Distance Learning

Blended Learning Directory Adds Updateable Profiles

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 02/03/16

A curated collection of resources on K-12 blended learning has just added a LinkedIn-like profile feature that allows school leaders to share real-time information with their communities and others.

An initiative of the Clayton Christensen Institute, the Blended Learning Universe (BLU) is an online hub that offers guides, video tutorials, worksheets and a directory of blended-learning programs available around the world. The institute is a non-profit organization focused on introducing "disruptive innovation" in education and healthcare. Blended learning is one of its favorite research areas.

The new addition to the directory site lets schools create profiles that showcase specific aspects of their offerings, whether it's the blended model being used, student demographics, technology in place or academic results. Currently, 175 school districts in 38 states have put up 274 profiles.

Users can search the directory through a set of filters for name or type of school, number of years blended, location, flavor of blended model, program focus, subject and grade level.

"By allowing schools to create and curate their own profiles, the BLU serves as a hub of connectivity for blended programs worldwide," noted Julia Freeland Fisher, director of education at the institute, in a prepared statement. "We're hopeful that by sharing their blended learning stories, educators can learn from one another about how integrating technology into their schools can lead to new pathways for student success."

One school leader who's "excited" about his school's participation in the directory is Kenneth Grover, principal at Innovations Early College High School in Salt Lake. "This could be a real game-changer in the way schools communicate, collaborate and evolve," he said.