Lesson 4 – Benefits and Challenges of Blended Learning
Blended learning can be an effective learning experience for students – when intentionally and thoughtfully designed. No teaching method is without its challenges, however. While there are some challenges to blended learning, it is important to remember that some of these challenges can be proactively lessened with thoughtful planning and that the benefits to student learning and engagement outweigh the challenges.
Take a look at some of the benefits and challenges of blended learning below:
Provides greater flexibility
Students can access content at anytime, anywhere. This allows greater flexibility to learn at their own schedule. This can be particularly beneficial for learners balancing busy work and family lives or that have other commitments.
Improves quality of face-to-face instructions
When the bulk of the content is delivered in the online environment, teachers can use class time for greater teacher-student interactions and student-student interactions.
Allows class time to be spent on active learning activities
When foundational content is delivered online, more time in the classroom can be spent on engaging in a variety of learning activities. This is particularly beneficial for working on challenges and utilizing teacher- and peer-feedback.
Provides greater variability in teaching and learning activities
With a greater variety of activities (e.g., lecture, collaborative in-class activities, online discussion boards, independent reading, digital activities), students are provided multiple means to engage with content which can improve their overall success.
Creates potential for greater community connection
Strategic planning of collaborative face-to-face activities with facilitated activities online helps create greater connection between students. Further, the ability to pause, think, and reflect in the asynchronous online environment can allow students that might struggle in traditional classrooms to still participate in meaningful ways.
More preparation and planning
Particularly for faculty new to teaching hybrid courses, it requires more time in upfront planning. Teachers need to be comfortable using digital tools and to spend time thinking and planning how to intentionally integrate them into their lessons in ways that connect face-to-face and online learning.
Technology and accessibility issues
Students require access to a reliable and strong internet connection to engage in the online content. While Algonquin College does expect students to own a laptop, their internet connectivity might vary. We all know that technology can sometimes be unreliable!
Potential for decreased student participation
Students might not complete the online learning activities for a variety of reasons, including time management or organizational skills, a lack of understanding about the expectations and value of the online learning, or even not knowing that the course is hybrid. This requires early, ongoing, and proactive communication from the teacher.