BLENDED LEARNING?
The word blend means to “mix or combine”. This gives an idea of blended learning; it combines online and traditional learning.
Online learning is learning that takes place over the internet while traditional education is face-to-face learning that takes place in a classroom setting.
An example of blended learning is attending your regular school and also taking courses on the Learnxplore App. You get to learn offline and online.
Another example is what happened at the end of the lockdown. Some schools had physical and virtual classes to avoid too much contact between students. On off days, students would have classes online, and on school days, they attend physically.
Blended learning creates a balance for both learning styles. Sometimes, it is adopted to have an in-depth understanding of a subject or topic.
Suppose you are having difficulty understanding a particular topic, maybe English. In your free time at home, you can sign up on the Learnxplore App to take an English course to understand better.
Blended learning vs Hybrid learning
These two terms are used interchangeably because they both involve a bit of traditional and online learning. However, the significant difference is that blended learning focuses on just online and traditional learning. In contrast, hybrid learning allows students to choose which option works best for them. Hybrid classrooms are usually mixed because some learners choose 100% remote while others choose 100% face-to-face.
Benefits of blended learning
- Improves active learning skills
Active learning is when a learner is fully engaged in a learning process. They get to ask questions and have discussions. Exposure to external resources gives room for questions and more research to answer those questions.
- Flexibility
Blended learning has an element of online education, and a major benefit of it is flexibility. A learner gets to decide what and when they learn.
- Screen Time
One concern of parents with online learning is screen time. Blended learning makes it easy to reduce screen time. Students can have face-to-face-to-face sessions with tutors, for example, a lesson teacher, especially when they learn primarily online.
- Independence
The students have to take up responsibility. Blended learning is student-centred. Students are required to work independently and study on their own. Some courses or subjects may need more practical, hands-on training. Online courses alone will not be sufficient, so a traditional learning setting can be set up to handle such courses.
Blended learning models
Three models are highlighted here. These are models you can adopt for your blended learning process.
1. The Online Driver Model
Here, learning takes place primarily via online platforms. Face-to-face learning or check-ins may be optional or mandatory. It could be possible to meet the teacher in person or send them a personal message. If you like flexible schedules, this will probably suit you best.
2. Self-Blend Model
This is a personal approach for highly motivated students. A student decides to take a course for additional learning or because they have developed an interest in the subject. It could be a subject such as writing, design, finance etc. which can be learnt as a skill.
3. Flex model
All content is delivered online. Students have a very flexible schedule here but can always meet their teacher face-to-face. Teachers provide support as-needed through small groups, individual tutoring or group projects.
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