Introduction to Blended Learning

Mar 20 2020 | 3 minutes read

The use of a blended learning strategy encourages and motivates students to participate in class, resulting in a transition from lecture-based to student-centered learning.

When it comes to learning, different strategies can improve learning outcomes. The ways learning takes place today are different from how it was twenty to thirty years ago. Much of this change has been related to the growth of technology. Educational technology plays a key role and has opened a new world of online learning.

Some schools are using dynamic tools such as eLearning software alongside traditional classroom practices to achieve blended learning models. In this article, we'll delve into what blended learning is and highlight some of the benefits it offers schools, instructors, and learners. Well also note some pitfalls to look out for and explore how you can use blended learning as part of your learning strategy.

What is Blended Learning

Blended learning is an educational approach that combines digital learning with traditional classroom-based methods (face-to-face interaction within the classroom).

Incorporating the blended learning approach allows and stimulates learners to be active and brings about a shift from a lecture-based approach to student-centered learning. It encourages personalized learning experiences by combining the best aspect of face-to-face teaching with digital learning. It encourages interaction between learners to learners and learners to instructors and various resources used for instruction.

Benefits of Blended Learning

The benefits of blended learning affect both learners, instructors, and the learning process. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits.

1. It makes learning fun, especially through gamification.
2. Learning materials can easily be updated as it is required
3. Learners' engagement can easily be tracked. Especially when using an eLearning tool (LMS – Learning Management Software) that offers to report.
4. The learner is more engaged because different learning materials are involved. (e.g. video, audio, visually enhanced presentations).
5. It is cost-effective.
6. It reduces face-to-face learning costs (e.g. travel costs and printed learning material costs).
7. It encourages social learning behavior; it allows interaction with fellow learners and instructors.
8. If offers the learner convenience and flexibility; learners can control their learning pace and can learn anytime and anywhere.

Pitfalls to look out for

The benefits of blended learning are very exciting. Before you start utilizing this strategy, there are a few pitfalls you should avoid.

1. Start slow. Don’t just jump into incorporating Blended Learning as a learning strategy. Starting slow gives learners time to adapt gradually to blended learning concepts. Also, it enables the instructor to assess what is working and what is not from a content perspective.
2. Understand and analyze the learners, identify what they need to know, and review instructional materials and course contents to suit your observation. Keep in mind that what works for face-to-face strategy may not necessarily work for online strategy.
3. Avoid using LMS – Learning Management Software that does not meet your need and that cannot measure learning outcomes.

When using the Blended Learning strategy, keep in mind that it aims to combine the strength of both traditional and digital learning methods to give learners a more engaging learning experience. It is important to identify your learning goals and then think about how each goal can be achieved in an online and offline setting.

Prodigy School Suite makes it easy to set up a blended learning model. To learn more, Contact Prodigy School Suite.