10 indispensable advantages to the preference for Blended learning

The popularity of blended and hybrid learning has accelerated as a result of COVID-19 but did anyone ask why “Blended learning” in particular? That’s for its remarkable features which combine the best of two training environments—traditional face-to-face classroom and high-tech eLearning. ([1])

Blended learning makes the difference by intelligent adaptive technologies, students are actually put in the driver’s seat so that they can literally help architect their own learning path, enable all struggling students to gain more opportunities to master lessons and concepts, feel successful, they’re not stigmatized or embarrassed, All of them grow in an environment that’s highly personalized to their unique learning needs.([2])

Here we review the advantages that make Blended learning the best interactive experience for both students as well as teachers:

1- Most Flexibility

With the boundaries of learning having got dismantled, no longer constrained by geographical restrictions for delivering the education services, it would be possible for institutions to access teachers from anywhere in the world to augment their current teaching staff and for students to have a wider set of options to select from for pursuing their education.

Some training methods are synchronous, meaning everybody participates together at a set time. Others are asynchronous, and participants do not need to adhere to a set time.

Blended learning has tremendous flexibility; allows you to mix and match benefits according to your needs; and you will choose among various spectrums traditional classroom, online video training, or online classes and webinars.

Instructor-led training is great for complex topics, where it’s useful to offer in-depth explanations or expert opinion in immediate response to questions as they arise. ([3])

2- Better communication

Blended learning meets the needs of 21 century by supporting teachers, they could get kids to learn the skills that they need, to be independent readers, you could learn Math by playing games, it also increases 1:1 groups, enable monitors achievement.([4])

Students have a chance to communicate with teachers using video-conferencing and other ways of communication. This adds to better collaboration between tutors and students.([5])

By incorporating information technology into class projects, communication between lecturers and part-time students has improved, and students were able to better evaluate their understanding of course material via the use of “computer-based qualitative and quantitative assessment modules”.([6])

3- More comfort

Hybrid learning makes communication easier for students. They can take direct, one-on-one communication opportunities with the professor.

There are plenty of online communication channels for students, from classwide chat rooms to email and Zoom meetings.

Aspects of hybrid learning allow students to learn where they want and when they want, also known as asynchronous learning. Web-based lectures and seminars, as long as they’re not live, can be accessed at the student’s convenience. They can learn while at home, at a coffee shop, or even on the bus through their phones. One of the major benefits here is that if a student misses something, they can simply go back and give it another listen or read. ([7])

Is the student homesick? They won’t miss out. Link them to a recording of the lesson or even just a copy of the PowerPoint you went through with the rest of the class.([8])

4- Save money and Time

You know when you’re in a meeting that could’ve been an email? This applies for the classroom too. Maximize the time spent together in the class or synchronously online by saving it for group activities. Use time together for group work, presentations, Q&A, and brainstorming sessions about the material. Anything that can be recorded and reviewed on your student’s own time should be done so, such as pre-recorded lectures, reading material, individual assignments, and more. Doing this will promote student collaboration and bonding.([9])

Blended learning saves organizations the money that would normally be spent on printing, travel, and accommodation. Since most of the work takes place online, you can spend less save on facility costs. ([10])

Blended learning contains A subscription to a learning program that removes the need for textbook sets, Digitally hosted resources mean you no longer need an enormous photocopying budget, Fewer classroom, and school resources will be needed if students learn from home part-time.([11])

5- Create engagement

Blended learning is an interactive experience in every sense of the word. Learners reinforce the offline lessons by practicing online through a variety of different content media, each geared to suit a certain learning style. Learners can choose which type of content they want to interact with, practice what they learn, and communicate with instructors and other learners any time and on any device. The community experience keeps learners engaged and informs teachers about their progress and areas needing more attention.([12])

Another benefit is a proven increase in student or learner engagement. It means better employees for an organization and more knowledgeable students. This reflects well on the employer or instructor and can give you a boost in confidence knowing you’re helping individuals learn in the best way possible.([13])

Blended teaching allows for engaging digital activities that are colorful, interactive, personalized, and – honestly – more fun than a worksheet.

But the classroom is still open between online learning sessions, so the spirited class discussions and group activities that bring everyone together won’t disappear.([14])

6- Keep students on track

Students Have Access To Helpful Online Materials Anywhere And At Any Time.

Modern technological devices allow trainers to reach students across the classroom and the globe.([15])

Blended Instruction available in a variety of formats can help maximize a learner’s engagement. So generally, this approach leaves more space for students’ creativity and allows to dive deeper into subjects.

