Blended learning is proving to be so effective that a lot of companies are starting to invest in it. In fact, tech giants like Google, HP, and Microsoft are intent on improving the Internet access for everyone. It is part of their initiative to give back to the community – since online access is believed to be critical for students to complete their work in school. In fact, HP has committed to giving more than $20 million to “improve educational outcomes for more than 100 million people by 2025.” The ultimate goal is to end poverty by making sure more people get even the most basic literacy and numeracy skills. Reinventing the classroom and using the Internet seems like the best way to provide the underprivileged with the opportunity to learn.
If all of these tech companies are pushing to provide Internet access to pave the way for online learning, what does blended learning have to do with anything?
Also known as hybrid learning, this type of learning combines the best of the traditional brick and mortar classroom and the virtual one. It is when instructors inside the classroom use multimedia and digital tools to help their students get a better grasp of the lesson. It is also when some parts of the lesson happen online.
So what makes blended learning really special?
First of all, it makes the learning more fun – especially for the children. You have to understand that the generation today does not know life without the digital world. Refusing to implement that in a traditional classroom discussion will make it boring and outdated. When that happens, you can lose the interest of the students. If wouldn’t be long before you also lose their respect. At least, when it comes to your ability to give them the learning experience that they want.
Another benefit of blended learning is it allows the students to get access to the learning materials anytime and anywhere. This is what is great about online learning. As long as they have an Internet connection, it is possible to access learning without worrying about any logistics. Regardless of what is done in their spare time, it is easier to find a way to squeeze learning.
Hybrid learning can make that easier to do. The idea of self-paced learning only became possible because of this method. It is possible for both slow and fast learners to grasp the same concept – regardless of how they choose to do so. You can even say that it levels the field of learning – where everyone has the opportunity to learn no matter what.
Since blended learning allows the education to happen online, the access to various resources also becomes available. After all, the Internet is a rich source of information. It is easy to tap into this source. Students can get access to links and they can enjoy new information that can support the learning curve.
As you can see, blended learning has a multitude of benefits but it has to be applied in a timely matter. After all, learning in a traditional classroom is still a part of the experience.