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| Key words: blended learning, face-to-face, interactive whiteboard, speaking skills,communication.
A blended learning course combines online classroom instruction with an online learning component that is conducted via Blackboard and other out-of-class activities [1, 12]. We use the face-to-face meetings to build the group of teams after explaining and debating the course rationale, goals and learning outcomes. Also important is giving an explanation on how the online component integrates and works. Each stage of the course and the expectations are clarified. Feedback is given on issues around the tasks that students carry out. The learning materials are available for download; links to other sites with useful materials are; a news forum is provided enabling teachers to post information regularly, and a course discussion forum enables learners to share ideas,ask questions and discuss their progress on the course [2,38]. Students collaborate on the group wiki pages to share information on meeting times and draft/edit their term paper; students are also encouraged to use micro-blogs on their profile pages to reflect on their learning and re- cord ideas they have gained which they might like to develop later. The totality of the blend is a learning experience that has kept students engaged, interacting in English and interested in learning like they never have been before. Its aims are to develop integrated linguistic skills, with an emphasis on listening comprehension and oral production and a focus on learning for authentic communication. It has been implemented through a blended learning (b-learning) strategy. In general, b-learning is defined as a combination of technologyand classroom instruction in a flexible approach to learning that recognizes the benefits of delivering some training and assessment online but also uses other modes to make up a complete training program which can improve learning outcomes and/or save costs [3,7]. As a matter of fact, blended learning classes meet once each week for two hours in the classroom and for two hours each week online at a time of the student’s choosing. The four hours do not include the time it will take to complete class assignments listed on the course syllabus. Students must complete course assignments by the specified due dates. I think that, blended learning is for students who wish to combine face-to-face instruction with online activities such as collaborative discussions, group projects, or other assignments. Successful blended learning students are: • interested in active and participatory learning-both in the classroom and online; • comfortable with using the computer, the Internet, and Blackboard; • organized and good at time management; • strong writers, critical thinkers, and communicators; • willing to dedicate quality time to the online component of the class. Blended learning students should expect to spend between 2-3 additional hours online throughout the week. This time does not include regular coursework such as reading, writing, and studying. Blended learning courses provide more flexibility in when you attend class than traditional on-site courses, but they require just as much dedication and focus on the learning process. The reward for the student comes from taking a more active, participatory role in the learning process. By engaging and col- laborating with other students and the instructor on a regular basis in the classroom and online discussions, the blended learning student becomes an active contributor to the learning process [4,41]. |