Blended Learning
Blended learning is a formal education programme which is combination of both in-person classroom presence as well as individual study online. The multichannel learning method which is combination of classroom learning and online learning.
According to Lawless (2019), Blended learning is an approach to education that combines online educational materials and opportunities for interaction online with traditional place-based classroom methods
Advantage of the blended learning method are:
a) Accessible: Schools/Universities can provide recorded videos of class which educational institute can upload in online platform and student can access it anywhere any time. classes, videos, and other downloadable resources to students all over the country which they can access anywhere anytime.
b) Affordable; With the development of our own learning management system, it can be made affordable to all. e-library are more affordable than buying books
c) Flexible – student can download and study the uploaded content individually at any time according to his convenience. Student can progress at their own pace.
d) Independent - Students are free to take initiative with their studies, which make them self-learner and independent.
Disadvantage of the blended learning method are:
All student may not know how to use the technology and may not have access to technology. Also, it need digital infrastructure and which may not available. Teacher need to prepare a lot of material within limited time.
Traditional learning method can be created by adding some technology-based learning activities. Also, we can re-designing the course with the online part and class room part. We can provide training to teacher on platforms, tools etc to develop and implement blended learning. Identify the needs of the learner and develop the learning method. It is essential to have a stable and accessible technical learning environment e.g. MOOC. Different model can be use:
- First online learning and discuss on face - to -face class.
- Online learning and face- to-face class if student need help.
- Online elements during a face-to face class
The History Of Blended Learning
·
Sir Isaac Pitman
launches the first distance education course in 1840. Pitman sent shorthand texts to his students
via mailed postcards and they were required to send them back to be graded and
corrected
·
Modern computer-based
training started at in 1960’s and 70’s. The training provided to workers within
an organization without using printed materials and face-to-face instruction. One
of the system was Plato developed by Control Data and the University of
Illinois back in 1963.
·
In 970’s to 1980’s, companies began using video to train their
employees. Learners communicate with their peers, watch the instructor on TV,
and ask any questions by mail. The example is the Stanford University
Interactive TV network.
·
In 1980’s & 1990’s,
Schools and organizations began using CD-ROMs interactive video and sound.
The first Learning
Management Systems (LMS) were introduced.
·
In 1998, First
Generation Of Web-Based Instruction developed. the organizations upload
material, eLearning assessments, and assignments via the web, and learners
could access them
·
From 2000 Until Today, the union between face-to-face instruction and technology-based learning is producing new and creative ways of
blended learning.
Caroline, L. (2019), What is blended learning?
Ottenstein, L and Mainali, S.
(2020), What is Blended Learning and Why does Nepal need it? (https://insights.fuseclassroom.com/)
