What are the various modalities of Blended learning?

Online learning, online coaching sessions, mobile learning, E-learning and so on, are the various modalities of blended learning which function by scheduling course studies entirely online or in face-to-face and computer mediated settings, which would otherwise to be conducted in conventional classroom styles. Moreover, within classroom interactions; interactive online activities, active use of computers and online communication with distant learners and instructors present in other learning environments are also part of blended learning. Therefore, with different approaches and modalities, it is now referred as ‘hybrid’, ‘mixed-mode’, ‘integrative’, ‘blended’ or simply ‘E’ learning.

The various technologies used and employed in this respect include computers, smartphones, cellular networks, satellite channels, video conferences etc. through several social networking and communicating sites. In this way, both learners and teachers participate actively and intriguingly to enhance the learning as well as the teaching quality. Though, the approach can be applied and used in all disciplines of study but limited resources, course requisites and learners’ requirements are considered as the main parameters to decide and devise blended learning programs for a particular course.

Importance of Blended Learning and E-learning:

Having the basic idea of blended learning, one can easily understand increase and enhancement of opportunities that students can have in a technology-employed learning environment. It allows instructors and learners to be together as well as apart while allowing them to interact from anywhere or during any time of course provided with online-educational tools and setups. It also ensures an effective mix of interactions, technologies and thus knowledge; resulting in a well-supported, constructive, and distant as well as face-to-face learning experience. Thereby, greater number of human interactions and improved deal of educational quality are the main advantages of blended and E-learning.

Likewise, the main six objectives described by analysts and instructors include, pedagogical or educational improvement, effective access to information, fulfillment of personal demands of studies, ease and improved revision sessions and cost effectiveness. To add on, educational motivation is another foremost advantage of this mode of learning and intuiting. Both educators and learners are able to maximize their role in their respective teaching and learning goals. A triad of educational environment including; face-to-face and online activities, face-to-face & online students interactions, and face-to-face & online students-instructors’ interactions, allows better access to knowledge, share, transfer and certainly improved learning than conventional classroom approach.

To add on, blended learning also enables to complete course classes with minimum yet effective number of online classes thus accelerating ease and growth of learning process for students.