Blended learning: A timely method in the current reality

We live in a world in which technological innovation is occurring at breakneck speed and digital technologies are increasingly becoming an integral part of our lives. Technological innovation is also expanding the range of possible solutions that can be brought to bear on teaching and learning. Whether we are primarily interested in creating more effective learning experiences, increasing access and flexibility, or reducing the cost of learning, it is likely that our learning systems will provide a blend of both face-to-face and computer-assisted learning /online based learning experiences. Blended learning is a term used to describe a learning model where students spend some of their time learning outside a typical, traditional classroom. Blended learning has to use two media of instruction, where one represents the traditional methods used in face-to-face interaction, and the other a technological mode of instructions of relaying information to the learners. The main requirements for blended learning are diverse teaching methods, physical presence of both teacher and students, elements of control such as time and pace, and at least some instruction mediated through technological platforms for content delivery.

E-learning has had an interesting impact on the learning environment. Although it represents tremendous potential in the way it could revolutionize learning and development, it has rapidly evolved into a blended learning concept of blended learning which, like its name suggests, blends online learning with more traditional methods of learning and development. Advanced countries, in the current reality, are experiencing a coherent plan for getting the best from blended learning. Blended learning is the most logical and natural evolution of our learning platform. It suggests an elegant solution to the challenges of tailoring learning and development to the needs of individuals. It represents an opportunity to integrate the innovative and technological advances offered by online learning with the interaction and participation offered in the best of traditional learning. It can be supported and enhanced by using the wisdom and one-to-one contact of personal coaches.

The three most commonly mentioned definitions are: Combining instructional modalities (or delivery media), combining instructional methods, combining online and face-to-face instruction. There are many reasons that an instructor, trainer, or learner might pick blended learning over other learning options such as pedagogical richness, access to knowledge, social interaction, personal agency, cost-effectiveness, and ease of revision. In the blended learning literature, the most common reason provided is that BL combines the best of both worlds. Although there is some truth to this, it is rarely acknowledged that a blended learning environment can also mix the least effective elements of both worlds if it is not designed well. Blended learning as a system that joins face-to-face classroom teaching with an appropriate use of technology, where technology can refer to a wide variety of components including the internet, interactive whiteboards, and language labs among others.

Blended learning is thus a result of implementing a strategic and systematic approach to the application of technology, combined with the best features of face to face interaction between teachers and students. Blended learning can have various combinations of these elements: offline and online learning, live and collaborative learning, structured and unstructured learning, work and learning, and mixing of either synchronous physical format with online formats or asynchronous physical with online formats. Blended learning is a logical response to the development of previous pedagogical tendencies that employed an array of teaching methods, sometimes aided by new technology. When successfully implemented, blended learning enables these hallmarks: providing unique learning, pathways for individual students, giving learners opportunities to participate in key decisions in their learning experience, giving learners the opportunity to create for a real audience both locally and globally, giving learners opportunities to experience learning in collaboration with peers and experts locally and globally, providing learners individual and collaborative opportunities to make things that matter while building skills for their future.

Blended learning forms a new style of learning that is rich with advantages that can help students to better learning practices if managed properly. Of these potential advantages highlighted “the revolving around accessibility, pedagogical effectiveness, and course interaction.” Students can get access to a wide variety of learning resources through their devices that are connected to the Internet while being seated to their comfort and safety in their classrooms or ever at homes.

Moreover, teachers can vary their pedagogy and enhance it by accessing libraries and databases, using the various media types available, and managing their classrooms electronically. The idea of accessibility motivates students as: They like to have the ability to access course materials anytime, anyplace, and are positive about the convenience and flexibility this provides them. Blended learning can be characterized firstly with its flexibility of providing learning resources; through it, students can reach to various resources at different times and places that are not limited to their teacher’s cited resources or even the school books. Secondly, it supports learning diversity as it gives the teacher the ability to prepare various learning materials that fit various students’ levels of learning. Thirdly, it enriches the e-learning experience; as students can learn information technology skills of searching information, downloading and uploading documents, bookmarking important websites, and even the virtual interaction with the learning community. Educational institutions are open in different countries of the world in blended system. The method is to keep the educational institution closed in the most infected time and area. It is opened when the condition improves. This is how the education system of the current world is going on. In our country too, the education system can be streamlined in the light of this system and curriculum design can be adapted to real-time changes to accommodate classroom activities.

The writer is a Research Officer, District Education Office at Munshiganj. He can be contacted at gazirashidro@gmail.com