The ocean of knowledge is growing every day, with researchers and scientists adding to the available knowledge. But how do college professors convey the latest knowledge to their students when there is so much information available? Well, the answer is through blended learning.
Now you must be wondering what blended learning is? It is an educational approach that combines traditional physical learning with online resources and teaches students through multiple means. For this reason, blended learning is also known as mixed-mode or hybrid learning.
However, there are no strict rules and outlines for this method. The teaching and learning experience tend to vary in each institute.
Nonetheless, modern learning methods such as blended learning are beneficial to the student and the professor to grasp various concepts.
Encourages Interaction
The traditional classroom methods of teaching on a blackboard are now considered ineffective. The reason is that apart from the student’s testimony and, eventually, their results, there is no way of immediately knowing if they understand the concepts.
Not only that, but we can all remember getting bored of looking at the same board and listening to monotonous lectures for hours on end. Now that modern classrooms have access to technology and the internet, professors have found new techniques to engage the class and teach them better.
There are better ways to convey concepts through audio-visual aids; such means help ensure an interactive environment. Undoubtedly, blended learning methods have made teaching and learning a more efficient and enticing process.
E-Learning Improves the Quality of Teaching
Now that each professor has equal access to knowledge and educational tools, they can design curricula and learning material according to each student’s needs.
Demand for such adaptable and versatile teachers and academicians has also increased. It explains why the average college professor salary has gone up to more than $80,000 per year.
Additionally, blended learning has helped professors and students, as their teaching methods have evolved to suit their student’s needs better. Professors have access to better teaching material and resources, enabling them to teach through case studies and research articles.
Enhanced Accessibility
Before introducing blended learning, educational material and assistance were only accessible to students during school hours. While students possessed all the learning material in the form of notes and textbooks, there was no way to interact and engage with professors.
Now that there are many applications and audio-visual aids available on the internet for learning purposes, students can better access their study material and teachers. Many professors are now focusing on eLearning and providing recorded lectures to their students.
Students Get to Pace Themselves
Every educator faces the dilemma of pacing themselves according to the students learning capabilities. Professional educators have a pace of their own, and often slow learners can find it hard to catch up. We have to understand that not every student is the same.
Each has varying learning approaches and capabilities. They have unique learning paces, and the educator cannot provide one-on-one teaching. But the benefit of blended learning is that students now have access to study material and lectures at any time. It helps slow and fast learners to work at their own pace and catch up accordingly.
Enhanced Communication
Communication is an essential aspect of the learning process. Traditional teaching methods leave little room for proper communication with each student in the classroom.
However, access to technology allows teachers to interact with each student conveniently. Now, students have access to communicate with their instructor via email, online classrooms, etc. It enables a personal connection and provides individualized learning opportunities.
Enables the Usage of Educational Technology
AR and VR technologies completely revolutionized educational institutes. Previously, students had to rely upon lectures to gain knowledge.
However, now they can experience virtual realities that can help them grasp concepts better. Similarly, simulation technology helps students learn complex skills and apply them in the real world. For example, previously, medical students had to start by evaluating dead bodies or patients. But now, simulations, AR, and VR have made it possible for them to practice without interacting with a human body.
Conclusion
Blended learning consists of many benefits for educators and students. The whole education industry benefits from blended learning immensely. But there is a need to realize that just relying upon online sources is not blended learning.
It is imperative to ensure a balance between online tools and software and practical and experimental teaching. Only when various methods combine can a student properly grasp concepts and learn effectively. Plus, open dialogues, chat rooms, and online classrooms also allow students to voice their opinions and knowledge.
There are many benefits of blended learning, but the ones we have mentioned prove that this method is effective and necessary for educational institutes.