Chapter 7: Distance Learning, Blended Learning, and Their Benefits

Convenience

Certainly, distance learning is far more convenient than face to face learning. Research even supports a shift toward distance learning, showing that in many cases, it proves more effective than face to face. Let's not rush ahead of ourselves just yet though.

Blended learning shows that it is more effective than both of these other methods! In blended learning, there is a combination of face to face, as well as distance (students have both class time and online learning assignments. Flipped classrooms are becoming notably popular because of this, and the benefits it brings when done right are great indeed.


Using the Flipped Classroom as an Example of Blended Learning

In a flipped class, students are assigned basic assignments and simple topics related to the class material to practice and view online at home through presentations and interactive material set up by the teacher. Then, when these students come to class, their in-class lessons concentrate on work, practice, and discussion of more advanced concepts in the material that they are currently studying. This means that unlike traditional teaching, in a flipped class, students have access to their teacher for any help that they may need on the more difficult concepts and problems. All in all this means that flipped classroom students are learning simple concepts that they are less likely to need personal help with at home, and doing more difficult work in class, where their teacher is right their to give aid, whereas traditional classroom students learn the basics in class, and then are usually expected to apply thos basics in more advanced problems for homework.


References:
Roblyer, M. D. (2016). Integrating educational technology into teaching (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.