The effectiveness of blended learning is a topic that intrigues both educators and those pondering the merits of blended scotch. Just like scotch, its success hinges on finding the right mix. Therefore, we must delve into what constitutes blended learning, what elements are combined, in what ratios, and why it has garnered significant interest over the last decade. In this article, let’s find out more about blended learning, the benefits of blended learning and why it's so effective.
I. What is blended learning
Blended learning integrates traditional, in-person classroom instruction with online learning components. It acknowledges the value of direct teacher interaction while leveraging digital resources to enrich learning and deepen understanding.
Imagine a situation where a teacher shares a video link for students to view at home, followed by students sharing their feedback via email, paving the way for dynamic classroom discussions. This represents merely one instance of its application.
Examples of blended learning are flipped classroom, rotation model, hybrid course, online discussion and collaboration and interactive multimedia resources,...
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II. Benefits of blended learning
1. Flexibility
Teachers have increased flexibility in delivering synchronous or asynchronous online instruction and providing learning materials. Similarly, learners have the freedom to engage with the material at their own pace, selecting the learning styles that best suit their preferences.
2. Effectiveness
Studies indicate that blended learning methods have demonstrated the ability to improve the quality and efficiency of valuable learning experiences. Utilizing communication tools like email, discussion forums, or chat platforms fosters interaction between instructors and learners, promoting engagement and facilitating collaborative learning opportunities.
3. Personalization
Within a blended learning setting, educators gain deeper understanding of students' advancement and promptly pinpoint areas needing improvement through online learning aids. Consequently, this facilitates the customization of learning experiences and the adoption of techniques that cater more effectively to individual needs and preferences.
4. Greater reach
With a blended learning approach, there's a notable reduction in face-to-face teaching. Typically, around 30 to 70 percent of the instruction occurs online, enabling educators to broaden their scope and accommodate a larger number of students.
5. Reduced cost
One of the significant benefits of blended learning is the reduction in expenses for educational institutions and organizations. Costs related to travel, venue rentals for events, and printing learning materials are minimized, resulting in substantial savings through digital learning.
III. Models of blended learning
1. Face - to - face model
This approach combines conventional classroom instruction with online learning resources. It resembles a typical classroom setting where the teacher plays a central role, yet digital tools are used as supplementary aids to enhance comprehension, offer extra practice, or introduce creative teaching techniques.
The smooth incorporation of technology not only accommodates various learning preferences but also equips students with the digital skills essential for navigating the contemporary landscape.
2. Online driver model
This model contrasts with traditional in-person learning, as it relies entirely on digital delivery of training. It incorporates both synchronous elements, such as live webinars and peer-to-peer sessions, and asynchronous components, like self-paced eCourses. Typically, live face-to-face meetings are not required in the online driver model, though they can be arranged if needed.
In this approach, students primarily interact with their courses through online platforms, accessing lessons, assignments, and resources from any location with internet access. The physical classroom and teacher serve a supportive function, offering additional assistance or clarification as required.
3. Rotation model
This method offers a dynamic learning experience where students move through various learning stations following a predetermined schedule. These stations encompass a range of learning techniques, including teacher-led instruction, group tasks, individual online learning, and practical exercises.
The rotation model provides a structured yet adaptable approach to education, accommodating the diverse needs and learning preferences of students in a single classroom. It effectively merges the advantages of traditional teaching with the personalized and interactive elements of digital learning.
4. Flipped classroom
This model revolutionizes the conventional educational setup by flipping the roles of classroom and home-based learning tasks. In this fresh approach, students initially encounter new material outside the classroom, often through video lectures or assigned readings. Consequently, classroom time is utilized for interactive pursuits like discussions, projects, and hands-on activities. This inversion facilitates a more profound and hands-on engagement with the subject matter during school hours, as students put their acquired knowledge into practice with the guidance of their teacher.
5. Flex model
The flex model embodies a student-centric method, with the bulk of instruction conducted online, granting students autonomy over the speed and direction of their learning. It fosters a flexible learning atmosphere wherein students usually engage with tailored online platforms, supplemented by in-person assistance from teachers when required. In this setup, teachers assume a coaching role, offering advice and assistance rather than delivering direct instruction.
6. Individual rotation model
In contrast to broader rotation models that guide all students through a predetermined sequence of learning stations or tasks, the individual rotation model permits students to rotate based on a personalized schedule crafted by the teacher. This schedule is tailored to each student's learning pace, requirements, and preferences, guaranteeing that they interact solely with material pertinent to their individual needs.
IV. LearningOS - Learning Management System
LearningOS helps to automate all learning operations and launch branded learning products and services globally through our all-in-one solution.
LearningOS is #1 Enterprise LMS for effective blended learning. An All-in-One platform transforming knowledge into actionable capabilities that drive business results.
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At OOOLAB (pronounced 'uːlæb'), our mission is to make complex learning operations simple. We aim to positively impact the lives of over 1,000,000 learners and educators by the end of 2026.
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