Is blended learning the new normal?

While blended learning is all the rage since the onset of the pandemic, did you know the concept of blended learning has been around since the late 1990s? It is likely most of us have experienced blended learning in some form over the past year: it is a mix of traditional face-to-face classroom learning and e-learning. While physical interaction offers students immediate feedback and personal interaction with the facilitator, online learning puts forward features like interactive games, quizzes, and tutorials that are student-paced. Blended learning is a way of bringing the best of both worlds together and includes learners of all types in its fold - those who prefer direct interaction with a teacher as well as students who’d rather learn independently.

Why is blended learning effective?

Technology has made strides in all walks of life, and our classrooms are no different. Educating millions of students across the world while they were at home would not have been possible without online learning. As teachers prepare to shift back to schools again, they are not forgoing online-learning altogether. Why is blended learning so appealing? Let’s dive right in.

Piques student interest

Students are more likely to stay engaged and interested in what they’re studying when lessons are integrated with technology. Blended learning offers students multiple ways to practice and learn what they are taught. Classes are not confined to books and can be livened up with interactive games and quizzes. 59% of teachers in a study reports that students were more motivated to learn in a blended environment.

Increased focus

The engagement and interaction that online resources offer help to keep students focused for longer. With the internet at their disposal, it also enables them to learn through research.

Student autonomy

There is a sense of student responsibility that comes with blended learning. Students take charge in setting goals to finish their work. Taking ownership of their learning pushes them to be self-driven. This has far-reaching positive implications in other aspects of their life too.

Equips students with soft skills

Self-learning and self-engagement are perhaps the strongest takeaways from blended learning. Students can tap into these skills long after they graduate. Students learn research skills and computer literacy as well.

What are the types of blended learning?

Learners can choose from 6 different types of blended learning;

Face to Face Driver Model

This method works best if the students of a class are at varying levels of mastery. Students that are ahead can move on to new concepts on their own using digital tools. It also allows those that are behind to revisit topics and practice.

Rotation Model

Students rotate between different stations in this model. With this model, students follow a set schedule where their time is split between face-to-face interaction with the teacher and online learning. Through this model, students get more one-on-one interaction with the teacher.

Flex Model

With this model, learning is primarily student-led and is done online. Teachers provide any support needed, but learners are encouraged to learn on their own using online tools.

Online Lab Model

There are multiple online resources available that institutions can avail of if they face resource constraints. This method sees students moving to computer labs to take these courses. The lab model is perfect for students that are behind. It also lets students pursue their interests if those subjects are not offered at school!

Self-blend Model

Students have the choice to take classes beyond what’s offered at their school. Though they’d attend a traditional school, they further their learning through online resources remotely. For this method to be successful, students must be self-motivated.

Online Driver Model

The primary mode of learning with this model is online. Students are free to contact the teacher online if they have questions but face-to-face check-ins are optional. This blended approach is perfect for those students that need more flexibility. The online driver model works best for those that prefer the online medium to the offline approach.

Why is blended learning the new normal?

The purpose of education besides broadening young minds is to prepare them for the real world. However, that’s been a tough ask the past year. How do we prepare our children to face the unpredictability of a pandemic? How can educators find a way to teach effectively? The blended learning model offers a solution for both.

Realistic social distancing

With many schools reopening already and many more slated to open soon, safety is the top concern. Online learning has shown its merits in the past year and will continue to be a part of the school curriculum one way or another. It can be a wonderful tool to rely upon to maintain social distancing in classrooms.

By accommodating online learning, classroom sizes can be cut in half. One-half of the class can attend school on campus, while the other can learn remotely. With fewer people in classrooms, school authorities can implement safety precautions more effectively.

Effective learning

In-person classes are an opportunity to conduct discussions while remote learners can take charge of their work. Institutions already have online resources at the ready, which they can utilise more effectively through blended learning. Offline classes can help reinforce concepts learnt online. This method allows students sovereignty and regular check-ins. Research by London’s Institute of Education suggests that learners who do independent learning along with mentoring are more likely to retain what they learn.

Preparedness for future waves

Transitioning into an online model was difficult the first time around. With fears of a second wave on everyone’s mind, making sure that we follow a system that is flexible is key. With online components already in place, the transition from a fully online approach to a blended model can be seamless. The blended approach offers flexibility that institutions can bank on in the future.

Conclusion

We believe the blended learning approach is here to stay for a long time because of its numerous merits, including the opportunity for all kinds of learners to thrive and grow together.

Which blended model would you like to see in schools? Write to us on our social media pages! You can reach us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. Stay tuned to our blog this month for more insights on blended learning.