Blended learning helps to bring some interaction to the areas of study that previously did not offer that. Blended learning brings sound and motion to material that was strictly reading only, which discouraged some students because that kind of information delivery format tends to be bland. Who really wants to be in a class that is boring, Blended learning helps a generation that has good entertainment to make it through their education painlessly.
With a blended learning students with different learning styles can choose what works best for them. With their engagement in the material greater learning is possible.
I believe that the webs will be benificial for both the visual and audio learners while the traditional and class and lab structure can help the kinesthitic learners.
By using blended learning we can assist all learniners by using multi media the internet and the ablility of the student to focus in on the method of presentation that they like and focus in on that style to get the most out of each lesson and then apply it into the lab for reenforcement
Joseph,
Indeed! New skills can be developed, although, it is important not to "expect" certain abilities or interests based on age but to give everyone maximum opportunity.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
David,
So both the delivery and instructional design are vital in keeping students engaged and focused. Teachers who also keep flexibility in mind are most successful.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
It allows all students learning styles to be introduced and give each style a chance to learn in the way they like best. Also it brings younger students strong points out which fits them better than old school reading.
It is pretty basic. By utilizing different delivery methods, it will help to keep all the students with the different learning styles to relate to the curriculum. It also helps to prevent boredom by switching up the day so students are not just stuck listening to a lecture for the 6 hour day. We have days were the students are expected to spend the day doing web training. We break up the day with activities to prevent the students from just sitting in front a computer for the whole day.
michael,
So, the presentation of content can be varied as well - good point. I would suggest that it s the diversity of presentation and connectivity raise the level of interactivity with students...
Dr. Ruth Reynard
James,
Good points - individual contact with every student is front and center of good teaching...
Dr. Ruth Reynard
by useing more information from the internet,web,tools online gives students not only interactive learning but also a different way of looking at the studies.
I try to be open to the needs of the students during the day to day lessons. I let them know that I am avalible before and after class if they have any questions. I also try to explain things in the lesson in several different ways if I have to.
William,
Yes it can, however, there are many aspects to this success, including instructional design and relevant technology use. Think through more specifically how and why this mode of delivery can benefit students.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Ulises,
Yes, that is very true - the variety of formats and inputs raises the relevancy for more students. Good points!
Dr. Ruth Reynard
James,
How do you manage a variety of learning styles and perferences?
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Chris,
Yes, teaching changes as the needs of students change and society demands new skills and knowledge...the rapid changes in technology also mean that teachers are constantly leanring new things alogside students - BUT it also means that teachers can encourage students to lead the way in their own learning process.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
michael,
In what ways does this happen?
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Well Steve...
I see this as how the new generation learns. So why not incorporate it into or along with the existing Lesson plan. This is just one more way to get the topic across and understood. There are many roads to travel through the mountains. It is the understanding of the journey and the destination that is important.
It is the nature of blend presentations to include all learning styles, for example, a typicle day may consist of a brief review of the previous days work,an introduction to todays assignment, some time spent completing web study, followed by demonstrations and lab asignments led by myself or a lab assitant.The content is presented in several formats allowing for discussion and getting ones hands involved. Each student has an opertunity to participate in his own style as well as others.
The blended learning concept should help every leraning style student get the most out of their education.
