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Blended Learning for Sexual Health Education: Evidence Base, Promising Practices, and Potential Challenges
Author(s) -
Coyle Karin K.,
Chambers Brittany D.,
Anderson Pamela M.,
FirpoTriplett Regina,
Waterman Emily A.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of school health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.851
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1746-1561
pISSN - 0022-4391
DOI - 10.1111/josh.12821
Subject(s) - blended learning , medical education , psychology , confidentiality , best practice , active learning (machine learning) , educational technology , pedagogy , medicine , computer science , artificial intelligence , computer security , management , economics
BACKGROUND Blended learning is a combination of online learning and face‐to‐face instruction, and is increasingly being used in K‐12 settings. A meta‐analysis conducted for the Department of Education suggests blended learning is more effective than either group‐based or online learning alone, particularly in K‐12 settings. METHODS This paper provides a narrative review of the literature from 2000 to 2017 on blended learning as it applies to sexual health education programs, and discusses outcomes, best practices and potential challenges of blended learning that may be important for practitioners and researchers considering this approach. RESULTS Blended learning approaches are being used successfully in sexual health education programs, including school‐based programs, and have yielded positive behavioral and psychosocial changes. Similar to traditional group‐based programs, not all outcomes tested in these programs showed positive impact. Designing blended learning programs can be challenging, but there is a large best‐practice literature that can inform practitioners interested in using it. CONCLUSIONS Blended learning approaches are viable for sexual health education and offer numerous advantages to group‐based only programs, such as confidential personalization and an instructional approach that is familiar and engaging for participants.