Blended learning is an incredible experience for both students and instructors alike. This will allow you to expand your learning efforts and improve the quality of your education.

In this article this article, we'll show you the concept of blended learning. We'll also provide examples, and the various blended learning strategies that you can incorporate to your routine.

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What exactly is blended learning?

Blended learning could be defined as a teaching method that blends the classroom experience with e-learning and in-person learning in the form of online conversations as well as extra classes that are synchronous or asynchronous, or other tasks that are project-based. Blended learning brings the very finest of traditional learning, the enthusiasm and energy of the real-time classroom with the flexibility and versatility of e-learning.

Since its beginning the word "Blended learning" has been utilized to define 1. Combining delivery media, 2. Mixing instructional methods, and 3. mixing in-person and online instruction. However, today, most people use this term to refer to the mix of in-person and online instruction.1

In the classroom, too, the practice of blended learning is now more of a norm than an only. An analysis conducted by UK universities found that 69% of them had plans to incorporate blended learning. 82% of them said they had a higher need of blended education. Also, in 2021 (during the pandemic) 60% of all US college students took at least one online course. Online education is estimated to cost $257.7 billion before 2027.

Although we typically associate an increase in learning online as a result of the epidemic the fact is that colleges and universities have assisted with online learning for decades-especially supplemental learning through web-based forums or project. The process has been eased by education technology tools along with the online learning tools like Blackboard and Canvas.

The availability of online education is so prevalent that in 2023 in 2023, the University of California decided to close a hole in the course selections. The school offered an array of classes offered by online companies that students were able to earn an online degree for lower cost (they brought in an obligation to reside).

It's not just intended for higher education or K-12. Any kind of learning that's available, whether that's corporate training or launching an online-based course for a company, blended learning may be utilized to bring together the very best learning experience in-person (the engagement, the topic ability to change, and discussion) in conjunction with the most effective online learning (the ease of access ).

 Blended Learning may be used to refer to:

• Blending at the level of an activity: If an activity of learning takes place both in person as well as online.
  
• Blending of course levels when a course has on-site and online material.
  
• Blending on a program-level: Blending happens throughout a course of study but possibly not in specific courses or activities.
  

1. Learn more about the chapter 1 discussion of Curtis J. Bonk and Charles R. Graham, The Handbook of Blended Learning Global Perspectives, local Designs (John Wiley & Sons, 2005).

Here are some blended learning data

• 85 percent of college students say they find the online world of learning more convenient ( Erudera ).
  
• Eighty-two percent of all university college students would like to receive at least a tiny part of their studies be completed online (and 41% want to learn completely in online) ( UNESCO ).
  
• An analysis of college students in 2022 found that 27% preferred blended learning while 29% favored entirely online. An improvement from the prior pandemic figures, yet nonetheless significant ( New America ).
  
• It is estimated that there exist 2.79 million U.S. post-secondary students doing their education online ( NCES ).
  
• From 2019-2020 The pandemic has caused online postsecondary instruction to grow from 37 percentage to 74%. .
  

Systems of blended learning

Blended learning is only possible because of the rise in blended learning systems and the technological requirements for teaching at-scale online. Blended learning technology is constantly developing and changing, with new capabilities constantly being developed.

For instance, the Mighty Co-Host(tm) can make outline of course plans using AI. These capabilities will keep evolving and transforming blended learning as the tech evolves.

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Blended learning vs. hybrid learning: What's the distinction?

The words "blended learning" and "hybrid learning" may be used combination. Sometimes, however "hybrid" is the term used to describe the mixture of both students who are at home and on the internet in the same room (sort like how we describe a hybrid event)--while blended learning typically refers to a mixture of both in-person and online education for all learners.

The benefits of blended learning

There are many benefits of taking online classes, and the simplest way to define it is that it provides the greatest of both worlds! As both in-person or virtual learning offer benefits and benefits, blended learning allows students to benefit from each choice and eliminate the disadvantages.

