Terminology in education is really massive, with all the buzzwords for each learning type.
Terminology in education is really massive, with all the buzzwords for each learning type. One such buzzword you have practiced not once (maybe even without knowing it) is blended learning, an instructional approach combining online and face-to-face learning experiences. It aims to provide a more personalized and engaging learning experience for students.
A blended learning approach allows you, as a teacher, to customize student workloads, cater to diverse learning abilities, and provide support both at home and in the classroom. It helps you address different learning styles in various settings. In addition, Learning A-Z offers blended learning solutions with digital, printable, mobile, and other types of resources. These tools make it easier for you to personalize education for each student and enhance the effectiveness of your lessons. Or if you are a learner looking for more flexibility, blended learning is something that will allow you to have some control over the time, pace, and place of your learning, allowing you to learn at your own pace and in your own way. Today, 82% of students prefer to have this flexibility.
What is Blended Learning?
Blended learning is a teaching method that mixes traditional in-person classes with online learning to create a more flexible educational experience. Moreover, by combining these approaches, students can enjoy the benefits of face-to-face interactions in the classroom and also access interactive online resources outside of it. In blended learning, we have the advantages of both worlds blended in one; just like a perfect vodka martini (or your favorite cocktail, for example).
Online learning provides a self-paced and personalized learning experience using digital components such as games, tutorials, quizzes, videos, and various social media features. These resources are easily accessible through the Learning Management System (LMS) on a learner’s homepage and can be effectively used on tablets or smartphones.
What is the Purpose of Blended Learning?
Blended learning combines in-person and online learning while creating a classroom that meets the needs of different types of learners. This integration helps keep students engaged, stimulated, and motivated, leading to more effective teaching and better student progress.
In addition, one key benefit is that blended learning allows students with varying abilities to progress at their own pace. Fast learners can move ahead quickly, while those facing challenges can take their time and receive personalized support if needed. Moreover, in traditional classrooms, where everyone usually learns at the same pace, gifted students might get bored, and, in turn, those needing extra help can fall behind. Blended learning is adaptable, ensuring effective instruction for all students, guiding them toward success, and equipping them with essential skills.
Examples of Blended Learning
Blended learning is often confused with hybrid learning, and, indeed, they may seem identical. There is still a slight difference. In hybrid learning, one part of the class may be present physically, while the other may participate remotely. In blended learning, online and offline activities are mixed, regardless of some students’ physical presence. Here are some common examples of blended learning.
Flipped Classroom Videos: Instructors can create pre-recorded video lectures or tutorials covering key concepts and topics. Students can watch these videos before coming to class, allowing class time to be spent on active learning activities like discussions, group work, or hands-on experiments.
Virtual Labs and Simulations: For subjects that require hands-on practice, instructors can incorporate virtual labs or simulations into their courses. These online tools allow students to conduct experiments or simulations in a virtual environment, providing a realistic learning experience without the need for physical equipment.
Peer Collaboration Tools: Instructors can leverage online collaboration tools, such as Google Workspace or Microsoft Teams, to facilitate group projects or peer-to-peer learning activities. Students can work together on shared documents, presentations, or discussion boards, regardless of their physical location.
What Are the Benefits of Blended Learning?
Safer learning environment
2020 showed us that an online learning environment can be effective. However, being in one place with a lot of people can be tricky. It is also hard to only see those people on a computer screen. Thus, a blended approach to learning makes things safer by cutting down on the time students spend together in person but still allows them to have face-to-face interaction.
Interactive learning process
Understanding theoretical materials can be challenging and even dull. It is one thing for learners to sit and listen to a speaker for a few hours, but it is a whole different experience when they get the same information by clicking buttons or completing a course that feels like a game. Blended learning offers various tools to make the process of gaining new knowledge and skills more interactive.
Learner autonomy
For learners, especially adults, having the ability to manage and plan their own learning journey is crucial. Moreover, learning is just one part of students’ and employees’ lives, with work, family, hobbies, and friends being equally important. In other words, learning should not be a hindrance but rather something flexible. In blended learning, courses are available 24/7, allowing learners to access them whenever it suits their schedules.
Greater learner engagement
Businesses and institutions do not want to force employees or students to learn because that approach is not quite effective. To make learning work, you have to actively involve learners. Specifically, blended learning has the power to enhance learner engagement by offering diverse opportunities and using digital tools.
