What is Blended Learning?
Published: Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C)3
Blended Learning with online colleges involves virtual learning with some aspects of student control on elements like pace, place, and time. The computers take over the duties of professors such as setting and giving guidelines of courses.
Examples of colleges that support the online and blended programs include:
The University of New York
This is a online school with over 158 blended courses. It started blending its courses way back before 1999 with the aim of reaching more students that are diverse without having to fund expensive new buildings or any other facilities.
The school continues to expand its courses and developing more blended learning models that are better and efficient.
University of Maryland
Plans to roll more courses for students inclusive of a blend of MOOCs and traditional classroom instructions began in 2013. The school has invested heavily on these hybrid degree courses thanks to a grant by Bill and Melinda Gates foundation.
Students are now able to access flexible courses that are available for their degrees.
Bryn Mawr College
This is a college based in Pennsylvania. It is a small arts school that has strong value for interactions between professors and students. It is working through Carnegie Mellon’s OLI (Open Learning Initiative).
The computers are taking over duties of Professors through giving guidelines to students on learning materials.
How to earn and save money in college
Starting a saving habit while still in college goes a long way in maintaining good financial habits even in adulthood. Earning and saving while still in college seems impossible today but could be possible through some of the following ways:
1.Renting or buying used items
This can be applied in electronics, books or even furniture. Full advantage should be taken on these items. This is because used items are often sold at low prices compared to the price of getting a new item.
Renting a book is beneficial since after using it, you can take it back instead of throwing something that you purchased at a high price away.
2. Getting a good bank
There are banks that charge relatively low ATM or withdrawal fee, balance checking fee or even free money transfers and online banking. These are the go to banks for the college students. They tend to save the use of the little money that you have.
3. Student discounts
Taking advantage of student discounts is one of the easiest ways to save money. It involves having a student identification card. Some retailers like Dell, Microsoft and apple often have a student-only pricing offer where some even offer free gift cards in purchases like of printers or apps. These offers can be hunted for during holidays where the pricing of college products are low priced.
4. Using campus amenities
These amenities could include campus gyms, libraries, events, food and even printing services. Some of these amenities like the library, gym and events are covered by the tuition fee. Others like the printing services and food are often low priced to suit the pockets of students.
Why Blend? Five College Blended Learning Summer Institute: May 2016
