The world of higher education is going through rapid transformation, all thanks to the advent of the latest technology and newer learning styles. Now, the traditional teaching methods are becoming obsolete. Students and teachers don’t prefer only lecture-based classrooms. They want more fun, more, engagement, and a more interactive approach towards learning.

The use of advanced technologies, digital boards, and online and flexible learning modes are all contributing to the transformation of higher education. Blended learning is one important pedagogy that seamlessly integrates the traditional face-to-face learning method with online activities, and reshapes the future of higher education.

In this article, let us explore in depth what is blended learning and what is its impact.

What is Blended Learning?

Blended learning just means a combination of online and offline learning. It’s a thoughtfully designed process that blends both online learning platforms and offline teaching methods strategically for the best learning outcomes. A blended learning approach can involve using online resources for building strong foundational knowledge and then followed by instructor-led in-person classroom model sessions to discuss the concepts and learn them practically.

A study published in the journal “Educational Technology Research and Development” mentioned how effective blended learning can enhance overall outcomes, as it is not just about mixing the various formats of learning but a well-defined integration with clear learning objectives.

Increasing Popularity of The Blended Learning Approach

Over the past few years, especially due to the breakout of the COVID-19 pandemic, the adoption of blended learning has seen remarkable growth. As per a study by the Online Learning Consortium (OLC), a staggering 73% of higher education institutions in the US were offering at least one blended learning course. The pandemic then made it mandatory for all institutes to shift their learning programs to online learning platforms. COVID-19 only catalyzed to boost the adoption of blended learning. However, the inherent benefits this type of learning approach offers contributed to its success and paved the way for its sustained growth.

Advantages of Blended Learning

So, here are some of the advantages the blended learning approach offers that are leading to huge adoption of this type of learning:

• Flexibility and accessibility

  Students get the flexibility to learn at their own time and schedule and at their own pace in this blended learning approach. With the help of online modules, students can access course materials anytime, anywhere. This is particularly beneficial for students who are busy with other commitments like sports, jobs, or other co-curricular activities.

• Improved student engagement and interaction

  Through this method, students get a more interactive learning environment as the online platforms can be used for discussions, collaborative activities, feedback, suggestions, and more. This ultimately enhances student engagement better as compared to traditional lectures.

• Personalized learning

  Blended learning also offers more personalized learning for higher education where students can access online resources that are tailored according to individual learning styles. In addition, the face-to-face sessions help with personalized feedback and support from teachers.

• Enhanced digital literacy skills

  By providing exposure to online learning tools and resources, blended learning methods help students gain valuable digital literacy skills that have become an integral part of today’s learning in the current technology-driven world of education.

Types of Blended Learning Models

Blended learning isn’t same as the traditional learning which has to be the same for everyone. Therefore, here are some of the popular models that illustrate how versatile this learning approach can be:

1. Flipped Classroom

   In this model, the traditional classroom model is inverted i.e., students gain foundational knowledge through pre-recorded lectures or online modules. After that, it is followed by face-to-face sessions where interactive activities, discussions, problem-solving exercises, etc. are encouraged.

2. Station Rotation

   This model divides the class time into stations with different learning activities, divided online and offline. Students have to rotate through these stations which enhances their personalized learning through a dynamic classroom experience.

3. Online modules with face-to-face support

   In this method, the important course contents are delivered online through different kinds of learning management systems and online resources. Then, students get the in-person session where they are provided additional support like doubt-clearing sessions, discussions, and other problem-solving interactions.

Challenges of implementing blended learning

Though blended learning pedagogy offers several benefits to students and teachers, its successful implementation necessitates addressing certain challenges as well such as:

1. Faculty development: faculty must be trained well to properly implement this approach. With faculty development programs, educators should be trained about digital skills and pedagogical approaches where they can efficiently use the technology and online resources.
2. Access to technology: institutes need to ensure there is proper access to technology for every student to maximize inclusivity. This might involve access to advanced learning devices and reliable internet connection for all students and teachers.
3. Well-designed course: the success of a blended learning program depends on how well the course is designed. Institutes must properly examine the online and offline components and see if they are seamlessly integrated with clear objectives and activities for each.

Conclusion

So, by now you must have understood that blended learning isn’t just a fad but is a transformative approach that’s only going to grow over time as we enter the future and an era of AI. In the coming years when the technology ought to evolve further, students should be ready to adopt a more diverse approach where blended learning can be a major model in higher education.