Blended learning is a form of education that brings the best of both worlds: online and offline. This form of teaching, in general, is the link between the two learning models: face- to- face and online . In other words, part of the process takes place in the classroom, in which students interact with each other, exchanging experiences.
Online, on the other hand, uses digital means so that the student has more autonomy in the way of learning. In this regard, the two modalities complement each other, as they provide different experiences in the form of learning.
It is important to remember that, when using hybrid learning, it is necessary that both face-to-face and digital learning have the same objective. Each of them being a part of the learning process, so that they complement each other.
In Brazil, the teaching of hybrid courses is widely used in higher education with subjects taught through distance learning, also known as distance education.
Inclusive education, which takes into account human diversity and the needs and rhythm of each one, restructured the traditional model and promoted accessibility and practicality for all, using hybrid distance education as one of its tools.
How to apply blended learning?
There are several ways to implement the blended learning model, however, the first step is to draw a strategic plan for educational infrastructure, define pedagogical guidance, define teacher training, establish a schedule of classes, assessment methods and many other points, as it deals with from an integrated system.
In general, it is necessary to restructure all the content in a cohesive and linear way. Next, it is necessary to assess the type of technology needed to complement the face-to-face classes.
After choosing the most suitable digital platform, it is necessary to draw up a new study plan, properly adjusted to the purposes of the blended learning course and the type of technology used.
In addition, it is essential that there is an audience interested in this type of interaction, since it is a personalized blended learning system, based on real data and needs. The balance between online and face-to-face classes allows for a complete experience for all participants.
Blended learning Models
Within this blended learning modality there are two subcategories: sustained models and disruptive models .The supported have characteristics of traditional education, being more easily adapted to the teaching model we have today.
Disruptive, on the other hand, as it breaks with the traditional educational model, is not used as much as it requires greater efforts to adapt to our reality, causing only sustained models to be used in Brazil.
See the models:
2- Rotation by Stations
It is divided into workstations , so each workstation has a specific purpose. But each of them is linked to the main objective of the class.
Each student or group of students goes through different stations. After a certain amount of time (usually pre-set) they switch stations so that all students go through all stations. The stations are independent of each other, promoting the completion of separate goals, so that in the end they complete each other.
The stations are independent of each other, promoting the completion of separate goals, so that in the end they complete each other. As it is a blended learning teaching model, some of the stations are made online so they can have more autonomy..
3- Rotational laboratory
This modality divides the learning form into two. For example, in a physics class, the teacher divides the class into two groups: one of them goes to the sports court for practical activity, while the other goes to the computer lab to learn theory.
Each group spends a certain amount of time in each module, after a certain period they change, making the two groups go through the same modules and learn the same topic in different ways.
3- Individual rotation
Its base is very similar to the model of rotation by seasons, however in this modality each student has their own personalized itinerary and no longer a group.
The main difference between the individual rotation and the one by seasons is that in the individual one the student is not required to go through all the seasons. In rotation, he goes through those that make sense to his level of learning.
4- Inverted classroom
In this hybrid learning mode, the student studies the content before class, in order to prepare for later activities. In this way, the student brings a bag of knowledge to the class and shares it with the rest of the class.
What are the benefits of blended learning?
All models of hybrid education aim to provide learning opportunities for the student according to their possibilities, making them have more autonomy and freedom when consuming the content. Therefore, each student becomes an active member in the classroom , bringing diverse knowledge and collaborating with each other’s learning.
With this form of Blended learning , it becomes clearer to the teacher what the facilities and difficulties of each student are. Thus, it is possible to customize teaching, proposing activities according to the needs of each one.