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BLENDED LEARNING: THE

FUTURE OF EDUCATION
INDUSTRY
Prof. Pravin Khandve

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ST UDENT PERCEPT IONS ON T HE IMPACT OF BLENDED LEARNING ON T HEIR EXPOSIT ORY WRIT ING S…
Sofia De Guzman

Towards t he T heory of Blended Learning

Afiani Ast ut i
 INDIAN SOCIETY FOR TECHNICAL
EDUCATION
45th Annual National Convention at
HVP MANDAL’S COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING &
TECHNOLOGY, AMRAVATI
HVPM CAMPUS AMRAVATI 444606

BLENDED LEARNING: THE FUTURE OF

EDUCATION INDUSTRY
KHANDVE P. V.1 AND Dr. SHELKE M. E.2
1
Assistant Professor and Member, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Center, PRM College of
Engineering and Management, Badnera – Amravati (MS) India.
2
Associate Professor, HVPM‘s College of Engineering and Technology, Amravati (MS) India.
Corresponding Author: [email protected]

Abstract Keywords: Teaching, Learning, Online Learning,

Blended learning method refers to “mixing of different Blended learning, Web based learning
learning environments”. It combines traditional face-to-face
classroom methods with more modern computer-mediated I. INTRODUCTION
activities using internet and other advanced technology. Instructional strategies such as lecturing, guided learning,
Traditional teaching method is most popular method of exploratory discussions, debates and role-playing must be
teaching in Indian school and colleges. Traditional teaching amalgamated with online learning tools such as podcasts, e-
is a must where there is face to face interaction and cannot books, webcasts and digital video libraries, massive
be eliminated from Indian education culture. Online multiplayer online games, wikis, etc. to create a unique
learning, web based learning, intelligent tutor systems are learning path of each learner. Blended learning is creating a
the new technologies in education. Online learning has mix of both offline and online learning experiences in a way
unique abilities to provide students with enriched learning that they complement each other. The single most important
experiences, to extend learning beyond the school day, and challenge to blended learning currently is that the concept is
to support more successful differentiated learning strategies not understood properly, making availability of human
that personalize students’ educational experiences. Web resources difficult, who can successfully implement it.
based learning has the advantage of learning through Directly measuring the impact of blended learning is also a
animations, multimedia, videos and chats etc. Blended slightly difficult task because of its fluid and abstract nature as
learning is the teaching practice that combines teaching well as the presence of so many learning elements. However,
methods from both face-to-face and online learning is an many organizations and educational institutes have established
established. The objective of this paper is to explain basics of that using a wide range of learning methods both online and
blended learning, elements and procedure for blended offline are far more effective in delivering personalized and
learning, benefits, limitations and challenges for blended more relevant learning experiences.
learning. While some predict that online classrooms will Simply giving out instruction that is technology rich or
replace physical classrooms, some expertise suggests that using multiple gadgets and devices to facilitate learning is not
blending online and in-person instruction is more likely to blended learning, it is much more than just technology
succeed in developing countries. However, very little layering. Blended learning involves leveraging the power of
research has actually been done on the effects of online the internet to create more personalized learning experiences
education or blended learning in Indian continent education to reach student where he/she gets empowered to have an
environments. In this paper description of blended learning increased control over the time, place, path and or pace of
initiative for future learning environment are discussed. learning. Blended strategies enhance student engagement and
Some digital tools to support blended learning, strategy to be learning through online activities to the course curriculum,
adopted for incorporation of blended learning and and improve effectiveness and efficiencies by reducing lecture
recommendations for policy making are also given. time.

Blended Learning: The Future Of Education Khandve P. V. and

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Industry Dr. Shelke M. E.
 INDIAN SOCIETY FOR TECHNICAL
EDUCATION
45th Annual National Convention at
HVP MANDAL’S COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING &
TECHNOLOGY, AMRAVATI
HVPM CAMPUS AMRAVATI 444606

