Report Reveals Blended Learning Trends for U.S. Independent Schools
Charleston, SC (PRWEB) December 09, 2014 -- Blackbaud, Inc., a leading global provider of software and services for the nonprofit, charitable giving and education communities, and OESIS Group, a professional development and research organization for independent schools, have released a new report on blended learning in more than 450 U.S. independent schools.
The report reveals that independent schools are following an approach that amplifies existing strengths such as close instruction through the Flipped Classroom model, and caters to higher order college prep learning goals of creativity and critical thinking through pathways, such as project-based learning.
“The data revealed in this report illustrates a movement that reflects the need for our ability to provide a whole school connected experience for students, parents and educators,” said Travis Warren, founder of WhippleHill, and Vice President and General Manager of Blackbaud’s K-12 Private Schools Group. “Blended learning is one of the key drivers in independent schools moving forward, and we are dedicated to providing solutions that help facilitate this model.”
The survey reveals 70 percent of students are positive or very positive about blended learning and 65 percent of independent schools are looking to use it to personalize instruction. In addition, 41 percent of the 461 independent schools surveyed are now implementing some form of blended learning with another 51 percent exploring it.
“Blended Learning requires schools to have more tightly integrated learning environments that are at the same time flexible and open to many learning and teaching opportunities,” said Sanje Ratnavale, President of the OESIS Group. “With significant demands on faculty, the survey also found that one of the most significant barriers to adoption was teachers having insufficient time to transform courses. The right technology environments and professional development resources will be key drivers in the course of adoption.”
Download the free report at http://www.oesisgroup.com. For more information about Blackbaud, please visit http://www.blackbaud.com/k-12/.
About Blackbaud
Serving the nonprofit, charitable giving and education communities for more than 30 years, Blackbaud combines technology solutions and expertise to help organizations achieve their missions. Blackbaud works in over 60 countries to support more than 30,000 customers, including nonprofits, K12 private and higher education institutions, healthcare organizations, foundations and other charitable giving entities, and corporations. The company offers a full spectrum of cloud and on-premise solutions, and related services for organizations of all sizes, including nonprofit fundraising and relationship management, eMarketing, advocacy, accounting, payment and analytics, as well as grant management, corporate social responsibility, education and other solutions. Using Blackbaud technology, these organizations raise, invest, manage and award more than $100 billion each year. Recognized as a top company, Blackbaud is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina and has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Ireland and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit http://www.blackbaud.com.
About OESIS
OESIS Group is a professional development and research organization for independent schools. OESIS creates 21st century opportunities for independent school growth by maximizing collaboration among key stakeholders through innovative conversations and powerful connections. It offers the only online and blended education symposia focused on independent schools. The symposia are about more than just “technology”. Each session explores how schools can embrace the opportunities for changing learning models and keeping up with the rapid pace of change in content, communications and pedagogy. Schools send educators, senior administrators, faculty and technology leaders to learn about new trends that they can take back and implement in the classroom. Learn more at http://www.oesisgroup.com/.
Chris Swietlik, C. Blohm & Associates, http://www.cblohm.com/, +1 608-216-7300 Ext: 23, [email protected]
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