Blended learning, despite all the new hype, isn’t a new word in education. The concepts behind the idea were first developed in the 1960s, and all the formal terminology to describe the concepts emerged around 1990s. So, practically, a fully described idea lives for almost 30 years by now.
Initially the term was vague, for ‘blended learning’ encompassed a vast variety of technologies, like media, web, and different kinds of devices along with the pedagogical methods. Thus, it formed out various combinations, sometimes even excluding the initial point of technology use. Only since 2006 the term has gained more precise meaning, after the release of the first handbook of blended learning by Bonk and Graham. It made the definition of a term more accurate, stating that “Blended Learning Systems combine face-to-face instruction with computer-mediated instruction”. Later on, as the idea evolved, Norm Friesen suggested considering blended learning as the system that “designates the range of possibilities presented by combining Internet and digital media with established classroom forms that require the physical co‐presence of teacher and students”. This definition of the term is to be the closest one to what we see happening in classrooms nowadays.
To simplify it all, we’d say that blended learning implementation is all about combining face-to-face instructions with online learning. You might wonder whether it is a good idea, for classical education worked just fine for decades by now. Well, we have thought of 6 good reasons why you might love the idea of including online studying into the process.
It's no secret that tutors spend most of their time to prepare all the needed materials for students, which includes hours of copying, collecting, stapling and so on. What if all those materials were uploaded on one platform and a teacher, instead of copying them, would only send a link to any type of research paper, additional or main material, article or PDF document for everybody in the class? Wouldn’t be more convenient and time-saving? Practice shows, it actually is. Therefore such an approach is already actively used by loads of tutors.
Another significant improvement. No need to copying thousands of papers, no need to buy books, notebooks, pencils, and pens. All those copy machines, paper, and ink cost a bunch of money, which now can be saved for more important stuff. All of the materials are gathered online at one place, available to download, read, edit, and send back. What a plus for ecology!
Now is the most fabulous time to start loving classes, for, with implementing online technologies, you can finally focus on group discussions or explanations of things you probably misunderstand. Instead of wasting time on copying and reading materials in class, you can finally concentrate on comprehending, understanding, discussing, and forming opinions.
Tired of making students practice standardized tests in class? Or, maybe, you are a student and you’d love to exercise more, at a more convenient time and place? Well, now it is possible. Transferring all the standardized tests to the online education platforms is easy as ABC. Also, it allows students to have a bit more control over the time, place, and some repetitions needed.
There are plenty of online learning platforms offering a vast variety of built-in communication systems, starting from lettering and messaging the included members and up to video calls and conventions. Thus, tutors can place assignments, due dates, address questions, and much more, with no need to wait till the new school day begins. No need to mention that online learning enlarges the supporting system for students, as many might be too shy to ask questions directly. Now they can message the tutor directly, or the whole group. It incredibly improves the group work.
How many times have you faced one person doing the entire ‘group project' as the established group had no time to collaborate? This madness has to stop, and online component can be of good use here. Online collaboration allows students the excellent schedule flexibility, as there is no need to work synchronously anymore. Also, technology allows tracking who did more or less work, as the impact of each participant is seen under his/her profile. So, this creates an environment of equality for everybody and eases the evaluation process for a tutor. Cool, huh?
Blended learning is another try of modern time to improve the education process, ease the routine tasks, save time, money, and help society enjoy learning. We won’t state that this innovation is flawless and is designed perfectly. Admittedly, it still requires a significant work of a tutor and collaboration from all the students. But at least it creates more opportunities and makes studying a more flexible process, available at any time, from any place.