With the new school year fast approaching, school districts across the country are starting to finalize and announce their plans for a safe reopening.

After much deliberation, many are considering operating classrooms under a blended learning model, which entails a mix of onsite and remote schooling, to make social distancing more feasible in school buildings during the coronavirus pandemic.

But the adoption of blended learning today could be seen as more than a safety measure. Many experts say it’s a defining moment in K–12 education in which educators, students and parents can rethink what learning looks like and how instruction will be delivered moving forward.

DISCOVER: Learn how to get started with blended learning.

Bruce Friend, previous COO of education organization the Aurora Institute, tells Education Dive that the pandemic was an eye-opener for many districts. “Districts now will understand that creating online and blended environments can no longer be just a luxury. They’re going to have to be prepared for it,” he says.

Blended learning isn’t a new approach. In fact, it has only gained popularity over the past few years with the influx of new technologies in schools, according to the Consortium for School Networking’s 2019 “Driving K-12 Innovation: Tech Enablers” report. Through this approach, educators can better personalize learning for students, enhance engagement and communication, and teach concepts more effectively and efficiently.

However, questions around blended learning still abound, particularly for districts looking to implement it on a larger scale as a permanent program. Tthere’s plenty to think about — from which approach would best meet the needs of students to what tools need to be in place before rolling it out.