Revolutionizing K-12 Blended Learning through the i²Flex Classroom Model: (Advances in Early Childhood and K-12 Education)

Blended learning has gained significant attention recently by educational leaders, practitioners, and researchers. i²Flex, a variation of blended learning, is based on the premise that certain non-interactive teaching activities, such as lecturing, can take place by students without teachers’ direct involvement. Classroom time can then be used for educational activities that fully exploit teacher-student and student-student interactions, allowing for meaningful personalized feedback and scaffolding on demand. Revolutionizing K-12 Blended Learning through the i²Flex Classroom Model presents a well-rounded discussion on the i²Flex model, highlighting methods for K-12 course design, delivery, and evaluation in addition to teacher performance assessment in a blended i²Flex environment. Emphasizing new methods for improving the classroom and learning experience in addition to preparing students for higher education and careers, this publication is an essential reference source for pre-service and in-service teachers, researchers, administrators, and educational technology developers.

About the Author :
Maria D. Avgerinou , Ph.D. has recently joined the American Community Schools (ACS) Athens (Greece) as the Director of Educational Technology and eLearning. Dr. Avgerinou holds a B.Litt. in Byzantine and Modern Greek Language and Literature from the National and Capodistrian University of Athens (GR), an M.Ed. and a Ph.D. in Educational Technology and Psychology from the University of Bath (UK). She holds postdoctoral diplomas on eLearning Design, Implementation, and Evaluation from the Institute of Education, University of London (UK), the University of Hull (UK), and more recently from Indiana University (US). As a certified online educator and a former academic in American, British, and Greek universities, she has taught, published, and presented extensively on the research and practice of online and blended learning, action research, and visual literacy for education and training. From a leadership level, Dr. Avgerinou has been active in various professional associations (AERA, EDEN, IVLA, and AECT). She currently serves as the Editor of the Journal of Visual Literacy (JVL/Routledge), a Master Reviewer for Quality Matters (MarylandOnline/US), and an external specialist for European Commission’s Key Action 2: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices. In recognition of her scholarly contributions Dr. Avgerinou has received various awards most notably IVLA’s Research Award (2009), and the Braden & Beauchamp Award on Research in Visual Literacy (2001; 2010). Stefanos P. Gialamas , Ph.D. has been the President of the American Community Schools (ACS) of Athens, Greece, for the past eleven years. He holds a B.S., an M.A., and a Ph.D. in Mathematics. Prior to his arrival at ACS Athens he served as the Provost of the American College of Thessaloniki, Greece. He has also served for several years as Dean of Academic Leadership Development, Dean of the Mathematics and Science Programs, and Dean of Education in several Colleges and universities in the USA. He has taught graduate and undergraduate mathematics, computer, management and leadership courses at universities in Kansas, Wisconsin, Illinois, and in Greece. His scholarly and research work includes Leadership Development, Faculty Development, Innovative Approaches in Teaching and Learning, Knot Theory, Mathematics and Arts, the History and Philosophy of Mathematics, and Mathematics Education. He has published more than 100 articles and book chapters in both English and Greek, three books, and many instructional manuals. Dr. Gialamas has received Leadership and Education awards from diverse academic and social institutions and organizations.