Blended learning between trends and needs

A simple definition of blended learning describes this concept as a combination of classroom-based methods and computer-mediated activities, or classroom learning combined with online learning and mobile learning. Thus everything is changing and nobody has time for study, anymore. So, this traditional blended learning form is now adopted in education and training and the approach is very clear: all the course resources can be delivered online while the real interaction between teachers/trainers and student/trainees should be in classroom. 

If evaluating some of the most popular e-learning platforms such as Moodle or Dokeos, they obviously comply with the traditional blended learning requirements. They provide flexible individual study features (time and space independence during the learning act) based on a well-defined course structure. In addition, they support classroom-based activities and enable teachers/trainers to easily analyze the students'/trainees' tasks by using advanced statistics and suggestive reports.

Even if the e-learning technology has its limitations, it is obvious this is the future in education and training while it can assure the flexibility and availability of advanced services. In terms of education/training, it means that real classroom can be extended over the Internet and the collaborative learning/training activities to be accomplished within a hybrid environment composed by the real and virtual classrooms where teachers/trainers and students/trainees interact each other for building the knowledge and developing soft skills. From the material point of view, the educational service providers can be sure their services can surpass the barriers of real classroom in order to enlarge their sphere of influence, reach more students/trainees and increase the income with minimum of effort.

The question is now “How can we enlarge our sphere of influence, get more students/trainees and increase income with minimum of effort?” 

In order to answer the question above, the following aspects should be taken into consideration:

1. Implementation of the most appropriate technology that provides with individual study and (a)synchronous collaborative learning/training capabilities;
2. Control to be kept on teachers’/trainers’ side while students/trainees benefit by flexibility and mobility during the learning/training processes;
3. Improvement of educational content with multimedia learning objects and its delivery in a compact format / interactive manner;
4. Knowledge assessment in a blended mode that includes the evaluation of theory, study progress during the learning/training act, as well as results of problem- and project based learning sessions.

Of course, the list is open and we’ll be glad to see your points of view.

Next post is allocated for most appropriate technologies for blended learning/training.