In the current educational environment, blended learning has become a trend, which is a learning model that combines the characteristics of traditional face-to-face teaching and online teaching. According to a 2023 study, blended learning significantly improves academic achievement and allows students to thrive in a flexible learning environment. However, the demands of this learning style on educators and students should not be underestimated. So, how does blended learning work, and what are its advantages and challenges?
The research points out that the key to blended learning is to achieve seamless teaching through good support, effective training and reliable technology.
Blended learning, often referred to as technology-mediated instruction or web-enhanced instruction, is an approach to education that combines online educational materials with face-to-face instruction. Its form began to take shape in the 1960s, but it was not until the late 1990s that it had clear terminology and framework. The earliest use of the term "blended learning" appeared in a press release in 1999, marking the importance of this concept in the education community.
There are many models of blended learning, including face-to-face driven, rotational learning, flexible learning, etc. Most of these models are not mutually exclusive, but can be mixed according to actual needs. These different models allow teachers to adjust teaching strategies according to students' needs, thereby improving students' learning efficiency.
For students, the advantage of blended learning is the ability to learn at their own pace, giving every student the opportunity to gain a deep understanding of new knowledge. With the in-depth application of information technology, the support and resources students receive in their courses have greatly increased, all of which has promoted the improvement of academic achievement.
Many studies have shown that student achievement in blended learning is higher than in either fully online or fully in-person learning experiences.
However, blended learning is not without its challenges. Issues such as technological instability, lack of resources and the digital divide can all affect teaching outcomes. High-quality technical support and reliable internet connections are essential to achieving effective blended learning. Educators need to adopt appropriate strategies to address these challenges and ensure that every student has equal access to learning opportunities.
With the advancement of technology, blended learning will have more possibilities in the future. More and more educational institutions are beginning to realize that only by effectively combining online and traditional teaching can students' achievements be truly improved. At the same time, the role of teachers is also changing, from knowledge transmitters to instructors and supporters. This change helps improve students' independent learning and problem-solving abilities.
“Blended learning makes learning more flexible, while also requiring students to demonstrate more autonomy and self-regulation.”
On the whole, blended learning is not just a simple combination of educational models, it is also an opportunity to promote students' in-depth learning and independent thinking. However, how can schools properly utilize this model to truly improve teaching quality and student achievement?