M1 DLE S2 Didactique des langues/ Blended learning as a modern learning strategy

Blended learning is a term increasingly used to describe the way e-learning is being combined with traditional classroom methods and independent study to create a new, hybrid teaching methodology. It represents a much greater change in basic technique than simply adding computers to classrooms; it represents, in many cases, a fundamental change in the way teachers and students approach the learning experience. It has already produced an offshoot – the flipped classroom – that has quickly become a distinct approach of its own.

Ø  BLENDED learning is a combination of offline (face-to-face, traditional learning) and online learning in a way that the one compliments the other.

Blended learning is often also referred to as “hybrid” learning, and can take on a variety of forms in online education environments. While some organizations may only use blended learning techniques on rare occasions, others might utilize it as a primary teaching method within their curriculum.

Ø  Blended learning is “a formal education program in which a student learns at least in part through online delivery of content and instruction with some element of student control over time, place, path, and/or pace and at least in part at a supervised brick-and-mortar location away from home.”

Ø  Blended learning is an approach to course design that brings together the best of both, face to face and online learning. In other words, blended learning helps us to use not only face to face learning, but also technology in an educational way.

Blended learning examples may still be called by other names, although these identifiers are now used primarily in research studies. When you see the following terms, all should refer to blended learning.

Ø  Hybrid learning

Ø  Technology-mediated instruction

Ø  Web-enhanced learning

Ø  Mixed mode instruction

While these titles are often used interchangeably, they are blended learning examples of techniques and strategies that are growing in popularity by students and teachers alike. Courses that feature these strategies are offered at many education levels.

Face-to-face teacher-led instruction and discussion to and with students of similar ability in a “unified curriculum” environment. This classic structure is then augmented by “digital enhancements,” such as open access to Internet-connected devices, digital textbooks, and use of online lesson plans. The primary content and instruction is still delivered by the teacher in a face-to-face setting.

‘Take out your books and read the first chapter.' This is a sentence you must have heard a lot of times. Nowadays, this sentence could be replaced by ‘click on the link and follow the instructions on your laptop.’ The first situation happens in a traditional setting. The second represents a modern learning method. Blended learning is a mix between the traditional (face-to-face) and modern (online) learning method.

Strictly traditional classroom settings are giving room to new technologies. We cannot say that a blended learning approach is better. Nevertheless, there are so many advantages to it, and even the most traditional institutions are adopting it to experience its benefits.

Any teacher can successfully use one of these options or combine techniques, at their discretion.

Rotation model. Instructors of a single subject rotate their students, on a teacher-set fixed schedule, between learning types, including small group instruction, group projects, individual tutoring, pencil and paper assignments, and online instruction.

Flex model. Most content and instruction come from the Internet. Students have a customized, fluid schedule, while the teacher remains on-site to offer face-to-face support on a needed basis. The amount of in-person support time depends on individual student needs.

Self-blend model. Students choose one or more courses entirely online, supplementing classic face-to-face teaching of other subjects. Not a “whole school” experience, students self-blend their online and traditional course selections.

Enriched-virtual model. Unlike the former program, this is a “whole school” experience, as students divide their time between attending school in-person and remotely getting online content and instruction. Instead of having what might be termed two separate curriculum options, with individual courses fully online or in- person, this technique combines teaching methods of identical subjects, split between face-to-face teaching and Internet use.

In some situations, the move to blended learning has inspired educators to redefine traditional roles. The word “facilitator” has emerged as an alternative to “teacher,” bringing with it a slightly different focus. The facilitator places an emphasis on empowering students with the skills and knowledge required to make the most of the online material and independent study time, guiding students toward the most meaningful experience possible. Facilitators focus on four key areas:

Ø  Development of online and offline course content.

Ø  Facilitation of communication with and among students, including the pedagogy of communicating content online without the contextual clues students would get in person.

Ø  Guiding the learning experience of individual students, and customizing material wherever possible to strengthen the learning experience.

Ø  Assessment and grading, not unlike the expectations for teachers within the traditional framework.

An effective learning strategy is not only implemented for the training of students but also at the corporate level. These advanced training strategies help the participants (both students and employees) to fully meet their learning specifications. This allows them to formulate more personalized learning instructions or strategies.

Blended learning allows participants to work with instructors at the facility as well as take assistance from additional online resources while at home. With that, they can also avail the opportunity to communicate with their instructors using various online communication methods, receiving advice and support from the class. The variety of used formats keeps the content engaging and allows more creativity and space for the participants to dig deeper into the subject.

Larger groups

‘More is more.’ With blended learning you are able to manage learning in large groups. One aspect still includes teaching in a traditional classroom setting, but the other includes providing the students with learning materials and assignments online.  

While they get to complete the online materials and assignments in their own time, you can do less work and relax. Yet, it’s also possible to assist learners who are in need of more information. This is one of the main benefits of blended learning.

