Blended Learning Models: The Best of Both Worlds?

With technology taking over our lives slowly, it is common to expect it in homes and schools. We are evolving with our day-to-day use of technology. We have moved on from the internet being the talk of the town to robotics and AI coming into the picture. All of us are exposed to technology, and so do our children. 

When children are accustomed to technology at home and are exposed to it daily, it is only logical that technology should be introduced in their schools and classrooms. Classrooms are the place where a child learns most of the things in their early years, so why not tech?

But does it mean that classrooms have to forgo traditional learning ideologies? Do we have to get over the notebooks and move on to tablets? 

No. Evolving and accustoming ourselves to new technological reforms does not mean we must leave our tried and tested expert methods. We need to find a way to get the best of both worlds; guess what? We did–Blended Learning. 

What is Blended Learning?

As the name suggests, blended learning combines traditional (face-to-face classroom learning) and semi-autonomous computer-based learning. Blended learning looks like e-learning, but the significant difference is that the onsite face-to-face instructor is present in blended learning. There is still a classroom, a teacher, and other classmates in front of students. However, computer-based activities are a part of the curriculum to make learning more exciting and inclusive by accommodating all types of learners. 

Benefits of Blended Learning

Blended learning has many benefits for students. Some of them are stated below. 

#1. Sparking Student Interest

Blended learning has made the classroom curriculum interesting by introducing gadgets and very creative ways of learning like AI, Augmented Reality, and Virtual Reality. Online resources in subjects like mathematics and science have proven to make learning fun and break down complex concepts into simple visuals or models. 

Imagine learning about the planetary system and constellations in your classroom’s ceiling. How interesting and fun is that? 

#2. Adventure and Research Learning:

Learning isn’t just about what the teacher says. It is about exploring and digging deeper. Children now have every resource online at their fingertips. They can explore on their own and dive into topics that intrigue them. Blended learning hands them the steering wheel to their own learning paths. 

#3. Learning at Their Own Beat

Students learn at different paces. Some of them need more time, some less. Blended learning understands that. If they need to catch up, online resources are open 24/7 to help them catch up. And if they are ahead, then they don’t have to wait for the rest of the class to catch up. Blended learning allows every student to learn at their own pace and comfort.

#4. Feedback

In online learning, students can get the scores of their tests in a flash. AI or Google Forms takes less than 10 seconds to send your result email. The quickness of results and calculations saves the manual labor of teachers but also helps in analyzing analytics as now automated results visualize their data in the form of graphs, pie charts, and trend lines. This saves the teacher’s time, and she can see and tweak lessons for the students.

#5. Real World Skills

Education isn’t just about learning in classrooms but about getting ready for life beyond school. Blended learning is more than just teaching facts. It helps in building practical skills that are really useful outside of school. With blended learning, students become good at researching, learning independently, making intelligent choices, and using technology. These skills do not stop at school but go a long way into their career and life.

Models of Blended Learning

With the increasing importance of blended education, diverse hybrid learning approaches have emerged. Selecting an appropriate blended learning model for a classroom hinges on the specific needs of the students. Some students require extra attention, whereas others are already progressing beyond the established curriculum. This decision is with the teacher, who must carefully observe and implement a blended learning model. Here are a few models of blended learning:-

#1. Face-to-face Driver Model

This model is the closest to traditional teaching. Here, the teacher observes and identifies students who need to catch up with the class and provides them with supplementary online resources and activities to work on. While also providing a platform to students who are at an advanced level. This is done to increase engagement and supplement classroom lessons with a different approach to learning. 

#2. Rotational Model

In this approach, teachers set up different learning spots. They use digital tools for learning in these spots, and students switch between them. This way, teachers can spend more time helping students in person based on what each student needs. It is like having a plan where students take turns working at different spots, going between learning in person and doing tasks online. This helps them focus on specific subjects and gives different learners various ways to understand the subject they are learning. 

#3. Self Blend Models

This model is suitable for ambitious learners who wish to go beyond what they are studying in the classroom. Many high schools have started providing online catalogs of courses beyond the school curriculum’s scope. Individual goals and ambitions determine whether the student wishes to take advanced placement classes or a subject that they really like. The ease of online resources is that they become very convenient and accessible. 

#4. Online Driver Model

In this model, all the teaching happens online. Students do their work from wherever they are, using the internet. Teachers play more of a guiding role and let students reach out through online messages if they need help. This way of learning is excellent for students dealing with long-term illnesses and those with other important things to do.

Conclusion

Blended learning is a bridge between old and new ways of learning. It is the best of both worlds. Integrating traditional learning methods and technology makes learning fun and fits how each person learns best. With different learning methods, it helps everyone, whether they need more time or want to learn faster. Blended learning is a mix of the best practices from before and the exciting things today, making education accessible, understandable, and fun for everyone.

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Resources

• https://whatfix.com/blog/blended-learning-types-benefits-examples/#:~:text=Blended%20learning%20takes%20learning%20outside,autonomous%2C%20computer%2Dbased%20training. 
• https://www.classtime.com/blog/blended-learning-models/ 
• https://www.hurix.com/advantages-of-blended-learning/ 
• https://www.prodigygame.com/main-en/blog/how-to-implement-the-6-blended-learning-models/#models 
• https://slidemodel.com/blended-learning-models/