Blended Learning: What Is It and How Does It Work?

Blended Learning is a highly effective approach that helps personalizing a student’s learning experience. It leverages the power of technology. And combines the elements of online learning with the enriched experience of in-person instructional delivery. The core idea behind incorporating technology with in-campus instructions is to help students learn ways to adapt to the dynamic world around them. This form of learning improves their overall engagement. And also connects their learning to the real –world scenarios. In the recent times, this approach is also popular amongst leading companies to conduct training programs their employees.

Statistics prove that blended programs are highly popular amongst companies (33% of small and mid-sized companies) and educational institutions. Because these are highly convenient and effective for both training and educational purposes.

Globally, academicians and stakeholders are convinced about the support system created by technology in the teaching and learning processes.

Read on to explore more dimensions of this approach that prove its student-centricity in this digitally-driven world.

What is Blended Learning?

Blended programs use the strengths of both online and face-to-face instructions to enhance instructional delivery. This approach is about creating a combination of both virtual and in-campus learning. And this combined pedagogy reaches all types of learners across various styles and intelligence types.

The best part about this combined method of instructional delivery is that it caters to different students who learn in their individual ways. This pedagogy takes their learning beyond the vicinity of a regular classroom. In this way, high-quality learning extends beyond regular classroom timings and space.

Why Blended Learning?

LMS blended learning is a booming trend that picked up pace during the pandemic. According to the U.S. News, this approach is quite visionary, and it is certainly here to stay. Experts suggest that this form of teaching and learning will be even more common in the future. In fact, the worldwide blended learning market is already driving growth with an estimation of $27.89 billion between the years 2021-25. This promising momentum shows progress at a CAGR of around 13%.

In a nutshell, this pedagogy is not a mere alternative to the pandemic disruption. In fact, it is an addition to the mainstream system. And will certainly grow better with the passing years.

How Popular Is Blended Learning Amongst the Students?

According to the findings of a leading journal, this model shows an increase in overall student performance. 83% of the students evaluated in this regard found this approach positive for them.
Another similar study shows that this approach improves the student’s ability to study independently. This improves their researching skills, wherein they are able to refine both their skills and knowledge.

These evidences show that the student’s learning can be optimized with this approach. Because online course components add more value to their learning. And students gain more control over their learning.

Types of Blended Learning

The most common types of blended learning are:

Station Rotation
Lab Rotation
Individual Rotation
Flipped Classroom
Flex
A La Carte
Enriched Virtual

Here’s a brief outline of these models for better understanding.

Blended Learning Models

As per the U.S Ministry of Education, there are 7 popular blended learning models:

Station Rotation
This one is mostly used in elementary classrooms. It allows at least one station to be completely online. And the entire combination of stations is meant for students to rotate through the stations in predefined schedules.

Lab Rotation
Similar to the first model this one has a dedicated computer lab for the online station arrangement.

Individual Rotation
In this model, students do not rotate through any stations. In fact, they rotate with the schedule of the activities planned on their playlists.

Flipped Classroom
A highly popular model in the present times, flipped classroom is a unique way of engaging students with online work, with the guided practice of the teacher.

Flex
This model allows more freedom for the students. And they can always seek the teacher’s assistance as and when they need it.

A La Carte
These are mostly courses at the higher level wherein students avail some specific learning opportunities through an online program.

Enriched Virtual
A model that empowers students to carry on with most of the work through the online medium. Students do not need regular attendance in most cases. Instead, it can be a limited number of in-person classes with most of the work carried on virtually.

For many students and stakeholders, there are different purposes for combining online and in-campus instruction. Let’s explore more details about this now.

What Is the Purpose of Blended Learning for Teachers?

Most teachers who work with this combination of instructional delivery aim at utilizing the resources to the fullest. They allow students to learn independently during the asynchronous duration. And this gives them the opportunity to expand their horizon over and above their individual perspectives. This model is believed to be highly effective for all students in the school and even for the ones studying at the university level. In fact, it is equally helpful for the ones who wish to continue their training through online tools (for example, blended learning NJATC, blended learning DCPS, and blended learning JATC).

Benefits of Blended Learning for Students

The advantages of this model fully extend to the student community. Because it helps them to reduce the cost of education, add more flexibility and convenience. All in all, this approach makes their learning more meaningful through a combination of online tools.

At all stages of formal education, students are embracing these advantages to hone their skills for a digitized lifestyle. In the recent past, the pandemic has been an eye-opener about the vulnerability of our education system. This pillar of support has brought in the much-needed dimension with an array of advantages for all of us.

Benefits of blended learning for studnets

How to Get Started with Blended Learning?

The first step to make the most of this model is to be prepared with the basic techniques. For teachers, institutions, or staff members, this training includes the use of innovative teaching models, digital tools, and similar pedagogies. teachers must know how to segregate the topics, align these in sequence, and deliver using the most appropriate pedagogies. Other essential aspects like lesson planning, feedback and guided instruction, etc. are the same as traditional teaching.

For students, they require the necessary arrangements. These include a compatible device, quiet study space, writing utensils, gadgets like headphones to attend online classes, etc. In other words, students need to be hands-on with technology tools. And they must understand the requirements to make the most of this model. Just like an accredited online school, this model also demands high attentiveness to improve educational productivity. Students must prepare for the class well in advance (for a blended program). In addition, they must learn how to be ready to interact and collaborate with their peers and teachers as well.

Wrapping Up

LMS blended learning has made giant students into the education industry with its superior design. This model empowers the teachers and students to take charge of their learning. It is a wonderful way of improving learning outcomes by making students active learners. Other than the must-discussed advantages, this model also has the potential to bring down the biggest challenge i.e. the ‘financial burden’ for many students.

At the core, this model is one of the most popular ones amongst new-age students. As per a study, 90% of the students preferred this one over any other model.

Percentage of students preferred blended learning

Clearly, the learning and satisfaction associated with this teaching and learning pedagogy creates positive perceptions amongst the students and stakeholders. In the years to come, this trend is likely to outweigh traditional learning methods. Today, when the world is looking for resilient and cost-effective options, blended learning is certainly a trend to bank upon!

Thanks for Reading!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the effects of blended learning on students?
There are several advantages of blended learning. It leads to better achievements, boosts student engagement, without increasing overall educational costs. Another advantage of this model is that it improves a student’s self-study skills.

Mention some of the blended learning advantages and disadvantages?
- Advantages:
  - Improves student engagement
  - Makes education more convenient
  - Reduces cost of education
  - Boosts independent learning habits
  - Supports building the right learning attitude
- Disadvantages:
  - Not suitable for students who depend on direct contact with the teacher.
  - Dependent on technology
  - Requires good infrastructure

Explain in short about blended learning NJATC?
Blended learning NJATC gives an opportunity to attend a blended course for practice. Electrical apprentices can hone their skills through this training.

What are the benefits of blended learning DCPS?
DCPS (District of Columbia Public Schools) offers high-quality instructional approach through the power of blended learning. Students can enjoy an immersive learning experience through rich digital resources. They get a highly enriched personalized learning opportunity. And the best part is that the traditional touch is also retained.

Mention the advantage of blended learning JATC?
This training helps the trainees to enjoy hands-on practice time through blended learning JATC.

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