Blended Learning solution for learners

Blended Learning is An emerging Solution for Learners. Technology has integrated every aspect of life, and education is no exception. The drastic shift from conventional teaching into digitalized methods reshaped and promoted a positive impact on a diverse learning environment. With arising familiarity of the e-learning concept, blended learning has taken up popularity among all Ed-tech strategies.

By definition, Blended learning or hybrid learning is an educational approach that combines both traditional classroom methods and online teaching materials providing students the freedom to customize their learning elements.

Davis & Fill (2007) believed that a blended learning environment holds high potential to change student’s experiences through their learning outcomes. Another study showed that utilization of technologies in the physical lecture room enhances learner’s competency, self-reliance, and revamp the quality of learning. (Azizan. et al 2010)

Unlike online courses and traditional methods, blended learning models are expressed as more convenient, accessible that augment student’s capability and emphasize an active learning experience. In a comparative study of fully online, traditional, and hybrid learners, evidence suggested that blended courses produced a stronger sense of community among students than the other two options. (Rovai A.P. et al 2004).

Modern Education needs modern solutions

Although BLE models consist of many types varying from content to learning versions. The most discussed type is referred to as ‘’The flipped Classroom or Inverted Classroom.’’ In this model, the traditional ideas of home assessments and class activities are reversed. Instructors deliver an online-based lesson through a Learning Management System which can be viewed remotely. Then student uses their class time to apply that certain knowledge into practice, facilitated by the instructors.

Flipped learning switches time into a more individualized experience. Instead of traditionally addressing all students as a group, learners are allowed to proceed at their own pace, steer discussions with class fellows or teachers, conduct experiments and explore novel concepts in a controlled yet supportive environment. Flipped learning concept asserts on learning psychology and critical thinking which is idealized for the STEM student by many Professionals.

An interventional study conveyed that 96% of the students felt that the collective, applied-hall room activities during the flipped class greatly enhanced their learning skills. They also opined that such sessions should be conducted in the future as well. (Angadi.N.B. et al 2019).The University of Tabuk stated around 84% of their participants become more proficient in course study through BLE as compared to the conventional method. (Khaleel.A. 2019).

Methods which enforce an active learning environment improvise student’s independency by developing skills in an intellectual, socialized manner and they performed better scores in examinations. A study of National Academy of Sciences Washington, result indicates that active learner’s average scores improved by 6%, whereas the traditional section students were 1.5 times more likely to fail the same exam. (Freeman.S. et al 2014).

Hybrid Learning in Pakistan

Since pandemic times altered the world to change, many professionals are moving a step ahead to set up their educational courses according to the blended learning methods. Pakistan has already taken a remarkable initiative to modernize its educational system. Many learning platforms are collaborating with private/public institutions to introduce their smart learning techniques to meliorate the studying concept for both faculty members and students.

Although it spreads a positive view, hybrid-enabled learning is a huge challenge for Pakistan because it greatly relies on technically equipped skills. Many students face problems due to the limited availability of LMS and require proper access to the internet resource for learning purposes. (Irum.S et al, 2020)

However, the country is progressing efficiently to execute the blended activities through an adaptive program such as taking online campaigns and gamification to ensure maximum learning. The recent launch of Learn Smart Pakistan (LSP) has taken the biggest turn over which is the first digital gamified educational platform.

Some collaborative studies affirmed that student’s performance improved within 4 months period timeline of blended implementation and on average 4 out of 5 students scored above 70% in their final assessments. Moreover, various e-learning initiatives are being generated by the Ministry of Education for students to improve their overall skills.

Pakistan is exhibiting recognizable outcomes in many ways specifically utilizing strategic opportunities to enhance future education. This development will allow new thinkers to impose beneficial impact on a global scale.

References:

1. Angadi N.B,  Kavi.A, Shetty.K, and Hashilkar.N.K. ‘’Effectiveness of flipped classroom as a teaching–learning method among undergraduate medical students – An interventional study.’’ J Educ Health Promot. 2019; doi: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_163_19
2. Azizan, F.Z. ‘’ Blended Learning in Higher Education Institution in Malaysia. Proceedings of Regional Conference on Knowledge Integration in ICT.’’ (2010)
3. Davis, H.C. & Fill, K. “Embedding blended learning in a university’s teaching culture: Experiences and reflections”. British Journal of Educational Technology. (2007)
4. Freeman, S., Eddy, S. L., McDonough, M., Smith, M. K., Okoroafor, N., Jordt, H., & Wenderoth, M. P. ‘’Active learning increases student performance in science, engineering, and mathematics.’’ Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, (2014) http://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1319030111 –
5. Irum.S1*, Bhatti.T1, Abbasi.W.A2, Dilshad. ‘’Blended Learning: Innovative challenge faced by students at University level in Pakistan.’’ Indian Journal of Science and Technology, (2020)

DOI: 10.17485/IJST/v13i42.1212

• Khaleel.A. The Advantages of Using Blended Learning in Studying English as a Foreign Language at the University of Tabuk. Modern Journal of Language Teaching Methods (MJLTM) (2019)
• Rovai, A.P. & Jordan, H.M. ‘’Blended learning and sense of community: A comparative analysis with Traditional and Fully Online Graduate Courses.’’ The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, (2004). https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v5i2.192

Sadaf Ahmad is Intern at STUDENTINN SOLUTIONS. She contributes as Content Intern.