5.Blended Learning

Nowadays, the way in which students learn has suffered different changes during the history. In the past, people studied differently. They went to schools and universities, and they received classes in a particular way because teachers were the only who talk in classes. Those students did not have much participation. Now, there are some differences in teaching. Students and teachers have seen new way of teaching, methodologies, approaches in teaching and so on, and there is an interaction among students and teachers; however, students are the center of the lesson. We can say this a common way that everybody has.

In a normal class, students receive classes, and teachers explain a topic, deliver activities, and they assign homework assignments and evaluations, we can called these face-to-face classes. To understand blended learning is important to mention the “normal classes” because it plays an important role. Also, it is necessary to mention a new learning that has been having a big contribution is the one called online learning. We can say that inline learning is the one that takes place with a computer and internet connection. We can say this learning is not face-to-face because teachers and students do not meet each other. Online learning takes places with a teacher that gives classes by video call, assigns homework assignments and shares information.

 Now, blended learning is the one that combines online learning and traditional learning. It means that those classes are semi-face to face because students and teachers have classes in both sides, in the computer and in the classroom. Blended learning has changed the way that students learn because technology is important in nowadays society. Therefore, blended learning is a good option because it takes advantages of technology and traditional learning. An example of blended learning` methodology can be the following. Teachers can create a lecture for the class, and they can share it in a platform. Students can read that information that is available the time that students want; however, in the classroom, teachers can solve a problem or a doubt if students have based on the lecture. Teachers and students can a have a discussion as well because they have a background knowledge. Students have personal feedbacks and assessments. In other words, blended learning takes advantages and explore the two sources that students have for learning.  

Advantages and disadvantages for blended learning

Let us talk about some advantages of blended learning.

We as teachers should apply blended learning to our classes because we can teach in a better way. Blende learning brings many benefits to students. If they want, they can find many courses based on their interests. Here are some advantages.

Flexibility

Blended learning is flexible with students because they can study the hours they want, and they are not push to study a lot. They can deliver homework assignments when they are able to do it because teachers are not strict.

Effective

Blended learning is effective. It has many tools for students for students to learn. In platforms, students can find many strategies, good information and materials. When they have questions, they can ask teachers, and they give answers fast.

Cheap

This aspect is hand with flexibility because students just need a computer and internet connection. They do not spend much money; for example, they do not travel all days, they can find the information in the computer and do not buy handouts, so it is cheaper than going to the classroom every day.

Secure and comfortable

Students are not at risk because they do not go out almost every day, and it is comfortable because they study at home and they time they can.

We can find some disadvantages such as students do not have discipline at the moment of studying, or students do not know how to use technology. However, there are more advantages, and teachers have to use the power of technology to teach. 

Some ideas were taken from:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paQCE58334M

http://www.knowledgewave.com/blog/benefits-of-blended-learning

https://www.mindflash.com/elearning/what-is-blended-learning