Blended Learning

Blended Learning is an integrated learning approach that combines traditional learning methods and media with modern e-Learning/computer-mediated tools. It seeks to integrate these methods and tools to enhance learning outcomes. A primary consideration is how to best bring together the social aspects of face-to-face communication with the flexibility and efficiency of e-Learning.

Kinds of blended learning

While the ways of combining e-Learning and face-to-face teaching practices are many, the nature of ‘the blending’ can be characterised in two ways:

Supplemental Blending: the incorporation of computer tools for delivering learning elements of a course without altering the structure of a traditional course. In other words, technology is used to enhance traditional instruction, most typically in the provision of course content and important information.

E.g. Electronic/power point web notes in a university lecture (replacing text books); computer based quizzes/exams with written and multiple choice answers.

Replacement Blending: full integration of web-based computer tools and media into the instruction of a course, causing changes in structure and methodology which differ from traditional teaching methods. Such blending typically causes radical changes in the balance between face-to-face and virtual learning environments, and the nature of any face-to-face learning taking place.

Replacement blending is an evolving concept, with continuous innovations in computer-based methodology. Some contemporary examples include:

• The replacement of classroom lecture time, with interactive computer based modules for the communication of lesson content. Such a change greatly reduces teacher-student interaction and allows more times for collaborative student-student activities during class. The teacher’s role in this case becomes more like that of a facilitator.

• Assessment and activities administered through web 2.0 tools (see web 2.0 tools section in the toolkit for more information). E.g. Students demonstrating their learning through an online ‘Prezi’ presentation or uploaded ‘YouTube’ video, instead of performing or presenting in class; students creating a written blog entry on ‘PB Works’ with embedded photos and video, instead of a traditional written report.

• Group work and collaboration for assessments occurring virtually through wikis, online forums, social networking tools etc., instead of in physical space.

Dimensions

There is no fixed method or technique for designing a blended learning course. However, the dimensions and major options to be considered for a teacher/trainer concerning the balancing and integrating traditional and computer-based learning approaches for a given course, can be summed up in the following model:

All seven dimensions represent important components making up the framework of a given course. When planning their course, teachers must choose the most appropriate option for each dimension. There is no formula for doing this. Rather, teachers/trainers must consider the parameters of their education field – target group, teaching content, teaching and learning objectives, learning situation etc. – and their own preference/style, in order to make an informed judgement for each dimension.Furthermore, each dimension cannot be planned in isolation. Teachers must consider how each dimension integrates into an optimal whole.

For example, a teacher may choose to have comprehensive course materials made available online for the ’Level of instruction’ dimension of their course. This would likely mean that a ‘Fixed Daily Schedule’, ‘Teacher Driven Learning’ and ‘Teacher Led instruction’ would be inappropriate. Instead giving students initiative to conduct ‘independent learning’, and allowing ‘open entry/exit’ for the timing in which students can access the learning materials, would integrate more effectively.

On the other hand, if the ‘Role of the Online Components’ was only to ‘assist traditional instruction’ (instead of driving the learning), then a ‘fixed schedule’ and ‘teacher led instruction’ would be probably integrated more appropriately.

Advantages and Disadvantages of different instructional forms

The pros and cons of online vs. traditional forms of teaching depend on a teacher’s personal style, and the parameters of a given teaching context. However, some generic considerations concerning in class work vs. e-learning are provided below:

In class Positives

• Face-to-face instruction is much more social, which can be a strong motivation and support for learning. By contrast, e-Learning instruction and activities can be very impersonal. This can be reduced through the employment of e-tutors and facilitators, but even then, the social connections between teachers and participants, and between participants themselves, remain much less personal.

• In a similar way, instructors are far better able to notice and respond to student difficulty and misunderstanding in a physical classroom, than in an online environment. Thus suggestions and helpful advice can be much more immediately administered in most traditional teaching environments, although this can be partly mediated through online support forums.

Online/E-Learning Positives

• Online activities allow students to learn in a way customised to their own needs – i.e.preferred pace, location and method. This offers significant pedagogical and organisational advantages compared to most physical classrooms, which require students to meet in the same place and be of a reasonably similar ability level in a given subject.

• E-Learning modules usually have a much greater potential for catering to different learning styles, through the use of various electronic media – e.g. presentation slides, videos, audio recordings, computer simulations etc. These different media forms, allow students to use content suited to their own learning preferences.

Other points

• Activities that require practical skills are far more suitable in an in-class environment, as it is very difficult to simulate the performance of such skills via computer technology.

• Also, in class lessons are generally suitable for students with low motivation, because teachers can supervise and drive their progress more directly. Conversely, the use of computer based learning modules for highly motivated groups can negate the lead for teacher explanations, creating the potential for greater student-student discussion of material during remaining in class hours.

Important Tools for Blended Learning Programs

Learning Management System

The vast majority of blended learning programs, use a computer based class management platform, called a Learning Management System (LMS). This is a place where an administrator (or teacher) and students can interact for both learning, and administrative purposes. Common features include:

• Lesson modules - which can be simple documents, or more interactive.

• Discussion forums – where students can ask their teacher questions, and share posts about lesson content with other students.

• Administrative features – e.g. assessment drop box, course calendar, grades, file storage, glossary etc.

• Useful Links – usually related to particular lessons, or to web 2.0 tools.

Web 2.0 Tools

Increasingly, modern ‘blended learning’ courses look to incorporate new tools and media into their lessons, learning activities and assessments. By looking beyond traditional norms teachers and trainers aim to prepare their students for the use of modern technology in the demonstration of their learning.

Common examples include:

• Class Blogs – E.g. Word Press or Blogger – Allows students to express their written ideas and practice communicating them to a wider online audience.

• Class Wiki or website – E.g. Wikispaces – Gives students the potential to work collaboratively when+ conducting group assignments and assessments.

• Cloud file management system and storage – E.g. Google Docs,Drop Box – Enables students and teachers to access files in and outside a physical class room.

• Audio Learning Channels E.g. Podcasts – Offerteachers new resources for content delivery, and students the potential to create audio-material for demonstrating their learning.

• Audio-visual Learning Channels – E.g. You Tube - Offer teachers the a new way of conveying lesson content, and students the potential to create video-material to demonstrate their learning.

• Visual Creation Media – E.g. Glogster – Offers students the potential to create interactive representations of their ideas in visual form, with embedded video and useful links.

• Online Assessment Tools – E.g. Tech4Learning – Offers teachers more efficient and innovative forms ways of assessing their students.