Blended learning strategies vary according to the discipline, process. Blending provides various benefits over using any
the year level, student characteristics and learning outcomes, single learning delivery medium alone.‖ (Singh 2003)
and have a student-centered approach to the learning design. From above definitions we can say that Blended Learning is
Blended learning can increase access and flexibility for a fundamental redesign of the instructional model with the
learners, increase level of active learning, and achieve better following characteristics:
student experiences and outcomes. For teaching staff, blended i) A shift from lecture - to student-centered instruction in
learning can improve teaching and class management which students become active and interactive learners;
practices. Research indicates that student satisfaction with the ii) Increases in interaction between student-instructor,
blended format is directly dependent upon the level of student-student, student-content, and student-outside
interaction with teachers and other students. Teachers can resources;
increase interaction opportunities through face-to-face iii) Integrated formative and summative assessment
discussion sessions and by using online tools such as mechanisms for students and instructor.
discussion forums, virtual conferencing, virtual world and In Blended learning blend might include:
online games, and using mobile technologies such as flip i). Face-to-face and online learning activities and
cameras and voice recorders to engage with parents and the formats
wider school community. ii). Traditional timetabled classes with different modes,
iii). Well established technologies such as lecture capture,
II. BLENDED LEARNING: SOME DEFINITIONS and/or with social media and emerging technologies
Many researchers and educationalists had given different iv). Simulations, group activities, site-based learning, and
definitions of blended learning. Few of them are quoted here. practical.
Blended learning refers to a strategic and systematic There are many teachers blending or integrating different
approach to combining times and modes of learning, types of learning activities and resources in classroom,
integrating the best aspects of face-to-face and online laboratory, practicum, studio contexts for a very long time.
interactions for each discipline, using appropriate ICTs. Today, the term ‗blended learning‘ has evolved to mean the
Blended learning is the combination of multiple approaches to integration of classroom learning with online or e-learning.
learning. Blended learning can be accomplished through the III. ELEMENTS OF BLENDED LEARNING
use of ‗blended‘ virtual and physical resources. Blended Many researchers and educationalists support the situational
learning is the integration of face-to-face and online learning instructional design model for ―blended theory‖ approach.
to help enhance the classroom experience and extend learning According to Zemke the situation is dependent upon ―the
through the innovative use of information and people you serve, the nature of the skills they must master and
communications technology. the context in which they are to perform.‖ Such a ―situational‖
A course that blends online and face-to-face delivery where instructional design model fits well with the concept of
substantial proportion of the content is delivered online, blended learning. By applying learning theories of Keller,
typically uses online discussions, and typically has some face- Gagné, Bloom, Merrill, Clark and Gery, there are five key
to-face meetings. ingredients emerge as important elements of a blended
Dziuban, Hartman and Moskal (2004) in a research brief for learning: L-O-C-A-R
educase titled ―Blended Learning‖ quoted that - ―Blended A. Live Events:
learning should be viewed as a pedagogical approach at Synchronous, instructor-led learning events in which all
combines the effectiveness and socialization opportunities of learners participate at the same time, such as in a live ―virtual
the classroom with the technologically enhanced active classroom.‖
learning possibilities of the online environment, rather than a B. Online Content:
ratio of delivery modalities. Learning experiences that the learner completes
―The concept of blended learning is rooted in the idea that individually, at his own speed and on his own time, such as
learning is not just a one-time event—learning is a continuous interactive, Internet-based or CD-ROM training.
C. Collaboration:

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 INDIAN SOCIETY FOR TECHNICAL
EDUCATION
45th Annual National Convention at
HVP MANDAL’S COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING &
TECHNOLOGY, AMRAVATI
HVPM CAMPUS AMRAVATI 444606

