Blended Learning: Are We Looking At the Future Of Education?

Tech-Use In Classrooms

With the advent of technology, our conventional notions of teaching and learning in classrooms have evolved. The usage of online learning materials in classrooms is increasing to provide an interactive teaching-learning experience, resulting in the creation of a new classroom style. Teachers are employing online video materials, AI technology, and learning management tools in addition to face-to-face classroom teaching and it's not uncommon to see students taking notes and learning from supplementary resources on computers and tablets.

The rapid change in the classroom setting with growing pervasiveness of technology over the last decade has led to a marked change in not just how a classroom operates, how students interact with their teachers but also a pedagogical shift for the teachers.  

The following data point shows how technology is becoming more prevalent in classrooms.

What Is Blended Learning?

The growing use of technology in a face-to-face classroom setting has greatly impacted the interaction as well as the teaching-learning process as would be agreed upon by both instructors and the learners. Blended learning is the term given to this new approach in the classroom, thus let's understand this.

The blended learning approach combines online learning and traditional face-to-face learning to create an engaging and interactive learning environment, giving way to a myriad of learning possibilities.

Blended learning has come about in order to create more personalisation in the learning process. With blended learning, the learner has the option to choose the mode of learning that suits them best. The learner can also choose to learn at their own pace and at their own convenience while setting their own learning goals.

With this approach the learner can experience the best of both worlds wherein, they can enjoy the benefits of online learning tools which provides them with more freedom and empower them to take decisions in their learning journey while also have the opportunity to interact with the instructors face-to-face for appropriate guidance.

Blended learning is certainly growing due to the benefits as well as the ease of accessibility.

The Different Types Of Blended-Learning

Six key types of blended learning models are often used as a result of the combining of face-to-face method with technology in teaching and learning in classrooms. Each of these models combine the conventional classroom environment with technology in order to provide a holistic learning environment for learners where they can enjoy a personalised, smooth learning experience.

These include the:
1)Online-driver model
2)Rotation model
3)Flex model
4)Online lab model
5)Self-blend model
6)Face-To-Face driver model

Let us understand each of these models in the following infographics:

Benefits of the Blended-Learning approach

The increase in the use of technology in classrooms can be owed to the following key features, which has significantly changed the style and experience of learning for learners. Technology has cut down on the limitations of a traditional face-to-face classroom experience. When using the traditional technique of learning, one may readily benefit from the advantages of online resources and technology to get a more enriched learning outcome.

With blended-learning learners can avail the following benefits:

1) Round the clock access- Learners don’t have to wait for course material and can take the advantage of  round the clock access to all relevant material at the click of a button, online. Learners can even learn at their own pace and get a holistic understanding of each topic whenever they want for a never-ending learning experience.

2) Greater personalization- Now instructors can keep a track on individual learners by keeping a track of their questions and answers. So blended learning provides a level of personalisation by giving the opportunity to pay attention to individual learners according to their learning styles and understanding.

3) Peer collaboration and feedback- The ability to contribute and participate in discussions with peers is a key benefit.  There is an opportunity for learners to collaborate, share feedback, and benefit from a more efficient learning environment.

4) Affordability- With the advent of technology and ease of access to course materials as well as instructors remotely without the necessary need for a classroom environment makes blended learning affordable.

5) Improved efficiency- Provides learners the benefit to take ownership of their own learning. With continuous guidance and mentorship learners also have the freedom to access study materials several times in order to learn whenever they want, to further their knowledge.

Implementation Of Blended Learning

Institutions and educators may find it arduous to integrate online learning tools and technology with conventional teaching methods. It's not always simple to break free from established teaching approaches and apply new ones in the classroom. However, blended learning with its potential can be a great way to revolutionize the teaching-learning process making it more personalized and engaging. It is important to implement blended learning in such a way that the benefits are enjoyed by both educators and learners with effective learning outcomes.

Step 1: Picking the right blended-learning model for your needs
To integrate technical tools for online learning with traditional teaching approaches, it's crucial to figure out which model is best for the learning outcomes defined by the institution, as well as educators and learners.

The role of educators changes with each model, as do the requirements for physical infrastructure, cost, and instructional delivery. As a result, these models should be implemented carefully. Technology must be introduced to the teaching-learning process in classrooms in a planned gradual manner.

Step 2: Including multimedia tools in the teaching-learning process
The choice of an appropriate multimedia tool is necessary to create the right kind of engagement for learners. To determine how a learner learns and what they take away from the classroom it is important to implement the right tools.
Some of the tools that institutes and educators can introduce are:

• Gamification
• Simulation
• Augmented and Virtual Reality
• Adding audio/video elements to classroom lectures
• Animation

Step 3: Create learning paths suited for a learner's individual needs
The biggest benefit of blended learning is its ability to provide learners with a personalised learning experience. This learning experience caters to a learner's learning goals, the pace of learning and learning styles. Some learners may find face-to-face learning in classrooms more engaging and others might find the use of online multimedia tools to be more interactive and easier to comprehend.

Hence, blended learning in many ways provides learners with the best of both worlds as they can enjoy the comfort of traditional learning by having the opportunity to interact with the instructors in a physical setting but at the same time have online technical tools to make learning fun and more engaging. Educators can take the advantage of such a setting to focus on individual learning styles and create a course delivery style that is suitable for the learner's journey.

Step 4: Implement steps to gradually ease learners in the new learning environment
For educators, it is imperative to make learners aware of the various tools available to enhance the learning journey but also make learning more interactive, engaging and comprehensible. A few ways educators make this transition to blended learning easier for learners is by easing a learner into the process of using online learning tools.

• Educators could provide a resource of videos for learners to watch to supplement a face-to-face classroom lecture.
• Educators could engage learners with online assignments, worksheets etc.
• Learners could be asked to provide feedback and learning outcomes through online forms and applications.
• Educators and institutions could also engage learners once a week in online seminars.

To sum up blended learning has grown in popularity over time, owing to increased technology accessibility and continued interest in utilising digital learning technologies in classrooms owing to its myriad benefits. Many educators have emphasised the benefits of blended learning in the classroom due to more learner-centered instruction, opportunity for data collection and enhanced learner engagement.

When considering  the use of blended learning models the goal should always be the improvement of learning outcomes.