In-person learning has evolved beyond four-wall chalkboard classrooms. With time, educational styles have changed and given rise to what we now term ‘modern classrooms.’ From traditional physical classrooms to learning entering the digital space, the current learning style is resulting in a more integrated approach to education. Blended learning purposefully meshes all these elements to provide an opportunity for solid and ongoing communication between students and teachers. This approach provides flexibility and allows students and professors to be engaged with one another at a greater level over time.
The synergy of hybrid environments
A hybrid environment is an important aspect of blended learning. For example, while a physical campus is the best environment for forming social connections with peers, having the ability to experience personal autonomy due to the flexibility of a digital environment supports meaningful engagement. This style of blended learning is often called the flipped classroom. In India’s higher education system, blended learning models are changing quickly with the introduction of hybrid or digital platforms.
The fundamentals of courses are being provided through online content, such as pre-recorded video lectures and interactive reading assignments, so that students can learn at their own pace versus having to learn based on a rigid schedule. This creates additional time during in-person classes to support other valuable activities like collaborating on a problem with peers or receiving mentor support from an instructor, which helps in active learning.
How a learning management system (LMS) acts as a command center
A learning management system (LMS) serves as the central hub for creating and managing all components of the educational experience for students and faculty. It brings all aspects of a course, whether in person or online, together in one place to help create a seamless experience. Students can access and review coursework, submit assignments, and check due dates while also connecting with their peers and instructors for deeper learning and feedback.
Fostering collaboration and peer connection
The right use of technology to support collaboration and knowledge sharing in a blended environment fosters a sense of belonging. Discussion boards and wikis allow students to continue conversations outside the classroom, giving all students a chance to participate, especially those who may be uncomfortable speaking in a classroom setting. This helps create a more inclusive learning environment.
Data-driven insights and student success
Using technology to monitor student progress has a tremendous impact on education because it provides teachers with accurate evidence of all students’ performance. An LMS offers a standard way to track student activities and interactions within a course, allowing teachers to quickly identify if students are struggling. As opposed to waiting until midterm to determine problems, teachers receive performance updates every week through the LMS. They can identify modules that present challenges for students and proactively address these issues. Teachers can provide focused support and make modifications to in-person instruction by using technology to acquire timely data on student performance. This guarantees that learning gaps are addressed and acted upon before they affect subsequent learning.
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Empowering the modern educator
Bridging the divide between online and traditional course offerings is about enhancing the human interactions associated with delivering education through efficient use of technology. This increases the amount of time teachers can spend engaging directly with their students, by allowing instructors to use technology for automating processes. Blended learning will not replace the teacher; it will help equip the teacher with a more robust set of tools necessary for meeting the individual needs of the students they teach. The outcome of this will be an educational experience that is seamless and provides students with maximum impact as they prepare for a future that is becoming defined by a more digital world.
Blended learning integrates two components of education: building connections and relationships through face-to-face interaction and providing learners with time flexibility and insight through online resources. Institutions can leverage online resources and collaboration tools through a single LMS to create an overall learning environment that enhances active participation, includes all learners, and provides real-time information to inform instruction.
Views expressed by Vivek Iyer, Managing Director, D2L India