Environments in which learners communicate with others, Through interacting with VLEs, learners are able to acquire
for example, e-mail, threaded discussions and online chat. needed information and support from both their peers and
D. Assessment: their instructor.
A measure of learners‟ knowledge. Pre-assessments can D. Reviewing:
come before live or self-paced events, to determine prior The objective is to have newly constructed knowledge
knowledge, and post-assessments can occur following transferred to learners‟ future learning through sharing their
scheduled or online learning events, to measure learning work with their peers and the instructor. This component
transfer. encompasses the following three subcomponents: (i) make
E. Reference Materials: presentations or distribute the reports online; (ii) review the
On-the-job reference materials that enhance learning process; and (iii) receive feedback from instructor. The first
retention and transfer, including PDA downloads, and PDFs. one is a kind of ―show and tell‖. Students may be expected to
IV. THE BLENDED LEARNING PROCEDURE make presentations or display their work online in VLEs. The
There are four main components in the blended learning second is a kind of self-reflection process, where they can
procedure: compare their own work with their peers‟ and review their
(a) Lead-in; (b) Planning; (c) Acting; and (d) Reviewing. own work to see how well they have done their job. The third
A. Lead-In: is how their work is evaluated by their peers and the instructor
It is the preparatory point of the activity. The most so that they are informed of how well they have done their
important objective is to demonstrate the task to learners. In work and where they are expected to improve in terms of
this component, there are four subcomponents, which are: i) knowledge construction and learning strategies.
describe aims of the task; (ii) show the task by examples; (iii)
show resources provided; and (iv) make arrangements. The V. BENEFITS OF BLENDED LEARNING
first one is intended for students to have an idea what they are By learning, understanding and adopting the blended
expected to achieve after completion of the task. The second learning technology, an Engineering Teacher can achieve
is meant to let students have a better understanding of the task. many important benefits. Competency-based policies,
The third is set to provide students with resources that they dynamic scheduling, and smart recommendation engines will
can use to complete the task. The last is to make instructional make it easier for more schools to incorporate these strategies.
arrangements, which are mainly referred to as the general Blended learning makes it easier to provide multiple learning
planning for how this course will be carried on through the strategies. Blended learning is making it easier to leverage
whole semester. individual student interests through internships and projects.
B. Planning: Blended learning makes it easier to ‗flip the classroom‘ and
The objective of this component is to define the task by send home a play list of instructional resources that deliver
learners themselves through using their knowledge. There are content so that class time can be spent solving problems
three subcomponents, which are: (i) brainstorm if in groups; Blended learning provides partnership with a community-
(ii) define the problem; and (iii) identify the factors or aspects based organization. Blended learning can help extend the
or define the steps. If learners work in groups, they may be school calendar. In addition to extended access and more
required to work out various issues related to the given variety, the shift from print to digital curriculum will includes
problem and to define the steps that you can follow to deal embedded assessments and powerful dashboards that will
with the problem. allow teachers to more easily monitor student progress.
C. Acting: Advanced diagnostics and Adaptive testing involved in
The objective is to deal with an actual task or problem by promoting an individual student‘s growth providing benefits.
completing task-related requirements. This component Blended learning can make learning more social and more
distinguishes itself from other components by interacting with transparent. New staffing patterns, new roles, and extended
Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It has three learning time will allow many teachers to earn more.
subcomponents: (i) collect more information if needed; (ii) Many Teachers appreciate that blended learning makes a
carry on the task or solve the problem; and (iii) write reports. difficult job more doable. But one thing should be always kept

Blended Learning: The Future Of Education Khandve P. V. and

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 INDIAN SOCIETY FOR TECHNICAL
EDUCATION
45th Annual National Convention at
HVP MANDAL’S COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING &
TECHNOLOGY, AMRAVATI
HVPM CAMPUS AMRAVATI 444606

in mind that, Teacher can achieve desire benefits only by viii). Need to organize classes in person, to reduce costs,
adopting appropriate blended learning strategy for their desire with specified dates, can limit the access of individual
subject, module or course. Benefits of Blended Learning are students who wish to study independently and
listed below: programs with more flexible deadlines, such as e-
i). Enhanced student learning outcomes learning.
ii). Greater flexibility for students and teachers ix). Limits the access of students wishing to study
iii). Improved autonomy, reflection, and research skills individual programs independently and with flexible
iv). Reduced student withdrawal rate hours
v). Ability to foster a professional learning environment x). Devaluation of the online teacher and high appreciation
vi). Potential cost and resource savings of Professor.
vii). Best personal integration among participants, with the xi). Professor presence has a more significant role, however
consequent exchange of experiences it is not he who serves the distance learners, and
viii). Ability to develop collective dynamics. students are stranded on both sides: one that dominates
ix). Potential cost savings with the formation of groups, to the content does not care, and who does not care
allow a whole class start and finish the course within dominates the entire contents.
the same period.
x). Improved student assessment in live situations, V. DIGITAL TOOLS TO SUPPORT BLENDED LEARNING
especially when the subject involves the formation of Following are some examples of digital tools that can be
relationship performance and attitude of the student used to support learning and teaching in a blended
front of the public. environment. An Engineering Teachers should explore all of
xi). Ability to perform field work and visits to places of them to become familiar so that they can understand how to
interest. collaborate them for moving towards blended learning
xii). Humanization of relationship between the institution environment.
and students. Blogs: Blogs are an ideal tool for disseminating regular
xiii). Improved learning outcomes within specified time, commentary and opinion. These blogs might be written by a
with more diverse media and collaboration among single author or several. Multi-author blogs in particular can
students more intense. provide an opportunity for improving communication and
increasing impact.
IV. LIMITATIONS AND CHALLENGES FOR BLENDED Discussion Boards: They are similar to Blogs in that they
LEARNING often work at the augmentation or modification level.
In India, we are on the mid boundary of Traditional learning Discussion Board is used for reflection, thinking and
and Online Learning Environment. Until and unless we are analyzing type activities such as brainstorming, cooperative
not totally shifting to well design appropriate blended debate, collaborative writing etc.
strategy, on cannot achieve the desire benefits of Blended Live Internet streaming: It is used for live guest speech,
Learning. In current situation, there are following limitations question answer session, demonstrations, live debate, polling
or challenges for blended learning. etc.
i). Unrealistic student expectations Web/video conferencing: It is used for taking online
ii). Student-perceived isolation feedback, hosting weekly discussion or Q & A session, on site
iii). Intrusion into other areas of life Time commitment lectures etc.
iv). Technological problems for students Mind mapping: It is carried out using Cause-effect
v). Difficulty in acquiring new teaching and technology diagrams, flowcharts and graphs where brainstorming is
skills carried out by student or group of students.
vi). Lack of support for course redesign Twitter: It can be used for taking feedback, understanding
vii). Technological problems for institutions the opinions, following specific topic, problem solving space
etc.