The web aspect of hybrid learning makes keeping track of your students and employees easy. Results are automatically collected, giving you a concise and accurate way to see who has done the lesson or training and who has not. You can also see areas where specific students/employees may need to improve.([16])

7- Personalized and Equitable learning

Students with special talents or interests outside of the available curricula use educational technology to advance their skills or exceed grade restrictions. Blended learning allows for personalized education, replacing the model where a teacher stands in front of the classroom and everyone is expected to stay at the same pace. “Blended learning allows students to work at their own pace, making sure they fully understand new concepts before moving on.”([17])

By using a combination of digital instruction and one-on-one face time, students can work on their own with new concepts which free teachers up to circulate and support individual students who may need individualized attention. “Rather than playing to the lowest common denominator – as they would in a traditional classroom – teachers can now streamline their instruction to help all students reach their full potential.”([18])

A classroom environment that incorporates blended learning naturally requires learners to demonstrate more autonomy, self-regulation, and independence in order to succeed. If teachers offer a form of initial program orientation before introducing blended learning strategies, it can better prepare students to feel confident navigating the different components and developing a stronger sense of independence.([19])

While everyone still gets the benefits of face-to-face instruction, some of your students will thrive with instruction delivered online. Think of: students with physical disabilities or conditions that are difficult to accommodate in the classroom

students with ASD who are sensitive to noise and distraction

the introverts who’d rather die than put their hand up in a class discussion.

Blended learning gives all these students equal opportunities to succeed in an online environment that is generally quieter, safer, and more easily adapted to individual needs.([20])

8- Technological soft skills

Blended learning equips students with these technological soft skills – the ones they need to live and work in a digital world.

It’s not just employers who expect basic technological literacy, either. Even paying a phone bill these days requires some digital savvy, making it important for students to develop it now.([21])

While the classroom offers an opportunity for role-playing with immediate face-to-face feedback, online learning offers personalized, self-paced learning with eLearning/Learning components that lend themselves to interactive media such as skill-building, games, videos, tutorials, quizzes and social media components, all accessible from the learner’s home page in the Learning Management System (LMS)—and accessible from the learner’s smartphone or tablet.([22])

9- Bring parents on board

In a blended learning strategy, parents get to be part of the learning journey. They’ll see their children learning online at the dining table and be able to log into the LMS or online learning program to see just what’s being covered at school.

With parents on board, learning finally becomes a joint effort between school and home – and the old “what did you learn at school today?” conversation takes on new meaning.([23])

10- Learning Trends and Feedback

Blended learning uses online and offline technologies in tandem, allowing instructors to quickly adopt the latest learning trends and modalities into the curriculum. Instructors can also use built-in reporting features in most LMS software programs for deeper, data-driven insights into student progress and success.

For learners, blended learning also offers the unique opportunity to discuss, model, and practice their new skills in a safe space, so they’re not just watching or hearing—they’re doing. By applying the new knowledge shortly after they’ve left the physical or virtual classroom, learners retain what they’ve learned. ([24])

finally

The biggest gain from the Covid-19 situation is that institutions have made a huge start with digital—the scale and impact of which would have been unthinkable in normal times. It is now important to seize this opportunity and leap frog to envision the post-Covid status and make a conscious choice of the future pathways to remain competitive and create a niche for themselves. Winners in the post-Covid era would be those with the compelling vision to design the future on the strength of new thinking on learning models and the will to act towards that goal.([25])

References

[1]Ua-aree Janthon*, Noawanit Songkram, Prakob Koraneekij : Work-based Blended Learning and Technological Scaffolding System to Enhance Communication Skills for Caregivers Under Local Administrative Organization, Ministry of Interior, Thailand (Part I)

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275973006_Work-based_Blended_Learning_and_Technological_Scaffolding_System_to_Enhance_Communication_Skills_for_Caregivers_Under_Local_Administrative_Organization_Ministry_of_Interior_Thailand_Part_I

[2]التقنية المختلطة والتعلّم في الفصول الدراسية | جيسي وولي ويلسون | TEDxRainier: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0TbaHimigw

Jesse Woolley-Wilson is the leader of e-learning who served as President of LeProg Schull House, Blackboard, and now President and CEO of Dreambox Learning, the creator of the intelligent, adaptive learning platform that teaches students at any level to understand how to become better junior mathematicians.

[3] Jennifer Patterson: The 7 Most Important Benefits of Blended Learning: https://www.knowledgewave.com/blog/benefits-of-blended-learning

[4] 6 Reasons We Love Blended Learning

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRcdlYRJeuM

[5] Pros And Cons Of Blended Learning At College

https://elearningindustry.com/pros-cons-blended-learning-at-college

[6] Alexander, S. & McKenzie, J. (1998). “An Evaluation of Information Technology Projects for University Learning”. Canberra, Australia: Committee for University Teaching and Staff Development and the Department of Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs.

[7] Blended learning: the ultimate guide: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/blended-learning/

[8] Jackson Best: 8 Benefits of Blended Learning You Might Have Missed

https://www.3plearning.com/blog/understanding-blended-learning/

[9] Understanding the difference between hybrid learning and blended learning

https://blog.polleverywhere.com/difference-between-blended-and-hybrid-learning/

[10] Blended learning: the ultimate guide: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/blended-learning/

[11] Jackson Best: 8 Benefits of Blended Learning You Might Have Missed

https://www.3plearning.com/blog/understanding-blended-learning/

[12] What is Blended Learning?

https://elmlearning.com/blended-learning-everything-need-know/

[13] Blended learning: the ultimate guide: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/blended-learning/

[14] Jackson Best: 8 Benefits of Blended Learning You Might Have Missed