Set your own pace

Participants can study at their own pace and join face-to-face classes. If they are faster than the other participants, they don’t have to wait for them. On the other hand, if they are slower, they can take their time.

Many would find it difficult to manage their time if they tried to complete a course alongside their regular job. With blended learning, you can grant your students in these situations a greater amount of flexibility in deciding when they're going to study.

Reduction in costs

Blended learning requires fewer classrooms, fewer instructors, and no time spent commuting, which means that less money is spent all around.

Fun

It’s just fun! From elementary school to university students and employees taking company trainings, blended learning has proven to be more engaging than traditional learning for most participants.

Round-the-clock access to training resources

Since blended learning involves online and digital resources, time limitations are simply the matter of the past, if you do have a good internet connection. The learning strategy is way ahead than these old limitations. The online resources are always there to help – 24/7. In addition, if your blended learning strategy also offers a public forum, you can also learn from the experience of others and get your solution without the assistance of an instructor.

Better communication and collaborative learning

Even though with blended learning strategy, a participant can access the resources in the absence of the instructor, it still improves the communication and interaction amongst the participants and also with the instructors. Such online learning platforms offer a great variety of communication tools such as email, news announcements, instant messaging, online grading tool, online discussion, drop boxes, or more. All of these communication tools offer great flexibility in terms of ensuring timely communication. May it be any concern or feedback/evaluation, all of this is now possible instantly and without any time constraint.

Similarly, unlike traditional classroom, blended learning offers a good collaborative environment for participants. This substantially increases collaboration amongst the learners and between the instructor and the learner, which makes blended learning strategy one of the best online training platforms. As the learners use many collaborative tools such as blogs, online discussions, instant messages and others, they are able to collaborate with each other in a better way and in fact, in or out of the training room.

Lack of motivation

There are also some cons to blended learning. Depending on how it's set up, blended learning can diminish the motivation of your participants. Not every blended learning model is suited to every age category, school, or organization. In the same way that you would consider children's reading level when choosing books for them, you need to consider which approach will work best for your users. 

If you expect young children to do all their homework and prepare lessons on their computer at home, it might not work as expected. Employees who are used to working with their hands might also dislike sitting in front a screen for too long. As you can imagine, it's important to take these things into consideration when preparing your learning methods and materials. 

Basic technology knowledge

Learners need to have a basic knowledge of technology to take lessons and complete assignments online. Your users will get annoyed if they don't know how to access the learning content or use the devices.

If they have to focus on a new system and on learning something new, it might cause a cognitive overload. This is not what you want to happen!

Plagiarism and credibility problem

It's hard to resist the temptation of looking up things on the web while learning from a computer or Smartphone. To prevent this, you could use plagiarism checkers (available online) to see if your students have been copying content from other sources. It's also   possible to set up a timer, randomize questions (so each user gets a different selection of questions for his test), or even use secure browsers to block web navigation during online tests or courses.

High maintenance cost

Incorporation of advanced technology in your blended learning projects such as infrastructure setup and devices are at times costly. In a corporate setup, this is especially true for bigger organizations having various departments or a large workforce. But if you compare this cost with all the other benefits that come with blended learning, this is not only a short-term expense but it will eventually be quite beneficial in the long run.

Technological dependence

In order to achieve the learning objectives of your blended learning program, the content developers use the technological tools and resources that are easy to use, reliable, and up-to-date. All of this is possible if participants have strong internet connectivity as this has a meaningful impact in terms of overall learning environment and experience. That is why incorporating this learning strategy depends on technological feasibility, and in case of technical issues or inadequate technical accessibility, the objective of this advanced learning strategy is unachievable.

Also, since blended learning is about technological dependence, there is a limitation with regards to technical skills of both the instructors and the learners. Students and instructors who are not tech-savvy can face a great barrier in terms of smooth interactions. The participants will face difficulty in accessing the course material; therefore, this learning strategy must come with adequate technical support.

Like any other learning strategy, blended learning also has positive and negative aspects. In today’s world, the learning and working environment offer unparalleled opportunities for training programs just by adopting blended learning approach. This learning strategy can be applied to any program which holds on to the values of traditional learning and incorporates digital media with that. The approach is a lot more efficient, effective and appealing to individuals than anything that has been ever before.

Hence, to achieve your learning objectives in the best possible manner, the content developers have to incorporate the technological and other relevant aspects wisely in the learning content. After all, blended learning creates more engagement amongst the learners, increases the rate of retention in organizations, keeps learners more motivated, provides the best learning environment and facilitates both the personal and professional development programs.

Indeed, it has the values of traditional learning and at the same time, it offers great feasibility by leveraging technological advancements to save time and money both. This learning strategy has now given rise to many learning platforms globally and is now one of the most adopted learning tools.