Grant Details

Work that is done as a result of this grant program is intended to prepare schools, teachers, and students in the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and blended learning within and outside of the classroom. It is also intended to develop new strategies for 21st Century Learning and provide professional development for teachers. The seven overarching goals are to:

1. Build the capacity of Ohio schools in blended learning.
2. Increase academic performance of students participating in the blended learning model.
3. Document fiscal changes that are the result of implementing a blended learning model.
4. Expand the use of online learning for Ohio schools and students.
5. Create a program using best practice examples of the six models of blended learning.
6. Generate models for 21st Century Learning based on high quality instruction, assessment and standards.
7. Create replicable blended learning models and best practices that can be used across Ohio.

This grant is intended to provide Ohio public schools the opportunity to implement one of six blended learning models, or a consortium to expand one of the six models of blended learning.The six models of blended learning include:

1. Face-to-Face Driver – programs that retain face-to-face teachers to deliver most of the curricula. The face-to-face teacher deploys online learning on a case-by-case basis to supplement or remediate.
2. Rotation – programs that involve the students rotating on a fixed schedule between learning online in a self-paced environment and participating in a classroom with a face-to-face teacher.
3. Flex – programs that include most of the curricula delivered online. Face-to-face teachers provide support and instruction as needed through tutoring sessions and small group sessions.
4. Online Lab – programs that provide all instruction online. Paraprofessionals are often used to supervise, but don’t provide content expertise. Students often still take traditional courses.
5. Self-Blend – programs include students choosing to take an online course to supplement traditional school’s offerings. The online component is remote and not taken at the school.
6. Online Driver – programs in which all of the curricula is delivered online. Students work remotely and occasionally face-to-face check-ins occur

Anticipated outcomes include the following:

1. Afford students the opportunity to participate in synchronous and asynchronous online learning, have access to outstanding digital content and increase their learning and achievement.
2. Offer a student-centered learning environment for students.
3. Establish a systemic blended learning initiative for Ohio students and professional development for teachers and schools in developing new strategies for 21st Century Learning based on six models.
4. Implement lessons learned from best practices of blended learning.
5. Establish blended learning as a model for educational transformation and leverage lessons learned to inform policy and practice.

Under this program applicants may apply for Development Grants or Expansion Grants.