Better comprehension
One widely used blended learning model, known as “flipped classroom,” improves understanding by having learners independently go through theoretical materials at their own speed and then apply their new knowledge and skills during in-person sessions.
Detailed analytics
In traditional learning, obtaining details such as the time taken for quizzes, the number of attempts, and task deadlines for each learner can be time-consuming. However, with blended learning, a learning management system automates this process.
Disadvantages of Blended Learning
New skill set for teachers/instructors
Blended learning demands digital proficiency from instructors, who must develop online courses, assign them, and track student progress. Some eLearning tools and MOOCs might seem complex and not all teachers can invest time and effort in mastering a new technological tool.
Plagiarism
As you generate more eLearning content, the risk of unintentional plagiarism increases. Instructors might unknowingly use copyrighted materials, such as images, in their online courses, putting the company or university at risk of trouble.
Higher cost
When you use eLearning, you pay for the software. In a classroom, you pay for utilities, equipment, and much more. With blended learning, you have to cover all these expenses.
What Are the Different Types of Blended Learning?
Face-to-Face
This model closely resembles a traditional classroom setup. Participants attend live webinars and meetings, receive real-time instruction, and are assigned homework or tasks to complete before the next session.
Rotation
The rotational learning model is a mix of different approaches. Students are split into smaller groups and rotate between individual instruction, live group instruction, and self-guided assignments.
Flex
The flex learning model lets learners take control of their learning. They can switch between live and self-paced lessons, work on assignments on their own, or collaborate in groups. In addition, instructors are there to help, but participants decide when and how to use their help.
Gamification
Encouraging learners through play is highly effective. Incorporating game elements like points or levels fosters competition, boosting motivation for independent engagement with the course materials.
Online lab
This digital blended learning model operates without significant instructor involvement, occurring before, during, or after formal training sessions. Learners can freely access content through mobile phones, laptops, or other gadgets while enhancing engagement in the learning process.
Self-blend
Self-blended learning involves supplementary materials such as webinars, industry blogs, or video tutorials that empower self-driven learners to explore a subject more extensively.
Online driver
This self-directed blended learning model operates executively in a digital setting, allowing learners to interact with instructors through channels like chat, email, or message boards. Although it offers flexibility, this method does not include in-person interaction found in other forms of blended learning.
How to Get Started with Blended Learning?
In fact, educators may already practice blended learning unconsciously, but if you want to take your practice to the professional level, here is a 3-step-guide.
Step 1: Set Goals
Define Learning Objectives: Start by identifying what you want your students to achieve by the end of the course. These should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (you guessed it right, it should be SMART). Consider both academic outcomes and skill development.
Assess Student Needs: Understand the background, learning styles, and needs of your students. This can help tailor the blended learning approach to ensure it is effective and engaging for everyone.
Align with Curriculum Standards: Ensure your goals align with the curriculum standards and educational requirements. This will help in creating a structured learning path that meets institutional guidelines.
Step 2: Choose the Blended Learning Model
Select a blended learning model that aligns with your teaching style and student needs. Make sure you have the necessary resources for the chosen model.
Step 3: Get the Tools to Deliver Content
Learning Management Systems (LMS): Platforms like Moodle, Blackboard, or Canvas can help manage course materials, assignments, quizzes, and communication with students.
Content Creation Tools: Use tools like Google Classroom, Edpuzzle, or Nearpod to create engaging and interactive content. These tools allow you to incorporate videos, quizzes, and other multimedia elements into your lessons. Use Saima to share notes when watching videos without getting distracted.
Communication Platforms: Support communication with students through platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Zoom. These tools facilitate virtual classrooms, discussions, and group work.
Assessment Tools: Use online assessment tools like Kahoot, Quizlet, or Socrative to create interactive quizzes and assignments. These tools provide instant feedback and help track student progress.
Collaboration Tools: Encourage student collaboration using tools like Google Workspace or Microsoft Office 365, which allow for real-time collaboration on documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.
Conclusion
Let’s be real, the future of education is here, and it’s blended. So, let’s embrace it with open arms (and maybe a few high-fives). With the right mix of technology and traditional teaching, we can make learning more engaging, inclusive, and downright awesome. Ready to rock the classroom and the screen? Let’s do this!