Learning is the constant and time is the variable
Though blended learning has been there since the last few decades, the teaching landscape has rapidly evolved globally today, thanks to the changing and challenging times. Initially the shift from the traditional teaching classrooms to digitally reaching out to the students seemed like a challenge to many teachers. The technological rise in the 21st century combined with the internet access across the globe has integrally changed teaching rapidly.
Blended learning is a method of learning that combines face-to-face and online instruction. This mixed – mode learning has slowly broken down the conventional walls of teaching; the one size fits all philosophy to tailoring learning experience in which students can participate as self-learners, control the time, pace and place of their learning.
While dealing with a diverse group blended learning model makes it possible to personalize the subject matter, learning techniques and personal preferences. It caters to the individual needs of the students learning experience to make learning flexible, easy and self-paced. Academic research suggests that blended learning gives learners a more comprehensive understanding of the course content.
Blended learning type of instruction empowers the teacher to work in a more collaborative manner during class time, which allows for a more efficient school day with the intent on greater student learning.
This method offers opportunities for learners and teachers both which the traditional brick and mortar classroom may not. With the increasing standards of quality education and busy school schedules, blended learning permits students to learn a portion of the academic content at home and gives teacher the ability to engage students in a deeper, richer and more meaningful context in classroom. This mixed mode instruction method enables the teacher to become more of a participant in student learning and can help facilitate learner, mastery of content with enriching learning activities introduces and completed when class meets face-to-face.
The importance of this approach is guided by expertise in handling technological requirements of 21st century skills in order to succeed in live interactions and computer mediated communication. Upgrading and updating oneself with the latest technology will surely be the right step towards blended learning, the future of education.
We have to make this shift- Blended learning is here to stay!
