BLENDED LEARNING IN 21st CENTURY: INNOVATIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING TECHNOLOGY

SUSHMA H.B.RESEARCH SCHOLAR

DEPARTMENT OF STUDIES AND RESEARCH IN EDUCATIONGULBARGA UNIVERSITY, KALABURAGI

INTRODUCTION

•New advancement in technology has brought changes and challenges from traditional to more advanced mode of teaching and learning process.•To say a shift from traditional chalk and talk class room to technologically based web based learning, e-learning, M-learning, e-resources, cloud computing and blended learning or hybrid learning.•This, which combines electronic based learning and traditional learning environment.

•Blending learning is about finding better ways of supporting

students in achieving the learning objectives and providing them

with the best possible learning and teaching experiences, as well

as supporting teachers in their profession.

•Blended learning is a learning approach formed with the combination of the different learning environments and activity types for a certain group with the addition of electronic sources to the face to face learning.

OBJECTIVES

•To know• What is blended learning.•Why blended learning.• Models of blended learning.•Benefits of blended learning.•Advantages of blended learning.

what is blended learningBlended learning is a formal educational program in which a

student learns at least in part through online delivery of instruction and content, with some element of student control over time, place, path and pace and at least in part in a supervised brick and mortar place away from home.

BLENDED LEARNING

why blended learning•Blended learning helps in achieving better students learning experience and academic outcomes, and effective teaching management.• It is all about effectively integrating information and communication technologies into designing course and in term enhancing teaching and learning experiences for both students’ and teachers’. •It involves amalgamation of delivery modes, teaching approaches and learning styles.

Models of blended learning

• Six models of blended learninga) Face-to-Face Driver Modelb) Rotation Modelc) Flex Modeld) Online Lab Modele) Self-Blend Modelf) Online Driver Model

Models of blended learning

a) Face-to-Face Driver ModelOf all the blended learning models, face-to-face driver is the closest to a typical school structure.

With this approach, the introduction of online instruction is decided on a case-by-case basis, meaning only certain students in a given class will participate in any form of blended learning.

The face-to-face driver approach allows students who are struggling or working above their grade level to progress at their own pace using technology in the classroom.

b) Rotation ModelIn this form of blended learning, students rotate between

different stations on a fixed schedule – either working online or spending face-to-face time with the teacher.

The rotational model is more widely used in elementary schools.

In this model students became more active learners and often challenged themselves to work harder and learn material that had not yet been introduced in their classroom.

c) Flex ModelIn this approach, material is primarily delivered online. Although teachers are in the room to provide on-site support

as needed, learning is primarily self-guided, as students independently learn and practice new concepts in a digital environment.

d) Online Lab ModelIn this students learn entirely online but travel to a dedicated

computer lab to complete their coursework. Adults supervise the lab, but they are not trained teachers.

This not only allows schools to offer courses for which they have no teacher or not enough teachers, but also allows students to work at a pace and in a subject area that suits them without affecting the learning environment of other students.

e) Self-Blend Model• In this individuals will attend a traditional school environment,

they also opt to supplement their learning through online courses offered remotely.

• Self-blend is ideal for the student who wants to take additional Advanced Placement courses, or who has interest in a subject area that is not covered in the traditional course catalog.

f) Online Driver Model

In this form of blended learning students work remotely and material is primarily delivered via an online platform. Although face-to-face check- is optional, students can usually chat with teachers online if they have questions. This model of blended learning is ideal for students who need more flexibility and independence in their daily schedules.

Benefits of blended learning

a. Inclusion of more differentiated/personalised instruction. b. Increased access to resources, experts and learning opportunities. c. More authentic and student driven tasks being incorporated into the curriculum. d. Higher student engagement. e. Greater opportunities for collaboration (especially beyond the classroom and involving the wider school community) .f. Better access to infrastructure and, anytime, anywhere learning.

Advantages of blended learning

a. An increase in learning outcome. b. An opportunity for students to practice technology skills in navigating online course materials and creating their own digital content for assessment. c. An increase in student-teacher and student-student interaction through the use of communication tools like discussion forums, blogs and shared web content on the electronic whiteboard.

d. The ability to reserve face-to-face time for interactive activities, such as higher-level discussions, small group work, debates, demonstrations, or lab activities. e. Flexibility and the freedom to learn anytime, anywhere.f. Some level of control over the pacing of their learning. Difficult concepts can be reviewed as often as necessary. g. More engaging content that they can create and use their own initiative, and networks to shape.

h. The opportunity to engage and draw on expertise that would otherwise not be available to them without costly travel, such as virtual conferencing with zoo/museum/gallery or virtual excursions to overseas historical or culturally significant landmarks. i. Broaden the spaces and opportunities available for learning.j. Support course management activities (e.g., communication, assessment submission, marking and feedback).k. Support the provision of information and resources to students.l. Engage and motivate students through interactivity and collaboration.

CONCLUSION

Adopting a blended learning approach offers the appeal of combining different learning elements using the power of ICT while retaining a human touch. It can be concluded that synchronous communication environments should coexist with asynchronous ones.