Blended learning, also known as technology-mediated instruction, web-enhanced instruction, or mixed-mode instruction, is an approach to education that combines online educational materials and opportunities for interaction online with physical place-based classroom methods.
Blended learning requires the physical presence of both teacher and student, with some elements of student control over time, place, path, or pace.[1][2][3] While students still attend brick-and-mortar schools with a teacher present, face-to-face classroom practices are combined with computer-mediated activities regarding content and delivery.
Impact of blended learning on the students and teachers:
The role of blended learning has become crucial as it breaks down the traditional methods of teaching. With the help of technology, it customises resources and tailors the learning experience to fit every student's need. Since blended learning also offers high flexibility and personalisation, students have the freedom to learn at their own pace. Thus, through blended tools, students can enjoy personalised learning that suits their study routine, and teachers can interact with students by monitoring their growth and giving instant feedback. This remodelled method of tutoring by using additional tools beyond the classroom can a have a positive impact on the students' learning and training experience.
Blended learning helps improve various factors in the classroom for teachers as well, like resulting in more engaged students, real-time and reliable feedback on teaching methods, new methods of teaching, collaborative learning and time management, among others. Thus, through blended learning, schools and teachers are mainly focusing on inculcating methods for students to understand and manage their social and emotional well-being.
While the pandemic has provided immense opportunities for a mix of online and offline education, digital transformation has provided many the opportunities to explore new ways of understanding concepts. The future of education technology will be in blended models of education.