Flex model of learning
{{Educational research}}
The flex model is a method of teaching for students who are non-traditional learners. Learning material and instructions are given online and the lessons are self-guided.{{Cite book |last=Horn |first=Michael B. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=78BHDwAAQBAJ |title=Blended: Using Disruptive Innovation to Improve Schools |last2=Staker |first2=Heather |date=2017-11-06 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |isbn=978-1-119-41329-5 |pages=46-47}} The teacher is available on-site. The students work independently and learn to develop and create new concepts in a digital environment. They work in computer labs most of the time. The schedules of learning modalities are customized individually and the teacher-of-record is on-site. Though most of the instructions are given online, the face-to-face support as needed by the student is given by the teacher-of-records and adults through activities such as group projects, small group instruction and individual tutoring.{{cite web |url=https://aspirepublicschools.org/media/filer_public/2013/07/22/aspire-blended-learning-handbook-2013.pdf |title=BLENDED LEARNING 101 |publisher=aspirepublicschools.org |date=2013-07-22 |access-date=2015-09-19 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226101305/http://aspirepublicschools.org/media/filer_public/2013/07/22/aspire-blended-learning-handbook-2013.pdf |archivedate=2015-02-26 }} This model provides the students a flexible learning environment. They are free to arrive and leave the learning premises within the given timing of the day. The teacher in this model acts as a mentor and give equal importance in delivering the proper instruction to the students.{{cite web|url=https://www.inacol.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/iNACOL_Blended-Learning-The-Evolution-of-Online-And-Face-to-Face-Education-from-2008-2015.pdf |title=Blending Learning |publisher=www.inacol.org |access-date=2015-09-19 |url-status=bot: unknown |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915122142/http://www.inacol.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/iNACOL_Blended-Learning-The-Evolution-of-Online-And-Face-to-Face-Education-from-2008-2015.pdf |archivedate=2015-09-15 }}
Reception
Flex learning has been shown to have a number of potential advantages and disadvantages for students. Some advantages of flex learning include the ability for students to carry out the learning process at their own pace.{{Cite journal |last=Priya |first=J. Johnsi |last2=Gowrishankar |first2=M. |title=Blended Learning Approach: Significance of Flex and Self-Blend Models |url=https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Chennupati-Ramaiah-2/publication/365824395_Constructivism_in_Teaching_and_Learning/links/6385eb50c2cb154d293c10af/Constructivism-in-Teaching-and-Learning.pdf |journal=Constructivism in Teaching and Learning |pages=178-195}} their attention may be held better,{{Cite journal |last=Sukumaran |first=Sangita |date=2018 |title=Flex-learning - Online or face to face - Learners' freedom of choice |url=https://indianmentalhealth.com/pdf/2018/new-issue/1-4-2018/10-Review-Paper_Flex-Learning.pdf |journal=Global Bioethics Enquiry |volume=6 |issue=1 |pages=28-32}} credit accumulation during the course of learning is facilitated, and the ability for schools to operate at a lower cost compared to alternative schools.
Some disadvantages of flex learning include the demand for larger spaces and many devices,{{cite web|url=https://charterschoolconference.com/2013/handouts/Carrandi_Blended_Learning_Model.pdf |title=Model 1: ROTATION A. Station-Rotation model |publisher=charterschoolconference.com |access-date=2015-09-19 |url-status=bot: unknown |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926043046/http://charterschoolconference.com/2013/handouts/Carrandi_Blended_Learning_Model.pdf |archivedate=2015-09-26 }} and for students to have reliable access to digital devices and fast internet.{{Cite journal |last=Carillo |first=Franklin John |title=Rewards and Drawbacks of Flexible Learning: The Case of Students in Public Higher Education Institution
|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/374174163_Rewards_and_Drawbacks_of_Flexible_Learning_The_Case_of_Students_in_Public_Higher_Education_Institution |journal=Edukasiana Jurnal Inovasi Pendidikan |pages=342-352}}