| Trends in society change as fast as computer software designs. There
cannot be fixity of choice. There is no such thing anymore as "this is
the best", as today we know there is always a "better" thing to come.
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 It seems that the conclusion of "people are not single-method learners"
brings us back again to the basics. Although B-Learning seems similar to
E-Learning, the latter provides for education by Internet only -- while
in Blended Learning class-room instruction is combined with the use of
different media at each learner's choice. This would make the learning
process more refined if not perfect. And that is good news.
Especially
the corporate sector has come to the conclusion that it should keep
training and education cost-effective and efficient while fulfilling
the diverse needs of the learners. It is this combination of instruction
media that would make for the most cost-saving and efficient "blend"
and it is the student who benefits.
If the
teacher knows which styles of learning work best for a learner,an individualized “blend” can be provided. To enhance communication,
traditional courses can be extended with a continuing e-mail connection providing an ongoing dialog between teacher and students. It has
been concluded that such options for learners increases the learning
capacity of the student. Students seem not only to learn more but student interaction and satisfaction improve as well.
However, it also has been concluded that not every program needs
technology implementation. Technology does not have an automatic place
in every learning program. Selecting educational technology should be
determined by the desired results one wishes to have from the education
or training session, or be determined by the course content.
So, what is exactly a "blend" and why is it so different from what we
already have? Blended Learning goes beyond the classroom. They can be
formal or informal, technology- and people-based, independent and
convivial, and directive and discovery oriented. The mix of a blend
mostly consists of two or three ingredients. Pick your choice: Web-based
courseware, CD-Rom based courseware, virtual labs, E-mentoring, Online
bulletin boards, Online communities, Web learning modules, Video and
Audio CD/DVDs, Knowledge databases, and more. Students can seek the
information that they need, when they need it. Other ingredients are:
text-based aids, simulations, workshops, workbooks, study teams, and
face-to-face mentoring. With other words, the student will have more
options of assimilating the study materials.
One thing has become clear, technology is going to be one of the major
venues through which people will be learning in the future. One
professor goes even so far by saying that a course should never end! Why
do we ever want to graduate or end a course, if we can provide ongoing
digital learning and performance support for the learner? Perpetual
learning is going to be part of our future. That makes for P-Learning.
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Reference:Blended
Learning; Blended Learning
Options: www.gwsae.org/;
What works in Blended Learning; Strategies for Building
Blended Learning: www.learningcircuits.org/;
www.mcgraw-hill.com/ |
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