What Is Blended Learning?
Blended Learning is a mixture of learning methods that incorporate multiple teaching modals. Aost frequently eLearning and traditional face-to-face learning.
Blended learning is a natural development to the growing accessibility of eLearning, online resources and the continued need for a human component in the learning experience. A blended learning approach ensures that the learner is engaged and driving his or her individual learning experience. This approach also helps cater to the individual needs of the learner, most students have unique learning styles and a blended approach is more likely to cater to those needs than a traditional classroom teaching experience.
Blended Learning Models:Due to its modular design, blended learning can come in numerous shapes and sizes and be personalized to fit the individual. These types of modals can include:
Online – Instruction occurs via an online platform, with periodic face-to-face meetings.
Rotation: Student rotates between self-paced online learning and face-to-face instruction. Schedules are fixed but flexible.
Flex: Most instruction is delivered online, with teachers providing as needed support in small-group settings.
Personalised blend: Teacher designs face-to-face and anywhere, anytime learning options that straddle the physical classroom and virtual spaces. Learning is the constant and time is the variable.
Online lab: Instructions takes place in a brick and mortar lab. Delivered by an online teacher and supervised onsite by paraprofessionals.
Self-blend: Students take online courses to supplement their tradition schools face to face course catalogue.
Face-to-face: Teacher offers primarily face-to-face instruction, supplemented with technology in the classroom or computer lab.
Why Is Blended Learning Important?
Blended learning is important because it breaks down the traditional walls of teaching, ones that don’t work for all students and now with access to present day technologies and resources we can tailor the learning experience for each student. Blended learning also offers flexible time frames that can be personalized to each person, offering them the ability to learn at their own pace.
Advantages Of Blended Learning For TeachersWith the heavy integration of technologies we’ll be able to improve teaching, information retention, engagement, responsibility and enjoyment. Students never outgrow their learning styles, meaning blended learning is more important than ever, no matter what the industry is, from schools to corporations, in all walks of life.
Teaching is less expensive to deliver, more affordable and saves time.
Blended learning offers flexibility in terms of availability – Anytime, anywhere. In other words, eLearning enables the student to access the materials from anywhere at any time.
Access to global resources and materials that meet the students’ level of knowledge and interest.
Self-pacing for slow or quick learners reduces stress, increases satisfaction and information retention.
E-learning allows more affective interactions between the learners and their instructors through the use of emails, discussion boards and chat room.
Students have the ability to track their progress.
Students can also learn through a variety of activities that apply to many different learning styles.
E-learning could improve the quality of teaching and learning as it supports the face-to-face teaching approaches.
Blended learning also improves other factors for the teacher including:More engaged students.
Better information and feedback on work
Team teaching
Extended time with students
More leadership roles
Focus on deeper learning
Motivate hard to reach kids
New options to teach at home
More earning power
Individualized professional development plans
See more @http://www.teachthought.com/learning/blended-flipped-learning/the-benefits-of-blended-learning/