Blended or hybrid learning occupies a key position between traditional classroom instruction and fully online education. As defined by the Glossary of Education Reform, blended learning refers to the practice of combining in-person and online learning experiences when teaching students. This method uses online technology to enhance and improve the learning process, rather than just adding to it.
Blended learning creates a dynamic and diverse educational experience, giving learners the flexibility to access their materials at their own pace. It empowers educators to overcome the digital barriers that traditional classrooms often face, fostering greater student engagement. By incorporating real-world experiences into the curriculum, blended learning enhances students’ grasp of subjects. The user-friendly digital tools are not only easy to install but also highly effective in tackling educational challenges. This approach personalizes the learning journey, accommodating students who need different levels of instruction, making blended learning a powerful tool for meeting diverse educational needs.
Types of Blended Learning
Blended learning encompasses various models, each combining in-person and online education in different ways to cater to diverse learning needs and preferences. Here are some common types:
Flipped Classroom
In this model, students first engage with new content at home through online videos, readings, or other digital resources. Classroom time is then dedicated to applying this knowledge through activities, discussions, problem-solving, and projects, allowing for more interactive and hands-on learning experiences.
Rotation Model
Students rotate through different learning stations, which may include online learning, group work, individual instruction, and traditional face-to-face activities. This model can be further divided into:
=Station Rotation: Rotations occur within a single classroom, where students move between stations on a fixed schedule.
=Lab Rotation: Students rotate between the classroom and a computer lab, where they engage in online learning activities.
=Individual Rotation: Students follow a personalized rotation schedule, moving through different stations based on their specific learning needs as determined by the teacher.
Flex Model
In the flex model, most of the curriculum is delivered online, with students working independently and at their own pace. Teachers provide on-site support and targeted instruction as needed, allowing for a more personalized learning experience. This model often includes a physical classroom space where students can receive help, collaborate with peers, and participate in face-to-face learning activities when necessary.
A La Carte Model
In this model, students can select certain courses to take entirely online while continuing to attend traditional in-person classes for other subjects. This model allows students to customize their education by choosing online courses that may not be available at their school or that better fit their schedules and learning preferences.
Enriched Virtual Model
This model involves students completing most of their coursework online but attending periodic face-to-face sessions with a teacher for additional support, enrichment activities, and assessments. The in-person sessions are typically less frequent than in traditional or other blended models, focusing on providing supplemental guidance and reinforcing online learning.
Self-Blend Model
Students can independently choose to take additional online courses beyond their regular school curriculum in this model. These courses are often taken to explore subjects of personal interest, gain advanced knowledge, or meet graduation requirements. The self-blend model allows students to extend their learning opportunities outside of the traditional classroom setting.
Advantages of Blended Learning from a Teacher’s Perspective
Blended learning is transforming the educational landscape by merging the best of online and in-person instruction. A survey conducted by Allen and Seamen revealed that over 2,800 colleges and universities reported that 77% of academic leaders found the learning outcomes in online education to be on par with or superior to those in traditional classrooms. This indicates that online education can not only match but often exceed the effectiveness of face-to-face learning. Here are some of the key benefits of incorporating online education with face-to-face teaching to create a blended learning environment:
Personalised Learning Experience
Blended learning, as an adaptive instructional model, enhances personalised experiences through the use of modern educational technologies. This approach allows students to acquire knowledge in their preferred formats, whether it be through reading eBooks, watching video lectures, or listening to podcasts. Simultaneously, teachers can utilize software solutions to monitor each student’s progress, offering tailored learning materials, providing assistance, and answering questions to help them better understand the content.
Empowers Students with Flexibility
Numerous studies highlight the challenges many contemporary students face with traditional classroom instruction. While traditional teaching methods remain effective, integrating modern learning technology offers the potential for significantly more productive learning environments. Blended learning, in particular, can amplify flexibility and autonomy for students. Research indicates that incorporating technology into blended learning not only boosts engagement and motivation but may also enhance overall learning outcomes.
Accommodates Diverse Learning Styles
Blended learning offers a personalized approach to education, allowing each student to progress at their own pace. What’s truly remarkable is its ability to cater to a wide spectrum of learning styles and personalities, empowering students to embrace their unique strengths and preferences. Unlike the traditional classroom setting, where students may feel like mere statistics or labels, blended learning treats them as individuals. No longer confined to the constraints of a physical classroom, students can engage in learning activities wherever they are – at school, at home, or anywhere in between.
Enhanced Networking Op
portunities
While traditional learning is often limited to collaboration with classmates within the same institution, blended learning opens doors for students to engage with peers from diverse backgrounds and locations. Through online platforms and discussion forums, students can connect with learners from other institutions, gaining insights and perspectives on various topics and concepts. This collaborative environment not only enhances their understanding and retention of knowledge but also fosters the development of valuable soft skills crucial for their future professional growth.
Conclusion
The digital revolution is reshaping the learning landscape, especially in education. Before the pandemic, blended learning was already gaining popularity for its flexibility, convenience, and affordability. Educators now understand that a one-size-fits-all approach to learning is ineffective, especially in the midst of a global pandemic. That’s why embracing visually engaging blended learning is crucial. It not only meets the needs of today’s learners but also prepares future generations for success.
The author is the MD, AASOKA by MBD Group
