Learning

Blended learning is the way forward

While the educational cohorts have adopted the blended form of learning, still its efficacy and benefits are to be optimised to enhance student-teacher learning experience

CLASSROOM BLENDED ONLINE

Many educators worldwide have quite adjusted to this new form of learning – Blended Learning, since the pandemic struck the world. As we swing into another pandemic year, educators and students are more attuned to this paradigm shift from conventional mode of education to hybrid learning.

The on-going health crisis has once again halted education with school closures across the nation and with this; the blended learning has gained traction across the educational spectrum. Even the schools management have braced themselves up for the challenges ahead to integrate current education system with the educational technology to keep the schooling afloat amidst this global catastrophe. To buttress the schools and keep the learning going, educational stakeholders would require a robust framework that includes compassion, proper planning and dexterity in their activities. The curriculum can be designed in such a way that not only addresses the student’s academic growth but also the emotional and social well-being needs as well.

For this to be achievable, the educators and leaders would require extra support, guidelines and resources from the stakeholders, and the autonomy to apply these practices within their respective regions and educational institutions. Undoubtedly, there will be more challenges ahead this year, the lessons we learnt in 2021 from the pandemic can be analysed by

Learning

school leaders so that accordingly necessary modifications can be exercised.

The school management would require contemplating past and present techniques and refining practices to support learners enrich their learning experience with a holistic approach. Hybrid mode of education has become a norm in a decade’s time and no longer remains an exception. Hence, to improve the academic stature, many school leaders are following the strategy of blended learning.

Blended learning steering the educational ecosystem

A lot of research needs to be conducted on this new form of learning to not only understand how to implement better blended learning strategies but also how to evaluate the efficacy of the learning programs implemented. However, an extensive research at times can be exhaustive and challenging.To solve this problem, many studies that were published over the last few years have already proved that blended learning has a long-term positive effect in covering the learning loss pervaded by the pandemic. One such study is – Building Effective Blended Learning Programs, where author examines the difference between online learning and blended learning and also studies new technologies like Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other learning practices to enhance blended learning experience. Many other studies aim at integrating blended learning solutions with the school curriculum at the primary schools level, reimagining education by finding innovative solutions to support the school education from falling apart further amidst this crisis.

Blended learning is the future of educational ecosystem because educational technology will advance and grow. This learning style is here to stay that gives impetus to schools, teachers and students worldwide to fulfil the learning gaps. Blended learning style solves myriad problems for policymakers, administrators and other educational cohorts as Indian government mulls to formalise the online education and ensures to recognise online curriculum. The blended classroom learning leverages the interaction between teachers and students, hence, elevating the learning capabilities of both the stakeholders.

Benefits of Blended Mode of Learning

Blended learning concept creates abalance between traditional learning and hybrid learning. It allows learners to learn at their own pace without comprising on knowledge.

This model offers flexibility to learners to study in-person as well as online in tandem with blended instructions.

This form of learning also provides students’ greater autonomy to keep track of their education progress. It creates an environment of practical and experiential learning.

It not only benefits students but also teachers as well, they are emancipated from the mundane task of teaching traditionally with information overload. Educators can focus on more value-added modules with specific interests.

The personalised mechanism transforms teachers into mentors, freeing them from the burden of conventional teaching practices.

Students get exposure and opportunity to study course material developed by experts from diverse fields, it gives them access to internationally developed and industry-relevant curriculum. Thereby, expanding the exchange of knowledge globally.

As blended learning incorporates online learning tools, the Learning Management Systems or LMS are simple yet creatively designed to keep students engaged, which otherwise might not be possible in traditional classroom setting.