Blended Learning
Blended learning is a learning
methodology that using the way e-learning is being combined with traditional
classroom methods and independent study to create a new, integrative teaching methodology. In
other words, blended learning is a learning method which mix the traditional
and online method. It has three primary components:
- In-person classroom activities
facilitated by a trained educator.
- Online learning materials, often including
pre-recorded lectures.
- Structured independent study time
guided by the material in the lectures and skills developed during the
classroom experience.
In
traditional education, teacher gives material by the way of a lecture, while in
a blended learning model lectures can be videotaped ahead of time, so the
student can watch on their own time. The classroom time is more likely to be
for structured exercises that emphasize the application of the curriculum to
solve problems or work through tasks.
In
blended learning, teacher acts as facilitator while students are more active
because they can control over time, place, path, or pace. The facilitator support
students with the skills and knowledge required to make the most of the online
material and independent study time, guiding students toward the most
meaningful experience possible. Facilitators focus on four key areas:
- Development of online and offline
course content.
- Facilitation of communication with
and among students, including the pedagogy of communicating content online
without the contextual clues students would get in person.
- Guiding the learning experience of
individual students, and customizing material wherever possible to
strengthen the learning experience.
- Assessment and grading, not unlike the expectations for teachers within the traditional framework.
Blended
learning can be grouped into six models:
1. Face-to-face
driver
Here,
teacher delivers most of the curriculum. A physical teacher employs online
learning in a technology lab or the back of the classroom.
2. Online
lab
In
a brick-and-mortar location, an online platform delivers the entire course.
Often, students who participate in an online lab program also take traditional
courses.
3. Rotation
In
learning process, when students are given a course, they rotate on a fixed
schedule between self-paced online learning and sitting in a classroom with
face-to-face teacher.
4. Self-blend
Here,
students independently choose to take remote online courses to support their
school’s traditional curriculum.
5. Flex
In
small group session, teacher provides on-site, as-needed support through
in-person tutoring. An online platform delivers most of the curriculum.
6. Online
driver
Students
work remotely and face-to-face check-in are either available or mandatory.
There
are some advantages of applying Blended Learning in classroom because it
provides:
1. Integrated
system
2. High-quality
dynamic content
3. Analytics
4. Automation
5. Application
that enhance students’ motivation
