About Blended Learning

Blended Learning can be understood as a mixture of both face-to-face and online learning. In other words, some elements of a course are de livered online, and some are delivered in a face-to-face fashion. To what extent should we include one or the other is really a matter of balance, since both are crucially important ways of teaching and learning.

The online component still offers opportunities for interaction and communication between learners, and between learners and teacher, since a variety of web 2 tools can be used to establish rapport. For instance, learners can use Skype, Video chats, text chats, among others.

Pursuing this way of teaching  will give the teacher more time in the classroom to discuss overall difficulties and doubts that learners may have, this allow the teacher to make a more effective use of her time . Besides, if students do a test online the teacher will have the assessment reports online that will enable her to tailor and prepare the next lesson accordingly to the results.

A further advantageous aspect of blended lessons is that it gives learners more freedom, since they can access whenever they can and wherever they are. Furthermore, students will be browsing a safe online environment, which is restricted to the teacher and the students. They have everything they need there without having to visit external sources.

The following advantages and disadvantages of blended learning are taken from a book “Teaching Online Tools and techniques, options and opportunities” by Nickly Hockly

-Flexible - learners can log on when and where they like.

-Learners have access all day, every day.

-It is quick and easy for learners to submit work and assignments.

-Geographical location is not an issue.

-Many learners are familiar with the internet already.

-It can include multimedia.

-It can be cheaper for the learner.

-Flexibility means learners need to be disciplined and self-motivated.

-Learners may expect the teacher to be available 24/7.

-Learners may expect instant responses and feedback.

-It may be difficult to meet in real-time across time zones.

-Some learners may find working online alienating, or spend too much time already online at work.

-Lower-bandwidth connections can mean that not all media can be viewed easily.

-It can be more time-consuming for teachers.