Creating the experience
Developing a successful blended learning
program is not easy. Factors that the
teacher will have to address include
technology requirements, checking up
on what learners are doing, deciding
what content to cover, promoting learner
buy-in and other issues. It also entails
the right tools and software, while the
technology that is used must be able to
provide instant access from any device.
It is vital that the user experience for
both teachers and students is simple.
Systems that are too complex are a big
no-no. It is just as important that the
syllabus is absorbing. Remember, if the
content is nothing more than a recorded
lecture or PowerPoint presentation, it will
not be engaging or interactive, neither
will it complement in-class learning, and
it will definitely not benefit the student.
Keep in mind that learners will have to
practise and talk about the skills they
are learning, and to get feedback from
others. This is essential for their own selfassessment and the teacher’s evaluation
of how well they are performing.
To sum up
While this article just briefly looks at
hybrid learning, this teaching delivery
method is here to stay, and will become
an essential part of education in the
21st century IF it is carried out in the
right way. It will only be successful if
implemented with the help of teachers,
and ONLY if a student receives the right
content, at the right level, in the right
grouping and through the right delivery
method.
Sources:
http://www.forbes.com/
http://www.edweek.org/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com
http://gettingsmart.com
http://www.sparkworks.co
http://www.teachthought.com