What Are The Advantages of Blended Learning? Blended Learning Benefits

What Are The Advantages Of Blended Learning? Blended Learning is the practice of using both online and in-person learning experiences when teaching students. Also called hybrid learning and mixed-mode learning, blended-learning experiences may vary widely in design and execution.

In this article, we are going to discuss not only the benefits of blended learning, but also why you should pay more attention to it and what kind of improvements can you expect from adopting blended learning.

What Is Blended Learning?

Blended Learning

Massive changes have occurred in educational institutions throughout the world during the previous year.
The recent outbreak has caused a shift in the way educators to work, and while some changes may be transient, others may be permanent.
Although the concept of blended learning has been around for a while, its application and limits have just come to the forefront.
In this article, we will look at the fundamentals and benefits of blended learning. In addition to offering a description of blended learning,
we look at how it varies from other approaches and what models are accessible. Keep reading to know more.

What Is a Blended Learning Approach?

The blended learning approach is a type of learning technique that combines traditional face-to-face learning experiences with internet technology.

It necessitates the actual presence of both the teacher and the student, as well as some student control over time, place, path, or site.

The idea of utilizing technology to augment in-person learning is not new. Furthermore, definitions of blended learning have been difficult to come by in the past.
However, in recent years, it appears that the agreement is that blended learning is a combination of face-to-face and technology-based learning.
It broadens the student experience by enabling anytime, anyplace learning and reshapes the teacher’s position.
When applied to eLearning, blended learning is again situational, but typically involves a part of the learning that occurs online.
The student is able to control the pace at which they learn, and another part of the learning is instructor-led, usually conducted in a classroom setting.

What Are the Types of Blended Learning?

As we’ve seen, the precise definition of blended learning may be difficult to pin down. This, however, implies that multiple distinct types of instruction are related to blended learning.

Here are some best-blended learning examples and practices:

• Station rotation: students in this integrated learning paradigm cycle between various stations on a set timetable.
• At least one of these stations is typically an online learning station.  This is often used as blended learning for kindergarten because it has the least amount of complexity.
•  Lab rotation: this technique is similar to the one described above, except that online learning takes place in a separate computer lab. It provides additional flexibility to both students and instructors while utilizing current resources.
• Individual rotation: this concept is comparable to both station rotation and lab rotation.
• However, it is personalized for each student (either by an instructor or an algorithm), but not every student will visit every station.
• Flex learning: the goal of this mixed learning paradigm is to create flexibility.
• This technique relies heavily on online learning, with teachers providing help and teaching as required by students. 
• Enriched virtual learning: the majority of coursework is performed electronically and remotely using this approach.
• Students just attend face-to-face sessions when they are necessary, rather than on a regular basis. 
• Online driver: you guessed it! This model, unlike the others, takes place fully online.
• The student is in charge of their own learning, they own their own blended learning academy!
• They can communicate with a teacher through chat, email, or message board. Although it is very adaptable, it lacks face-to-face interaction. 

These are just a few of the blended learning approaches that are accessible to educators.

It is feasible to mix and match components to create an atmosphere that is beneficial to both students and teachers.

What Is the Advantage and Disadvantage of Blended Learning?

Advantages of Blended Learning

1. Students are free to go at their own speed. Others who are comfortable with the subject can move through the online material more quickly, while those who are less confident can pause and re-watch the difficult sections.
2. Teaching in several situations. Educators care about the blended learning curriculum design to make it possible to use a variety of resources to deliver learning materials in a variety of situations. When teaching a certain topic, they might, for example, employ lectures, tutorials, and practical situations.
3. Material is always available. When a student works best, they may log in and access the lessons, lectures, and other resources they need to study.
4. Students can prepare ahead of time. When considering blended learning for practical work, students can examine essential ideas and subjects online prior to face-to-face demonstrations. This gives students some familiarity with the topic, allowing them to spend more time on intriguing and engaging activities.
5. It may help with retention. Several studies conducted in the 2000s showed that blended learning assisted learners in remembering more knowledge. Although further research is needed, it may be useful.
6. It can aid in self-directed learning. Students are given self-advocacy and the flexibility to take charge of their education in many blended learning approaches. This can help them prepare for future schooling and the workplace.
7. Different instructional techniques can be aided by technology. Blended learning may promote active learning,
   utilization of real-world settings, social learning, and application of knowledge to new contexts.
8. It is the introduction of new technology. Blended learning allows students to experiment with new software and technology. Learning how to use such technologies can help students prepare for future activities.
9. Set objectives and keep track of your progress. Many blended learning solutions enable teachers and trainers to monitor their students’ progress. This can provide instructors with a better understanding of which techniques are most effective.
10. Educators may then focus on adapting their face-to-face class time to the requirements of their students by providing online materials.

Disadvantages of Blended Learning 

Of course, there are drawbacks to blended learning, as there are too many other techniques of teaching and learning. We’ve highlighted some of the disadvantages for both students and teachers below.

1- A blended learning paradigm frequently necessitates that students use technology outside of the classroom.
and Not every learner will have equal access to materials, making online learning challenging, if not impossible.
2-  possible that the infrastructure does not exist. might be challenging to establish the internal framework required to execute blended learning.
It is possible that the resources and money will not be accessible.
3-  frequently a bottom-up strategy. Blended learning frequently requires teachers or other personnel to take the initiative.
As a result, formal training and professional development are needed to support their blended learning approach.
4- There is no one-size-fits-all approach to schooling. Without the appropriate degree of assistance,
students with varying needs and digital literacy may not find technology-based learning as approachable.
5-  a lack of direct interaction. Although self-directed learning can be useful, students who are having difficulty with online content may not be able to find solutions on their own.
6- There are time restrictions. It might take time to transition to a mixed learning environment.
In addition to the requisite setup and logistics, training and material preparation are frequently required.
It might be challenging to balance this time with existing teaching obligations.

Is Blended Learning Effective for the Students?

Yes, blended learning is effective for the students. Based on several studies, blended learning is very effective and accessible to lots of students all around the world. Despite having its pitfalls, it benefits the students greatly.

Blended learning provides the student with ease and flexibility; they may regulate their learning pace and learn remotely.
According to academic studies, blended learning provides students with more complete knowledge of the course content. It implies that a range of learning media and resources,
such as videos, presentations, podcasts, and industry content, can be used.
Social learning is encouraged in blended learning because it allows students to engage with teachers and other students.
It is simple to see why blended learning has grown in popularity in recent years. Combining online and remote activities with in-person learning may benefit both students and teachers.
It is crucial to note, however, that not everyone will benefit from this style of learning, and it does not always represent the requirements of all learners.
If you’re interested in improving your blended learning model in your organization, contact Manaarah to get in touch with a professional blended learning consultant!

Do you want a Blended Learning plan for your educational institutions? Manaarah is your place to go! Get in touch with our team and visit the website to know more about this, and many other, services that can improve your overall learning and teaching experience.

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