Blended Learning: The Future Of Education Khandve P. V. and

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 INDIAN SOCIETY FOR TECHNICAL
EDUCATION
45th Annual National Convention at
HVP MANDAL’S COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING &
TECHNOLOGY, AMRAVATI
HVPM CAMPUS AMRAVATI 444606

Screen capture /recording: It is used to create step by step vii). Students get feedback on their performance as part of
learning video, recording for complex concepts, and doing the activity or following completion of the
evaluation of problem solving capabilities. activity.
Open education resources: OER enables students to create viii). The activity is manageable by staff.
their own instructional, historical or autobiographical video
Flipped classroom: In a flipped classroom, students have a VII. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POLICY MAKING
voice and are encouraged to debate, question, make decisions, i). Defining the term ―blended learning‖ model as one
make choices and be supported in a learning environment. which is combining online resources and technology
Classrooms become laboratories or studios, and yet content with face-to-face instruction by a licensed teacher.
delivery is preserved. ii). Increasing center, state, and local resources, along with
MOOC: Massive open online course is an online public/private partnerships, to fully fund equipment
course aimed at unlimited participation and open access via purchases/leases/upgrades, maintenance, technical
the web. In addition to traditional course materials such as support, training/professional development, evaluation,
filmed lectures, readings, and problem sets, many MOOCs and staffing to support the full use of technology in
provide interactive user forums to support community public schools, colleges, and universities.
interactions between students, professors, and teaching iii). Ensuring that students have access to and instruction in
assistants. Many MOOCs often emphasized open-access technology, as well as the responsible and ethical use of
features, such as open licensing of content, structure and technology, especially in places where they are not
learning goals, to promote the reuse and remixing of otherwise available.
resources. iv). Providing every school classroom, office, teacher
workroom, and library/media center with affordable,
VI. STRATEGY TO BE ADOPTED high speed, seamless, and equal access to the Internet.
Good practice in blended learning involves using a few v). Developing an acceptable use policy to address the
tools in effective ways to achieve quality learning outcomes. appropriate use of the Internet, for example, parental
When designing a unit for blended learning start first with the permission, proper citation and compliance with
learning outcomes and consider what supports students will copyright laws, and privacy and information protection.
need to achieve successful learning outcomes. This planning vi). Revise, create, and implement state standards, learning
process includes the integration of blended learning in your objectives, and assessments using technology for all
unit and designing the learning activities. content areas that reflect 21st century expertise and the
i). The blended learning activity is planned in advance, as power of technology to improve learning.
something that the student does. vii). Design, implement, and evaluate technology powered
ii). All the components of the activity are ready (but not programs and interventions to ensure that students
necessarily available) before the student starts the progress seamlessly through our new education system
activity. and emerge prepared for college and careers.
iii). The activity leads students towards achieving the
learning outcomes and/or completing assessment for VIII. CONCLUSIONS
the unit. Blended learning in educational research refers to a mixing
iv). The activity takes account of students‘ incoming level of different learning environments. It combines traditional
of expertise in online learning/independent learning. face-to-face classroom methods with more modern computer-
v). Students are provided with clear mediated activities .Online learning environment can facilitate
guidelines/expectations about what they are to do, the success of students because they can review materials
where, and within what time frame. when they want and are more comfortable asking teachers for
vi). The rationale for the activity is made clear to students. help. Blended learning, which typically extends classroom
instruction online, is giving new approaches and strategies for
addressing the challenges they face and for taking advantage

Blended Learning: The Future Of Education Khandve P. V. and

1 100
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Industry Dr. Shelke M. E.
 INDIAN SOCIETY FOR TECHNICAL
EDUCATION
45th Annual National Convention at
HVP MANDAL’S COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING &
TECHNOLOGY, AMRAVATI
HVPM CAMPUS AMRAVATI 444606

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