Blended learning: The Pedagogy for Today's World

What Is Blended Learning?

The term blended learning refers to a learning that is facilitated by an effective combination of different modes of delivery, models of teaching and styles of learning and applying them in an interactively meaningful learning environment. e.g. a mix of live e-learning, face-to-face elements, self-paced learning, computer mediated and mobile learning along with class room learning used to achieve the objectives of learning.
Blended learning is not a new concept, but the tools available to us today are new. Teachers have always used various methods and devices to fulfil their learning objectives but what new is the advanced technology which has given teachers and learners the tools never available before. Both, the software and hardware of technology has brought a complete revolution in the field of education, internet being the driver of learning todaymarks the beginning of a new era in our educational system. Blended learning approach intends to extend the classroom, makes learning more “ people centric” and provides a unique learning experience in space and time.
The terms "blended," "hybrid," and "mixed-mode" are used synonymously but whatever name it may possess it refers to the mixing of classroom teaching methods, learning styles, resource formats, a range of technologies and a range of expertise to enhance learning. For example, it could simply be a use of DVD
or video in a class or a podcast, videoconferencing or use of various websites for explaining a particular topic, power point presentation or a well designed curriculum engaging students in classroom and online activities. Blended learning can be accomplished through variety of media, whether it is mainframe-based, video-based, or web based. There is no fixed formula for the use of technologies in blended learning program due to the variation in the nature of course content, learning objectives and learner’s profile.

The key issue about blending is not to make technology exciting but fitting technology seamlessly into a program appropriate for learning.
In this digital age blended learning can provide the best solution for today’s learning approaches, provided it is thoughtfully used along with the traditional class room teaching.
 Definitions of blended learning
Blended learning can be defined as the mixing of face-to-face teaching and online learning. Students can not only learn in traditional environment but also online, using internet technology and other synchronous and asynchronous web resources. But it is still the teacher who decides the usage and combination of the two, as well as which portion of the student’s learning that will take place online and in the classroom. Although blended learning is being used in education and is also gaining popularity, there is no consensus on a definition of blended learning. Some of the definitions are as follows:
• Blended , mixed or hybrid learning is the integration of face-to-face (F2F)
learning with online learning activities.
• The thoughtful integration of classroom and face-to- face learning
experiences with that of online learning experiences.
• Thoughtfully planned combination of multiple approaches of pedagogy, various delivery modalities online and face-to-face learning to provide the most efficient and effective learning instruction based on self-paced, collaborative, critical, reflective and inquiry-based study.
• Blended learning is a solution that combines different delivery methods, such as collaboration software, Web-based courses, EPSS, and knowledge management practices.
• Blended learning is the learning that mixes various event-based activities, including face-to-face classrooms, live e-learning and self-paced instruction.
• Blended learning is the effective combination of different modes of
delivery, models of teaching and styles of learning, within the four walls of classroom and online learning environments.
• Blended learning is an instructional approach to teach and learn
combining and aligning learning undertaken in face-to-face sessions with learning opportunities created online.
With the rise of learning platforms and growing use of internet technology, teachers and students can now easily access internet and can easily interact in online learning environment. This enables the teacher to set up and manage online activities for students where they can chat, share knowledge, ask questions, access learning resources and can complete assignments online along with their classroom activities provided that they online activities are useful and acts as a compliment and supplement to traditional learning. But the important question to answer is to seek for why it is important? And how it is different from what we have done before? Why Blended Learning?
Blended learning has always been practiced in imparting training and
instructions, learning in physical classroom were blended with lectures, labs, books, handouts, charts, specimens, audio- visual resources such as use of radio, tape recorders and educational movies, excursions and fieldtrips were also used to facilitate learning and to improve learning experiences of a learner. The traditional classroom approach is, in many cases not optimal. Spending time
in a classroom does not maximize learning. It is very difficult for participants to retain all of that information without the opportunity to practice new skills in a realistic environment; in addition, some content does not lend itself to a lecture approach. For example, knowledge based content, delivered largely via lecture, is arguably best delivered in a self-paced format. But today, educational institutes and organizations have a myriad of learning approaches and choices. Along with all other learning environments, online learning has become the most powerful and effective tool of learning. With the advent of web 2.0 tools which has made World Wide Web interactive has
overcome many problems of learning which were never possible before. Blended learning provides various benefits over using any single learning delivery medium alone as it is a well known and experienced fact that learning does not take place only in one way but learners learn through various resources and in different environments, let us ponder upon the benefits of blended learning to understand why it should be used as a modern instructional pedagogy.

