Blended Learning as an Instructional Pedagogy in Digital Age

Introduction

There has always been an argument that traditional learning is the best way of maintaining a learning process where students normally learn in the environment in which instructor addresses the learning requirements of the learners face to face, but the truth is that like any other learning method traditional learning also has both advantages and disadvantages.

On the other hand the emergence of technology has led towards the implementation of new learning strategies such as computer-based learning, web-based learning or E- learning.

E-learning specially means online learning and became popular because of its number of advantages it had over traditional learning. Although there are lots of advantages of the introduction of e-learning, the number of disadvantages of e-learning has also been identified.

To overcome the disadvantages or the weaknesses of both traditional approach and e-learning, it seems effective and relevant that teachers implement the blended learning approach which will combine the strengths of traditional and e- learning methods and will help teachers to overcome the weaknesses and drawbacks of the two learning approaches.

Blended Learning combines the positive aspects of the two learning environments, classroom-based learning and e-learning (Bonk & Graham, 2006). Blended learning is a mix of delivery methods that have been selected and fashioned to accommodate the various learning needs of a diverse audience in a variety of subjects. This method can include any combination of various delivery methods (McSporran & King 2002).

Dziuban, Hartman and Moskal (2004) in a research brief for EDUCAUSE titled “Blended Learning” noted that blended learning should be viewed as a pedagogical approach that combines the effectiveness and socialization opportunities of the classroom with the technologically enhanced active learning possibilities of the online environment, rather than a ratio of delivery modalities.

The implementation of blended learning in education had shown the positive effects. According to Abraham (2007), blended learning can foster critical thinking and have more control over learner’s learning. Blended learning as an instructional approach can revolutionise the entire teaching-learning scenario facilitating and enhancing the learning process.

Blended learning as a supplement to traditional class-room instructions with online interaction

In the information and communication age, the nature of work and the skills required to be successful, are very different then they were required earlier. Today students need to learn and know a great amount of information in a very little time in an inquiry-based, self-directed learning context.

They need to collaborate effectively around the world with students and teachers both face-to-face and online facilitating collaborative learning which is now possible due to web 2.0 tools making internet interactive and providing the opportunities to learn from the teachers and educators from across the globe promoting sharing of their instructional pedagogies and best practices, methods and devices used in their classroom teaching.

With the advanced internet technology and rich web-based tools for learning it is now essential to use online learning and interactions along with traditional classroom teaching to enrich the students in an amazing way and extending the class-room beyond its four walls and fixed time.

Educational websites, e-books, videos, podcasts, online interactions in real time in the form of online classes, webinars, web-conferences or e-workshops etc. can be used effectively along with traditional learning to obtain the objective of effective learning provided that online resources are used judiciously.

One effective way to do so is to follow a module which can guide the teachers how to use various online synchronous and asynchronous resources in a blended way.

Blended Learning Module

1        Classroom  learning	2        Online learning	3        Blend
-          involves Face to face interaction with the students -          Traditional lesson plans are used -          Demonstration, Illustration, discussion, question answer and lecture method can be used	-           involves online    interaction with the students -          Technology integrated lesson plans can be used -          Learning through virtual classroom overcoming the flaws of classroom teaching -          Use of online resources Educational websites Interactive videos Audios -          Other multimedia features -          Interaction with global community of teachers and learners -          Learning of content and techno skills of 21st century	-          To further assist learning blend of the two( classroom and online learning) is used Where teacher along with the online resources facilitates learning -          Use of various synchronous and asynchronous resources takes place along with the traditional teaching. e.g.,Video and audio conferencing Webcasting, online interactions and other asynchronous resources are used to enhance learning.

Example of pedagogical strategies for blended learning

Purpose of blended learning	Examples of effective strategies
Open Interaction	Creating small group debate discussion teams Encouraging integration of classroom lecture and readings in debate and discussion Assigning facilitator and wrapper Integrating online activities in evaluation of student performance Organizing online classes, webinars and web-conferences for students as an integral part of class-room teaching promoting interaction with the teacher, educationists and students around the world Using the software’s like skype for video and audio interaction with a group of teachers across the globe like “hlw-hello little world”
Knowledge creation	Inviting external experts to online classroom Combining asynchronous and synchronous online interactions Promoting anchored learning by requiring students to preview materials for online discussions Integrating online activities in evaluation of students performance Reducing class time during online activities
Information distribution	Posting articles to read before each class begins Creating online social networking  groups for the students Posting articles used during class to review afterward Posting and uploading classroom learning and interaction in video and audio form Tracking students viewing of articles and materials Sending personal messages to students who do not check articles and materials through e-mails and social networking sites
Efficient management	allowing electronic submission of assignment Creating a list of standardized feedback Combining standardized feedback with personal messages

        Working of the module is explained by my Smart Plan

in a blog post on "My Smart Plan"

http://romasmartjoseph.blogspot.in/2013/01/my-smart-lesson-plan-w-hen-i-think.html
 

Advantages of blended learning

Researches evidences prove that blended learning has many advantages over traditional teaching some are mentioned over here

• Blended environments have the potential to increase and extend instructor-student and student-student connectivity and builds relationships even more than in traditional or online courses.
• Discussions started in class are continued online and online interactions can be discussed  in the traditional face-to-face classes.
• Integration of out-of-class activities with in-class activities allows more effective use of traditional class time.
• Students who rarely take part in class discussions are more likely to participate online.
• Researchers report that students write better papers, perform better in exams, produce high quality projects, and are capable of more meaningful discussions on course material when reflecting online.
• Students are better able to master concepts and apply what they have learned compared to students in sections of their traditionally taught courses.
• Students may develop higher-order skills of critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to apply theoretical models to real-world data.

Conclusion

In today’s digital world it is an educators’ responsibility to create the best learning environment for their learners in order to achieve the learning goals and objectives. Blended learning environment is seen to be one of the best learning environments that can be implemented when its advantages are considered. However, other learning approaches should also be revised and considered to complement blended learning as well as to ensure the effectiveness of teaching and learning process.

References

Abraham, A. (2007). Student centred teaching of accounting to engineering students: Comparing blended learning with traditional approaches. Proceedings of ASCILITE, pp 1-9

Bonk, C. J. & Graham, C. R. (2006). The Handbook of Blended Learning. San Francisco: Pfeiffer.

Dziuban, C., Hartman, J., Moskal, P., Blended Learning,EDUCAUSE Review, Volume 2004, Issue 7, 2004

McSporran, M. & King, C. (2005). Blended Is Better: Choosing Educational Delivery Method. Retrieved October 21, 2007 from http://hyperdisc.unitec.ac.nz/research/KingMcsporranEdmedia2005.pdf