Blended Learning

Teaching and learning landscapes are rapidly changing. The 21 st century has seen a rise in
technological integration in the classroom and the widespread use of technologies in society.
Besides, access to the internet has integrally improved teaching. Blended learning is a
combination of different learning methods that incorporate a variety of teaching models-
traditional face-to-face learning and eLearning. A blended learning environment enhances
diversity and differentiation in the classroom. A blended learning approach enhances the
learner’s learning experiences and keeps them engaged as it incorporates a variety of learning
styles thus catering to diverse learning needs.

There are different types of blended learning that enhance content delivery. First, there is
rotation, where students rotate between face-to-face methods of content delivery and online
methods of learning that are self-paced. During these rotations, students follow planned
schedules, which are flexible depending on arising needs. Flex is the second kind of blended
learning and this entails delivering a significant portion of the instruction online. In this kind of
learning, teachers provide support, if needed, in small group settings. In the video, Fundamentals
of Blended Learning, it is evident that blended learning is about delivering content digitally as
the teacher focuses on the application of concepts and the depth of the delivered instruction
(Education Elements, 2012). Through Flex learning, a teacher is able to leverage digital content
and enhance learning by integrating face-to-face teaching whenever necessary. The third and
final type is the Pod Concept which involves different pods or levels of learning within a certain
classroom, and the educator acts as a consultant or behavior expert to sustain each level.

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Blended learning is informed by Piaget’s theory of Cognitive Development, which
focuses on social interaction as one of the ways through which learning is enhanced (LeFrançois,
2018). Blended learning enhances unlimited interaction between the teacher and the learners, and
among the learners themselves. Since interaction is not limited to the classroom, learning is
enhanced.

Blended learning is advantageous in different ways as it breaks down the walls of
traditional teaching that may not work for all students. the integration of technology into the
classroom through blended learning enhances student interest. It eliminates monotony and
classroom boredom as students have a variety of channels through which information is
delivered to them. This model of learning keeps students focused for longer periods of time.
Besides, it provides room for student autonomy as the use of online learning materials increase
the ability of a student to set appropriate learning goals depending on individual learning style.
Thus, students are able to pace their own learning as they are able to access internet resources
wherever they are. Learning is not limited to the walls of a physical classroom and the presence
of a teacher in class, as is the case with traditional face-to-face teaching.

However, there are some disadvantages associated with the blended learning approach.
First, it limits learner participation, as every learner is required to have basic knowledge of
technology. Also, it is a lot of work to the teacher as it requires picking the right syllabus, getting
the correct ratio between online learning and face-to-face learning, and the fact that there is no
agreed universal way of doing it makes it harder.

Blended learning is changing the role of teachers in many different ways. The teacher
does not have to be in class as instruction can take place anytime anywhere. Teachers do not

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have to pace students, as blended learning allows for self-pacing. Students can set their own pace
and adjust their learning accordingly. Also, teachers do not have to track student progress as
students themselves can do that. On the other hand, teachers have more work as there is extended
contact with students. Students have access to the teacher even after classroom hours.

I plan on using Webtools in my classroom to create a blended learning environment. One
of the tools that I will use as I integrate technology in the classroom is Google Docs. This is a
free web processing software that allows for files and documents to be saved on Google Drive.
As a teacher, I will use this tool to enhance collaborative learning, sharing information with the
students and provision of real-time feedback to the students. For instance, through collaborative
writing, my students will be able to work on as a team. Google Docs has a collaborative feature
that makes it possible for students to share their ideas on one document from different times or
places. Other than Google Docs, I will also incorporate VoiceThread. I will upload documents,
presentations, share images and videos with the students. oi will leave comments and students
can make their presentations and leave comments there at their own convenience.

Overall, learners learn differently, and the teaching methods applied should reflect this
diversity. Blended learning allows for teaching programs that reach auditory, visual, and kinetic
learners. The integration of technology improves teaching and makes it more interactive and
engaging. Blended learning is important as students never outgrow learning styles. Thus, no
matter the age or level of learning, blended learning has brought a new perspective to learning.

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References

Education Elements. (2012). The Fundamentals of Blended Learning [Video file] Retrieved from
http://vimeopro.com/edelements/education-elements/video/29536658
LeFrançois, G. R. (2018). Psychology for teaching (2nd ed.). Retrieved from
https://content.ashford.edu