Hybrid & Blended Learning Models

Education is changing rapidly, especially in light of digital platforms. Traditional classrooms are set alongside, or replaced entirely, by virtual classes. The two terms that appear to be the most discussed are blended learning or hybrid learning. Both types have the same purpose: to integrate in-person education with online education, which utilizes the benefits of both types of learning and ultimately results in a more customized and adaptable learning experience.A student may also be able to progress at their own pace. For students who want to know what career choices they have, a platform like Infigon Futures counselling

will be able to advise roughly the right career pathway. We will discuss the education models, associated benefits, and how they may shape the education of the future.

If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between hybrid learning vs blended learning, this article explains both models, their features, and how they are shaping the future of education.

Understanding Blended Learning

Blended learning is an educational strategy–one in which educators combine both traditional face-to-face learning and E-learning aspects. This way, students inherently have some degree of control with respect to when, where, what, or the pace of their learning. Blended learning enhances the learning experience by leveraging the use of technological tools and resources for a more personalized learner experience.

Key Aspects of Blended Learning

-A Mix of Online Activities and Face-To-Face Instruction: Students take part in both class activities or lessons, as well as online lessons thereby students receiving a blended experience.

-Flexibility: Students can participate in an online class, or a course related to their studies, or access other online instructional materials, any time that they find convenient. This flexibility can be critical for distance learning who may have work or other duties.

-Personalization: However, in a course students have the option to engage with the instructor, with technology, educators can personalize lessons according to students learning needs, or some students may even personalize their learning on their own.

-Increased Student Engagement: Engagement platforms tend to support motivation and engagement of students through the learning experience, and thus, has been used to increase student engagement.

Investigating Hybrid Learning

Hybrid learning is different from blended learning by allowing students to select the learning environment they prefer. Many students will benefit from this opportunity when they have other obligations, or simply prefer to learn in another context.

Features of Hybrid Learning

-Choice in Learning Environment: Students will determine whether to be in the learning space or just participate remotely.

-Consistency: the curriculum and objectives will be taught in both environments - there will be learning objectives regardless of where learning occurs.

-Technology: The class is designed to seamlessly integrate both physical and remote platforms.

-Flexibility: Hybrid learning meets the various learning styles and personal situations of students, which greatly allows for inclusivity.

Blended Learning and Hybrid Learning Comparison

Types of Learning Modes

➤ Blended learning - combines both online and face-to-face learning.

➤ Hybrid learning - provides students with the option of either face-to-face learning or online learning.

Flexibility

➤ Blended Learning = students have the option to learn online and do so at their own pace.

➤ Hybrid learning - offers students flexibility in that they can choose either face-to-face learning, or online.

Use of Technology:

➤Blended Learning: Utilizes digital tools as part of the learning that happens in class

➤Hybrid Learning: Relies heavily on technology to facilitate individual and collaborative learning opportunities

Student Control:

➤Blended Learning: Students are given autonomy and control regarding the learning path they may take

➤Hybrid Learning: Students are given control regarding their own learning environment

The Advantages of Blended Learning

➤Improved Learning Outcomes: Studies show that blended learning advantages

can lead to improved student performance, in part due to the personalized nature of assignments.

➤Cost-Effective: Blended learning can facilitate learning while decreasing the demand for physical resources.

➤Access:  Blended learning significantly increases access to education for students who are unable to attend live classes.

➤Skill Development. Blended learning promotes the development of E-learning skills, self-regulation, and digital competency.

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Introducing Blended Learning in Higher Education

Blended learning in higher education has become a popular mode of instruction aimed towards providing students with the best experience and meeting their individual needs. Colleges and universities have adopted the use of online modules, in conjunction with the traditional lecture, to deliver a more flexible academic experience.

Considerations for effective development and implementation of blended learning:

-Curriculum Development: Design and deliver a coherent blending of the online and face-to-face component of an online course.

-Support for Faculty: Design further support for faculty preparation and teaching learning in blended learning students.

-Student Support: Offer student support and rationale for students to engage with a blended learning model.

-Continuous Assessment: Assess and provide timely feedback about assessed learning for students.

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The Flipped Classroom Model in Blended Learning

In a flipped classroom blended learning, lecture content is online, and classroom time is used for learning, through discussion and solving the problems that arise during discussion. This is a flipped version of a blended classroom experience.

Advantages of a Flipped Classroom

-Active Learning- The flipped classroom setting promotes students to actively engage with the content within the classroom.

-Broader Understanding- Working with your classmates allows you to investigate the topic, in greater depth.

-Better Use of Class Time- Students use less time on passive learning and focus more time on applying content knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the difference between blended and hybrid learning?

Ans. The difference between blended and hybrid learning is structural. Blended learning includes a combination of online and face-to-face aspects of the course whereas hybrid participants choose to attend class either online or in-person.

Q2. Can blended learning apply to every subject?

Ans. Blended learning can apply to several subjects, but it will ultimately depend on subject/content matter, and learning goals for students.

Q3. Does hybrid learning work for all students?

Ans. Hybird learning can work for many learners as it can be flexible but, it will not work for every student and it will depend on personal preference as well as technology access.

Q4. How does technology support blended or hybrid learning?

Ans. Technology provides the ability to deliver content, communicate, assess and provide feedback to facilitate E-learning and face-to-face modalities that may deliver content in this learning style.

Q5. What challenges does a student need to contend with in blended or hybrid learning models?

Ans. Yes, challenges exist when it comes to blended or hybrid learning, which students must contend with, which may include access to technology, student engagement, and support for the learner and educator.