Blended Learning

Blended Learning

 

1.1 Introduction

Since the advent of online learning and the fact that it has not been the panacea that everyone thought it would have been, schools and companies have increasingly turned to a more moderate blend of the technological methods and strategies with the traditional ones in an attempt to optimise the benefits of both. In this unit, you will examine the concept of blended learning, and discuss the benefits and limitations of using blending learning approaches.

1.2 Objectives

At the end of the unit, you will be able to:

(a)   Explain the term blended learning

(b)   Discuss the benefits and limitations of blended learning

1.3 Suggested Learning Path

·         View the PowerPoint presentation on Blended Learning – An Overview

·         Email tutor with questions

·         Do Task 1: Discuss two possibilities for Blended Learning in the Caribbean. Write your response in your journal.

·         Read Unit 1 notes.

·         Do Task 2: Elaborate on your response in Task 1 and post your extended response in discussion forum entitled “Possibilities for BL in the Caribbean”

·         Do Task 3 :Crossword Puzzle entitled “Unit 1 Blending Learning Quiz”

·         Email tutor with questions.

1.4       What is Blended Learning?

Blended Learning refers to a combination of online and face-to-face methods in response to learners’ needs and for the achievement of instructional objectives.

This means that multiple approaches, methods and resources to teaching or to educational processes are combined and utilized by the teacher who now expects the students to learn not only from assigned web pages and communication tools (e.g. email, discussion board and chat rooms) but also from face to face lectures, tutorials, person to person discussions and seminars. Examples include combining technology-based materials and traditional print materials, group and individual study, structured pace study and self-paced study, conference calls, tutorial and coaching. It may also include CD-ROM courses, video, simulations and integrated learning systems.  Overall, the best mix of resources

 

1.1 Introduction

Since the advent of online learning and the fact that it has not been the panacea that everyone thought it would have been, schools and companies have increasingly turned to a more moderate blend of the technological methods and strategies with the traditional ones in an attempt to optimise the benefits of both. In this unit, you will examine the concept of blended learning, and discuss the benefits and limitations of using blending learning approaches.

1.2 Objectives

At the end of the unit, you will be able to:

(a)   Explain the term blended learning

(b)   Discuss the benefits and limitations of blended learning

1.3 Suggested Learning Path

·         View the PowerPoint presentation on Blended Learning – An Overview

·         Email tutor with questions

·         Do Task 1: Discuss two possibilities for Blended Learning in the Caribbean. Write your response in your journal.

·         Read Unit 1 notes.

·         Do Task 2: Elaborate on your response in Task 1 and post your extended response in discussion forum entitled “Possibilities for BL in the Caribbean”

·         Do Task 3 :Crossword Puzzle entitled “Unit 1 Blending Learning Quiz”

·         Email tutor with questions.

1.4       What is Blended Learning?

Blended Learning refers to a combination of online and face-to-face methods in response to learners’ needs and for the achievement of instructional objectives.

This means that multiple approaches, methods and resources to teaching or to educational processes are combined and utilized by the teacher who now expects the students to learn not only from assigned web pages and communication tools (e.g. email, discussion board and chat rooms) but also from face to face lectures, tutorials, person to person discussions and seminars. Examples include combining technology-based materials and traditional print materials, group and individual study, structured pace study and self-paced study, conference calls, tutorial and coaching. It may also include CD-ROM courses, video, simulations and integrated learning systems.  Overall, the best mix of resources