This balance creates the perfect blend of learning. Online learning that is synchronous can be isolating. The blended learning method can allow you to get together with fellow students at times for a social gathering!

An New America study for blended education in community colleges revealed that one of one of the main reasons students favored blended learning was the possibility of setting times that can be adaptable, and the chance to make friends in class as well as a greater sense of education without the hassle of commuting, and a reason to go out.

Blended learning benefits that are associated with in-person learning

• The versatility of online learning allows learners learn from the ease of home, as well as an online course that can be synchronously completed and capable of being completed in the comfort of the learner's home. The possibility of learning is open to those with commitments to meet (e.g. parents with an existing job ).
  
• Accessibility Blended learning can be more accessible to learners of all sorts, and they can be patient and study at their own speed.
  
• Environmentally friendly: There's no need to have classrooms (or cooling or heating, or electricity power). Online learning is eco-friendly as well as cost-effective.
  
• Flexible: Blended learning provides an opportunity to scale. In the case, for example, you taught three introduction classes, it is possible to blend them all to form a single discussion group.
  
• More accessible than ever before: The technology for online learning is always getting better and more accessible.
  

The benefits of blended learning are correlated with learning in-person

• Engaging: If students are struggling to focus to online information, live-learning could improve this.
  
• Connecting individuals: Students attending classes in a group can form strong relationships and network.
  
• Flexibility: In-class learning is flexible in an entirely different kind of way, and teachers can alter themes and topics as the students engage with the class.
  

Blended Learning examples

• A college instructor adds an element that is mandatory for virtualization in the curriculum. Like, for instance, engaging in a discussion area, writing blog articles about the material or working on Asynchronous project for classmates.
  
• Walmart offers Walmart its One Global Walmart Academy which mixes online and live learning experiences for its 2.3 million employees.
  
• Amazon has built classrooms inside its fulfillment centers in order to develop employees' skills, both those related to the job they are doing within Amazon as well as others not apply to their work. They also offer training for jobs that are in high demand.
  
• Many Executive MBA programs offer live as well as online training to accommodate the busy schedules of students. A lot have full-time jobs while they finish their MBA diplomas.
  
• The U.S. Government's Federal Cyber Defense Skilling Academy provides federal workers with education through a mix of virtual and live education.
  
• University of Phoenix is famous for its online classes However, students are able to take on-campus classes and earn an online-based degree that can be blended.
  

Blended learning

Another option to incorporate blended learning is to incorporate. This is blended e-learning. Instead of blending in-person learning with the online world, blended elearning brings together aspects of synchronous and non-synchronous learning through an online platform.

For instance, it is possible to create an asynchronous course that's accessible via virtual Live chats discussions forums, events and even discussions in real time. You could also provide a live class using streaming, however the recorded version is later accessible as well as an online discussion board.

As with blended learning, blended online learning brings many of the advantages of a classroom in person in e-learning learning. There is the possibility of benefiting from the excitement and energy generated by live classes, the discussion and discussions that are conducted live and also the ability to address student concerns.

This is the reason that most that happens is online. It gives you all the ability and freedom.

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Blended methods of learning

1. Try a flip classroom

One common approach to blended learning is referred to as a"flipped classroom. Students read or attend lectures at home. Then, the classroom may be set up for discussion or participation.

It's difficult to be successful in schools from K-12, but it's possible (younger pupils often need parents' support). However, the method is utilized extensively in higher education as it is like the "tutorial" method of teaching that has existed for decades (it's the basis of Oxbridge). Oxbridge concept). ).

2. Let the learning objectives guide

Learning with blended learning should be governed by the way you will be able to achieve your goals effectively. Although it may sound obvious yet, it's possible to take advantage of the advantages of both online and live-based learning in order to achieve various learning goals. Flipping classrooms is among the best examples.

3. Pick the top technology

The technology you choose to use to facilitate blended learning will affect the efficiency of your program. Of course, the features you're searching for in a blended learning system must be strong and efficient. The features should work well and make it easy for students to utilize and navigate.

