Within the past few school years, blended learning has been added as a new style of teaching. Blended courses were first introduced ten years ago in the business department with consumer education. Since then, blended courses are offered in every department at LZHS.

According to Oxford Dictionary, “[blended learning] is a style of education in which students learn via electronic and online media as well as traditional face-to-face teaching.” In response to the new addition, students are looking to enroll in more blended classes. Currently, there are 403 students enrolled in blended courses.

Ashley Weltler, assistant principal for Academics, Assessment, and Innovation, believes that, “blended learning provides an opportunity for students to experience learning in a more flexible format than the traditional 5 day week in-person schedule. Also these types of classes can teach valuable skills like self-motivation, organization, time management, and problem solving skills.”

“As someone who is taking multiple AP and Honors classes, I feel like blended learning is really beneficial to students. It allows them to learn at their own pace, in ways that work for them,” Matthew Chung, sophomore, who takes Honors Pre-Calc Blended, said. “I think it’s nice not having the same classes everyday, because that time allows me to take breaks, complete my work, and make sure I’m understanding everything. I feel like it’s really refreshing and these types of classes are improving the way students learn.”

However, not every course offers blended learning. According to Weltler, “AP level classes don’t offer the blended format, but all blended courses are offered at the Honors and CP level.”

Previously, these blended courses were only offered during the school year. However this year, during summer school, there will also be blended courses provided for students to take.

“Currently there is not a limit in place for how many blended courses a student can take. The summer school blended courses are similar to the ones during the school year, but not all courses are offered in a blended format,” Weltler said.

This style of learning can also give students a feel for their future as well, according to Chung. “I feel taking a course that is blended can give students a perspective on what education can be like in the future. For example in college you don’t have the same classes every day, and it’s not typically what students are used to. But I think introducing these types of classes in high school can be really beneficial, as it can teach students different skills, like how to be adaptive, and prepare them for their future as well.”

Students aren’t the only ones that think blended courses are a good addition.

“This style of learning is helpful, and can be used as a tool for the future. It is helping us as teachers break away from conventional ways of education, as it is something students and teachers have never seen before,” Joshua Hollander, business teacher, said. “It’s for sure a new way of teaching, but it is good for students. They have time to do their work and time to understand the material as this can make learning more efficient.On days when we don’t have class, I can still help students who might need it, which is great.”