We all have witnessed how classroom teaching has transformed over the years. With the advent of technology in education, we have evolved from chalkboards to smart boards. Today, learning is not confined to the classroom, students are experiencing modern infrastructures like practical stem labs, and smart learning tools that allow them to explore using multimediaThe best schools in Bangalore are adopting e-learning models to improve the accessibility of education. To begin with, blended learning is an approach that combines both offline and online teaching methods where students get to interact with the teacher, get access to study materials and converse with peers through both physical classroom settings and online platforms. It creates an interactive environment with a cohesive learning experience wherein students can be provided with additional material and exercises to complement classroom learning. It has proven to be incredibly useful during the pandemic and has been popular since.Hybrid learning allows more space for online interactions among the students and teachers. It gives the institutions more flexibility to constantly change between the online and offline teaching models depending on the students’ needs. It even helps teachers to tailor the online/offline model for students who need more attention and enable an effective learning experience for them.
The Difference
When schools follow a blended learning model, they pre-define the courses with a combination of online and offline and the plan doesn’t allow flexibility to make changes later on. While the hybrid learning model allows you to design your curriculum and makes it easy for teachers to balance offline and online classes as they see fit. We have experienced first-hand the contribution of technology in education and how virtual learning environments are becoming the need of the hour to make children future-ready.
The benefits common between both the learning models include better engagement in students, improved interaction using exercises, flexibility in teaching, etc. However, there are some factors unique to each model.
The hybrid model allows students to learn better through realistic exercises which help them retain longer, improve critical thinking skills, and develop an interest in the subject. The most important advantage is that students can choose to attend classes physically or remotely based on their needs and access. Hybrid learning gives enormous flexibility to teachers in terms of management. Teachers can teach in the classroom, deliver eLearning courses online and offer experiential learning. It gives access to learners across regions to learn without having to travel.
The blended learning approach brings two dimensions into its model- physical classroom learning and online learning. It inculcates the habit of self-learning in students and makes them independent and responsible learners. There is also improvement in the way students work in groups, as they reflect their individual learning through the group activities. It even allows students to learn at their own pace and learning capabilities. It allows teachers to balance the lessons based on the suitability of the subject for online or offline teaching.
Hence the key difference is that blended learning allows the institution to combine eLearning and traditional learning, while hybrid learning allows the students to choose whether they want to sit in a classroom environment or participate online. It’s more useful for students attending classes from remote areas or ones who want to save time in travelling. There is also a mixed opinion among the parents, considering the sincerity of students to indulge in self-learning. However, facilitating eLearning allows schools to close the access gap in education.
Modern technological tools like Blockchain in school education have made it easier to store an enormous amount of information about lectures, student data, performance records, and so on. This makes it convenient for teachers to evaluate and decide if a student needs to be mentored in person or can be taught in an online lecture. Teachers can even identify if a concept can be better explained through experiential learning as compared to an online lecture and deliver the lesson accordingly.
Schools offering hybrid learning facilities can open learning opportunities to a wider audience, allowing students across different places to attend a class remotely. One of the top schools in Bangalore is the 10X International School which believes in empowering the present generation with the knowledge to operate future technologies. At 10X International, we offer a technology-integrated learning model that combines theoretical lessons and experiential learning for practical applicability. The goal is to prepare students of all ages to use modern technological tools, applications and software seamlessly and be most qualified for the future labour market.