BLENDED LEARNING

11.  BLENDED LEARNING

What is Blended Learning?A blended learning approach combines face to face classroom methods with computer-mediated activities to form an integrated instructional approach .Blended learning applies science or IT activities with the assistance of educational technologies using computer, cellular or Satellite television channels, and other emerging electronic media. Why blend ?

—  To join the best aspects of both face to face and online instruction. Classroom time can be used to engage students in advanced interactive experiences. 

—   The online portion of the course can provide students with multimedia-rich content at any time of day, anywhere the student has internet access.

v  Advantage and Disadvantage

·        increased what students learned

·        make learning independent, useful, sustainable and ever growing flexibility in scheduling and timetabling of course work

v  Disadvantage

·        computer and internet access are rare in the small village

·        Limited knowledge in the use of technology study

Blended learning began as online learning when poor rural school districts had to rely on online learning for students who were taking higher level classes that they could not afford a teacher to come in and teach.

v  Role of the facilitator

·         An integrated combination of technology-based materials and face-to-face sessions to present content

·         An instructor can begin a course with a well-structured introductory lesson in the classroom, and then proceed with follow-up materials online

v  Implications for Teacher Preparation

·        First, Teachers need to be trained to use the available tools and technology.

·         Second, Teachers need to be trained in online pedagogy; particularly, how to communicate content without the use of contextual cues.