All You Need to Know About Blended Teaching & Learning

Over the previous year, teaching and learning institutions globally have undergone enormous changes. The pandemic has resulted in a shift in the way teachers educate, and although some changes may be transient, others might be here to stay. Although the notion of blended teaching-learning has been around for a while, its application has been very much in focus.

What Is Blended Teaching and Learning?

Blended teaching and learning employ diverse mixes of conventional face-to-face learning experiences with online and mobile technology. The idea is that each aspect complements the other.

Of course, the notion of employing technology to enhance in-person learning isn’t a new one. However, in more recent years, the consensus appears to be that blended teaching-learning is a mix of face-to-face and technology-based learning.

In higher education, specifically, the application of blended teaching and learning appears to be mainstream practice. The method doesn’t always follow a certain educational method. It may occur together with in-person learning or away from it.

Blended Learning Vs. Hybrid Learning

Quite frequently, you’ll see the phrase hybrid learning used interchangeably with that of blended learning in online classes for teacher certification. Although there isn’t really anything wrong with doing so, digital learning experts point out that there is a slight distinction between the notions. While there is interchangeability, hybrid learning is typically employed when the students themselves have a larger degree of choice as to how they interact with their learning and can shift between onsite and remote delivery seamlessly.

What Are the Forms of Blended Teaching-Learning?

Here are some excellent blended teaching and learning practices:

Station Rotation: 

With this strategy, students cycle among multiple ‘stations’ on a regular timetable. Usually, at least one of these stations is an online learning one.

Lab Rotation: 

This system is substantially the same as the one above, except that online learning takes place in a designated computer lab. It allows both students and teachers greater freedom while making use of current resources.

Individual Rotation: 

Again, this concept is identical to both station and lab rotation. However, it’s personalized to each individual student, and not every student will necessarily visit each station.

Flex Learning:

 This concept is all about generating flexibility. Online learning is key to this system, while teachers give assistance and teach when the student requires it.

Enriched Virtual Learning: 

With this strategy, the bulk of coursework is accomplished digitally and remotely. Rather than enjoying a normal classroom experience, students just go for face-to-face sessions as necessary.

Online Driver: 

Unlike the previous strategies, this one takes place totally online. It’s self-directed by the student, and they may engage with a teacher by chat, email or message board. Although incredibly adaptable, it lacks face-to-face engagement.

These are only some of the blended teaching and learning approaches accessible to teachers. It’s easy to mix and combine aspects to create an atmosphere that works best for students and teachers alike.

Benefits of Blended Teaching and Learning

Let’s take a look at some of the particular benefits of blended teaching and learning for both students and teachers. It’s crucial to remember that various strategies will work for different students and their unique requirements.

Benefits for Students

• Students have the freedom to proceed at their own speed. Others who are comfortable with the topic may go through the online material more quickly, while those who are less confident can stop and replay the difficult sections.
• At all times, there is material accessible. Any time a student prefers to work, they may log in and access the courses, lectures, and other resources they need to study.
• Students may prepare ahead of time for class. Students may examine essential ideas and subjects via online learning prior to face-to-face demonstrations when using blended learning for practical practice.
• It has the potential to boost retention. Blended learning, according to many studies from the 2000s, helped students remember more material. 
• It may assist with self-directed learning. Students are given self-advocacy and the opportunity to take charge of their education in many blended learning methods.

Benefits for Teachers

• Teachers may use a variety of resources to create learning materials for a variety of situations. When teaching a certain subject, they might employ lectures, tutorials, and practical situations, for example.
• Different teaching techniques may be aided by technology. Blended teaching-learning may promote active learning, real-world settings, social learning, and the application of information to new contexts.
• Set objectives and keep track of your progress. Many blended teaching and learning systems enable teachers and trainers to monitor their students’ progress.
• Make a strategy that is unique to you. Teachers may then concentrate on adapting their face-to-face class time to the requirements of their students by generating online materials.

Final Thoughts

It’s simple to understand why online classes for teacher certification over recent years. The method of mixing online and remote activities with face-to-face learning may assist both students and teachers. However, it’s crucial to understand that not everyone will benefit from blended teaching-learning, and it doesn’t necessarily represent the requirements of all learners.

Read more: How can technology help education?