The quick pivot to online learning in spring 2020 brought with it a renewed interest in flexible course modalities. At many institutions, BlendFlex (we’ll define this later) has probably become synonymous with pandemic pedagogy. Ironically, as campuses now move to more normalized operations and face-to-face courses, BlendFlex may find itself once again beyond the scope of our university course offerings. Yet, as we consider moving forward in a post-pandemic world, it is appropriate to pause and reflect on the BlendFlex modality and analyze its strengths and weaknesses. For better or worse, some institutions, like ours, will continue to incorporate BlendFlex courses into the normal class rotation—albeit at a much smaller scale. This article serves as an overview of the BlendFlex model from a dual faculty–distance learning administrative perspective.
Leading with Compassion in the Face of Grief
Content warning: This article contains mentions of bereavement experiences, including loss of a parent.
When my mother passed away unexpectedly at the age of 67 this February, I could