Why Is Blended Learning Important? Blended learning offers: Flexibility in terms of availability – anytime, anywhere. Access to global resources and materials that meet the students’ level of knowledge and interest. Self-pacing for slow or quick learners reduces stress, increases satisfaction and information retention.
Blended learning creates an environment where: Students have the ability to track their progress. Students can learn through a variety of activities that apply to many different learning styles. Students are more engaged and can focus on deeper learning. Students can interact with both the blended learning instructor, as well as the online instructor in interactive sessions as well as with students in the blended learning classroom and the e-classroom that they attend, where they can interact with fellow online classmates via chatrooms, discussions, and electronic video calls. These are all 21st century skills that the blended learning student develops and utilizes on a regular basis.
Other Advantages Of Blended Learning For Students: Increase student interest: when technology is integrated into school lessons, learners are more likely to be interested in, focused on, and excited about the subjects they are studying. Subjects that might be monotonous for some – like math and science, while also increasing information retention.
Blended Learning keeps students focused for longer: The use of computers to look up information & data is a tremendous lifesaver, combined with access to resources such as the internet to conduct research. This engagement and interaction with the resources keeps students focused for longer periods then they would be with books or paper resources, this engagement also helps develop learning through exploration and research.
Blended Learning provides student autonomy: The use of eLearning materials increases a student’s ability to set appropriate learning goals and take charge of his or her own learning, which develops an ability that will be translatable across all subjects. Students become self-driven and responsible, tracking their individual achievements, which helps develop the ability to find the resources or get the help they need, self-advocating so they can reach their goals. It also promotes student ownership creating a sense of ‘student ownership over learning’ which can be a powerful force propelling the learning.
Blended Learning allows for faster and more instant diagnostic information and student feedback.
Blended Learning enables students to learn at their own pace: Due to the flexibility of blended learning and the ability to access internet resources allows students to learn at their own pace, meaning a teacher can help speed up the learning process or give more advanced resources if necessary.
Prepares students for the future: Blended learning offers a multitude of real-world skills, that directly translate into life skills: o Self-learning o Self-engagement o Helps to develop a ‘self-driving force’ o Better decision making o Offers a larger sense of responsibility o Computer literacy
Conclusion: All students, no matter what their age, learn differently and teaching methods should reflect this. With Commandeurs Bay Academy’s integrated blended classroom we’ll be able to help students improve in all areas of learning; reading, writing, independent critical thought, comprehension, communication skills, organizational skills, and a broadening of their in-depth base of knowledge. Students will improve their ability to focus and become more productive in their work and habits. Blended Learning makes learning become a fun and interesting activity, thus creating life-long independent learners. Improved Information retention, engagement, responsibility and enjoyment are all integral outcomes of Blended Learning at Commandeurs Bay Academy. Students never outgrow their learning styles, meaning blended learning is more important than ever for any and all future endeavors and challenges.