Technology is changing how people do things in their daily lives. Thanks to cell phones, laptops, and computers, people now have most information they need at their fingertips. One of the most critical areas that technology is influencing in today’s world is learning. Administrators and managers often struggle with integrating and using technology to serve learners’ interests and advance their learning.
The eLearning sector has also grown with the adoption of online tools to make learning more interactive, pertinent, contextual, and immersive. Learners are no longer restricted to a one-dimensional learning process in which information flows from the instructor to the learner.
Still, traditional vs. modern blended learning has always been debated.
Today’s learners are more informed, demanding, and less likely to take something at face value. On the other hand, the digital generation’s attention span is decreasing. With smartphones, learners seek knowledge everywhere, anytime, with just a few button clicks. Multimedia formats like audio and video files, augmented reality, and virtual reality are being tested to enhance learner engagement and effectiveness.
Blended learning is also a very good alternative for a small group of learners who adopt the best practices of both instructor-led training and online learning. Here are some advantages blended learning has over more traditional, conventional approaches to training.
How Blended Learning Is Better Than Traditional Learning
More than technical advancement is needed to replace human interaction altogether. Learners need the fundamental guidance, context, and instruction that only a human instructor can provide to comprehend online lectures and ensure their effectiveness. While having access to learning material on the go is advantageous, instructor-led group learning within the confines of a physical setting is required to aggregate multiple skill sets and ensure team learning for the best results.
Due to the fast-changing landscape, learning and training approaches should include the best of both worlds, the benefits of traditional settings, and the benefits of the online world. It has given rise to the idea of blended learning, a hybrid approach combining conventional and online learning methods.
Blended learning allows learners to direct their own learning experience by utilizing interesting, contextual, and relevant online learning resources. This form of learning combines personal interaction with extensive use of eLearning materials. Furthermore, it combines the functions of an instructor for human connection, brainstorming, team learning, and so on.
Types Of Blended Learning Models
Online Model: Instructors deliver lectures using an online platform and online learning materials, with regular in-person interactions.
Rotation Model: Learners rotate between self-paced and traditional instruction.
Flexible Model: The majority of learning occurs on the online platform, although instructors give additional support in small group settings.
Online Laboratory Model: The learners meet in a physical setting, and an online instructor conducts the lessons with the assistance of an onsite professional.
Customized Blended Model: This paradigm connects the real and virtual worlds based on learner needs.
Self-Blended Model: Learners enroll in online courses to supplement their in-person setting.
Learning In-Person Model: An onsite instructor delivers lessons via online media.
Why Choose Blended Learning?
- Budget-Friendly
Companies that adopt blended learning can save a lot of money because this learning pattern eliminates travel costs and enables employees to not miss out on day-to-day official business while still completing their training sessions. You can also hire an online instructor to offer first-hand knowledge from a subject matter expert without incurring additional expenses.
- An Air Of Liberty
Thanks to technology, the learning process may provide learners from all over the world with a plethora of options to choose learning methods. Your learners only need a smartphone and a personal computer with an internet connection to reap the advantages of blended learning while sitting comfortably at their office desks or at home.
Learners in traditional learning must adhere to date and time schedules to attend courses led by their instructors. On the other hand, modern technology allows you to internalize knowledge through live instructions provided by online trainers and experts. Your corporate learners can enroll in online courses at their leisure and complete them when they have time.
- No fear Of Being Judged
Learners in a blended learning setting can ask instructors questions directly while focusing on the course sessions. Learners will have the freedom with blended learning that provides personalized content that is specially created according to their learning abilities. It creates a pleasant learning atmosphere where you are not afraid of being judged. Fearless learners grasp the subject matter more thoroughly.
Since there’s no concept of failing within blended learning, learners are not under the strain of being judged by their instructors and the management, allowing them to perform better. Learners are also more likely to put their best foot forward in training.
- Increase Focus
The younger generation’s attention span is diminishing. With so much internet information available on cell phones, users may watch whatever they want as long as it retains their attention. Learners are more likely to stay engaged on a concept for longer periods when technology is integrated into sessions than when books and paper materials are used.
- Research And Exploration-Based Learning
Through research and exploration, learners can enhance their learning methods. Learners can explore the enormous number of online resources available on their own to go deeper into the topic. With the help of blended learning, learners can take charge of their training and design their own learning goals, giving them a sense of autonomy.
Conclusion
Organizations are rapidly understanding that blended learning, or a combination of traditional and digital learning, is the best way ahead. Online learning allows learners to learn at their own pace, whenever and wherever they want, as well as improve their abilities through simulations and gamification. On the other hand, training and mentorship programs in traditional settings provide much-needed human interaction as well as more opportunities for interaction and coming up with ideas with both the trainer and colleagues when working toward a common goal.
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