable results with students.