Blended learning is generally applied to
the practice of using both online and in-person learning experiences when
teaching students. In a blended-learning course, for example, students might
attend a class taught by a teacher in a traditional classroom setting, while
also independently completing online components of the course outside of the
classroom and also called hybrid learning and mixed-mode
learning, blended-learning experiences may vary
widely in design and execution from school to school.
Blended learning does not
mean that computers in front of the student. Rather, blended learning is the
intentional integration of online and in-person education to expand learning
opportunities for students. As necessary as technology is, the real secret
to effective blended instruction remains the same as any other classroom: It’s
all about the people. Teachers and principals told us that the key to a
successful blended learning program isn’t just in choosing software (although
selecting excellent online content is criticalties. The role of the teacher is no longer
one-size-fits-all, so recruitment and selection must adapt. The way we
develop and evaluate teachers must reflect the shifts in what teachers are
expected to do. In a blended context, teachers need to exhibit many of the same
skills we would expect in a traditional school model. But there are a number of
behaviors and skills that are heightened, like effective planning and
collaboration with colleagues.
The advantages
of blended learning
·
Less expensive to deliver,
affordable and saves time.
·
Flexibility in terms of
availability- anytime anywhere. In other words, e-learning enables the
student to access the materials from anywhere at any time.
·
Access to global resources and
materials that meet students’ level of knowledge and interest.
·
Self-pacing for slow or quick
learners reduces stress and increases satisfaction and
retention.
·
E-learning allows more affective
interaction between the learners and their instructors
through the use of emails, discussion boards and chat room.
·
Learners have the ability to track
their progress.
·
Learners can also learn through a
variety of activities that apply to many different learning styles that learners
have.
·
It helps the learners develop knowledge of
using the latest technologies and the Internet.
·
The e-learning could improve the quality
of teaching and learning as it supports the face-to-face teaching approaches.
The disadventages of blended learning:
·
Lack of a firm framework to encourage students to
learn.
·
A high level of self-discipline or
self-direct is required, learners with low motivation or bad study habits may
fall behind.
·
Absence of a learning atmosphere in
e-learning systems.
·
The distance-learning format minimizes the
level of contact, e-learning lacks interpersonal and direct interaction
among students and teachers.
·
When compared to the face-to-face
learning, the learning process is less efficient.
·
The distance-learning format minimizes the
level of contact, e-learning lacks interpersonal and direct interaction among
students and teachers.
·
When compared to the face-to-face
learning, the learning process is les efficient.