Here are some tips:

• Don't use complex technology stacks. Discover ways to include the blended learning capabilities that you'd like without mixing or match the programs, which could cause additional hassles.
  
• Make contact with IT. If your school has IT staff in house make sure they are equipped with current options.
  
• Think about interoperability in case you have to ensure that the technology for blended learning it is compatible with the existing training and management tools.
  

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4. Do your best to make the internet count

The most effective way for blended learning failure is to place all the focus on the classroom as well as making online participation optional. Online component of blended learning isn't a function or an extra. Be sure to make it count, and assign real learning objectives to participation online.

Particularly, the possibility to have a dedicated discussion area is a risk for low uptake. Make 10 discussions reflections as well as 10 replies to others' reflections in your program (e.g. valued at 1% for 20% of your total grade). If you include skin into the game of blended learning, this increases the likelihood that it will be successful.

5. Don't duplicate the classroom experience online

Blended learning provides a endless range of opportunities for learning. Making exactly the same educational exercises available to traditional classes online could simply be sad.

For instance, an informative lecture could be beneficial.

• How about having students watch the same film in the virtual world?
  
• Applying a theoretical framework on a film that is popular?
  
• Try an online game that matches the theme of your course?
  
• Additionally, what about making their own blog or website?
  
• Or sharing via social media about the subjects in your class?
  

The sky is the limit, so be imaginative when using the web for creating designs.

6. Be careful not to make an Asynchronous or Synchronous division

It's easy to think that classes should be planned to be synchronous and the online classes is not synchronous. But this isn't the case. The online activities can be scheduled by using live videos, chats, etc. In-person activities don't have to be concurrent.

If you're trying to choose between synchronous and asynchronous studying, this graph could assist you in determining what kind of learners best suit:

7. Orient the students

Instead of putting students into blended learning classes or asynchronous classes it is possible to host an interactive workshop during class (even at the computer lab, if you have access) to help them understand the online portion of the curriculum. Utilize this opportunity to teach your students to sign up to the platform for blended learning, as well as how to make the most of different features maybe even working on the project together.

Understanding the platform could enhance the chance of learners receiving the greatest value from the platform. Technical issues are among of the biggest obstacles to blended learning.

8. Read your data

Because blended learning is a aspect of software platforms it gives you the opportunity to engage with the data. These data points can give valuable information on the aspects that work and not with regards to your implementation in blended learning.

You should be sure to check the data frequently.

9. Participate in a practice community

Integration of blended learning for all kinds of learners can be difficult for the first time. Find communities of practice where you can collaborate and learn from other people who have mastered the process of blended learning effectively.

Blended platforms to learn

1.

It is a social-networking and course platform with a complete set of tools for livestreaming discussions, hosting discussion forums or hosting live events, and includes both Asynchronous and Synchronous course.

This is a blended learning platform, it excels in corporate and brand-related learning with possibilities for branding apps using Mighty Pro. And for those running an online course or training business, it gives you everything you need for monetization-building packages, managing checkouts, and charging in 135 different currencies.

2. Moodle

Moodle is a school-wide learning management system that is equipped with many different choices for contents and a wide array of tools to help students in collaboration in learning, such as discussions forums, collaborations, or messages.

3. Canvas with Structure

Canvas is a great tool for an educational center, which includes a robust LMS, efficient engagement tools as well as solid mobile apps (better than Moodle) as well as the Learning Tool Interoperability (LTI) integration with the IT system of the institution.

4. Blackboard Learn

An institution that is well-known for its LMS options that has a lot of grading and assignment tools along with a variety of Collaboration features (like Discussion boards as well as live-streaming meeting tools). Dashboards are easy to use by students and administrators.

Conclusion

Blended learning can be a challenge to master, particularly if not familiar with the concept. If done correctly it will provide amazing possibilities for learning, and also expand the range of your teaching. This guide can get you excited to try blended learning, and you are ready to take your class online!

If you'd like to play using Mighty's blended learning system You can try it for free for 14 days. No credit card required.

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