Blended learning is a mix of learning methodologies, simply defined “Blended learning” is when you combine traditional classroom learning and online learning. The point at which these two meet is called blended learning, this isn't a foreign concept. This is has been around for a while and thanks to the digital shift it has been something that all educators had to familiarise themselves with.

The most challenging aspect of blending a classroom has to be the preparation, it may seem quite overwhelming at the beginning. Educators may spend countless hours gathering content, preparing videos, writing task cards with instructions and trying to think ahead about where the possible fallouts might appear.

One of the benefits that blended learning provides is that your students get to learn how to work more independently, so if you are out of your classroom for any reason, your students can work independently and less class time is wasted.

Embrace a little bit of chaos at times, but staying open to trying a new strategy to shift your students' experiences will only make you a stronger teacher. Know and understand that streamlining is essential especially with the following:

• Task cards always have to have the same layout.

• Resources should be kept in the same place.

• Assignment variations must be kept to a minimum so students don't have to learn a new format of assignment each time.

• A calendar with your student's workdays should be provided for them so they can learn how to schedule and reflect on their time management.

• Add in the estimated time it will take for students to complete each assignment and where the task cards are located.

There will be a lot of learning through trial and error just find the method that works best for you. We have shared three strategies below that you can possibly use to provide students with choice, voice, and agency in your classes. See the strategies that follow below:

Strategy 1: Playlist
The concept of this strategy works just like a playlist of music except this one is with assignments. It is a checklist of assignments that your students work through at their own pace in the order that they are given.

How to use it:
Use a shorter playlist anywhere from one to two weeks:

• Use it when teaching new skills and skill practice.

• It is manageable to prepare for since there are fewer assignments for students to work through.

• Have students complete the work either in a packet from the playlist or in the notebooks they have for your class.

• If the playlist work is done in their composition notebooks, students glue the playlist in and check their assignments off as they go. Similar to ticking off your completed items from your to-do list.

• Make another playlist with assignments you can "shuffle" that allows students to pick the order they complete them.

Strategy 2: Learning Menu
The learning menu is structured like a multi-course meal. There is an appetizer, the main course, and a dessert. These could be varied based on your needs, but it opens the door to personalising and allowing, enabling, the choice to students.

How to use it:
Using this as heavy skill practice, students choose a project out of the appetizer, complete each main course portion, and then choose a dessert.

• Projects should mainly be creative, students will play along with the assignments that could be viewed as less fun.

• Create opportunities for students to share their projects with each other as they work on them and give each other feedback.

• Change the role of each section for instance maybe the appetizers are different types of practices and the desserts are extension activities. Have levelled activities with mild, medium, and spicy difficulty levels.

Strategy 3: Choice Board
This is a method where students determine what order in which they complete their assignments. Use the playlist strategy when the order matters. The choice boards are a table of assignments where all squares have to be completed and students just know the due date for completing everything. Break down the deadlines into sections to have students stick to the plan.

How to use it:
In this strategy, you give students a calendar and schedule for the first week or two, reevaluate, then plan the next week or two.

• This gives students good practice to reflect on their use of class time and how to plan and meet deadlines.

• Remember that students are generally good about picking the appropriate level of the assignment that they can handle however, sometimes intervene to help them push the limits that they place on themselves.

• Use this strategy to teach the students a skill or present content that would not be ideal with the assignment.

When creating plans remember to give students a sense of responsibility as this will help them feel like they are in charge of how they get to learn. Allowing a personalised learning plan aids a student's confidence as this allows them to learn at their own pace, this shouldn't steer you off from the end goal that you have set for yourself and your students. Take these strategies and implement them in a way that will be beneficial for you and your students.

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