The Advantages of Blending

1. Realistic, practical and useful
In traditional classroom teaching the objective of developing all the three learning domains e.g., cognitive, effective and psychomotor, have never been meet, but with the growing technology it is now possible to restructure and reframe educational objectives in order to make learning more realistic, practical, useful, sustainable and ever growing for learners and teachers. Learning becomes more convenient for learners, as classroom learning is backed up by online activities connecting classroom learning to e- learning creating a 24/7 learning environment for students and teachers and keeps them connected
round the clock as they can meet whenever and where ever they want. It is above space and time limitations.

2. Expanded learning horizons

The World Wide Web and internet has connected the whole world due to which there is an information explosion. Students can learn online in an effective and efficient manner. Learners can explore and learn online along with the classroom learning with his own pace just at a click of a mouse.

3. Numerous online resources

Class room experiences and learning can be reaffirmed and restructured with the help of online resources. Educational websites, social net works and interactive activities can help learners grow as much as possible. Blended learning allows teachers and learners to use instructional resources and techniques they might not have had access to in a pure facetoface or fully on-line modality.

4. Global learning and networking

As in blended learning learner has a portion of learning online also he becomes a part of global community and can interact with scholars, academicians, teachers, professionals and students across the globe in a real time. Another basic but important distinction is in professional networking. Online courses often have a student make-up from a large, possibly even global area. For example, students in virtual classes may come from locations around the United States, soldiers stationed overseas, foreign students residing in other countries, etc. These students may have opportunities to participate in class activities with businesses around the nation and the world as well. Therefore, they are already learning how to connect with others globally and virtually. Traditional brick and mortar courses tend to be more localized or regional. Students may be taking classes with a fairly homogeneous group of peers who come from the same town or state. There may be no interaction with others beyond this area. However, this does have some advantages as students will be
getting to know others in or near their own communities.
By blending the online and F2F courses, you will be better networked at the local, regional, and global levels. This should increase your odds at finding gainful employment.

5. Positive learning results

Researches proves positive student perception of the course and improved student performance through blended learning.

6. Engagement and autonomy

In blended learning learners are more engaged as interesting and amazing online activities are involved, they get easy access to learning material after the class also , it also gives more autonomy over the learning activities suiting their unique learning style and learning requirement leading towards optimum learning.

7. Passive to active learning

The focus of the classroom shifts from presentational format to active
learning this involves putting learners in a situation which comples them to read, write, listen and speak.

8. Accountability and real assessment
Interactive content helps create high interest, accountability, and real
assessment

9. Flexible and convenient

Blended learning allows learners to take advantage of much of the
flexibility and convenience of an online course while retaining the
benefits of the face-to-face classroom experience.

10. Enhanced communication skills

The integration of virtual and traditional education emphasize on
different aspects of communication skills that can be harnessed for
improvement in learning and providing gainful placement latter on in life, will help learner to become an effective communicator which will in turn enhance his productivity at workplace making him capable to fulfil the requirements of global business such as holding telephone
conferences, online meetings and interactions, webcasting and other such activities to deal with a diverse group of people spread across the globe.
As blended learning also involves online interaction, completion of
assignments, along with the classroom work it also increases their skills in written and verbal communication. For example, students read and navigate the course site, various web resources for learning, follow directions, compose responses, practice interacting with others, presenting using the latest technology to share ideas, and improving speaking and listening skills.
By combining the benefits of both online and brick and mortar classes, students obtain the communication skills employers are seeking and demonstrate that they can function in either worlds, the electronic and the human.

11.Increased digital fluency

Blended learning helps learners to be digitally fluent by ensuring their
Participation in online classes, workshops, webinars, webcasting etc.,
causing learners full immersion into the virtual world. Students also
becomes confident and competent to handle number of tasks online.