Higher education is one domain that has received a significant upgrade in recent years. The traditional methods of teaching are now being replaced with technology and innovation-centric concepts with the goal to improve learning outcomes. It is interesting to see how higher school management India bodies are using technology to provide a better learning experience to students.
Post COVID-19, approximately 54% of higher education bodies in India have increased their investment in online learning. Now that the schools have opened, there is still a fear of the pandemic overpowering the normalised lives. This is where blended learning comes into the picture.
Although many workplaces have adopted the blended model, schools and education companies in India are still exploring its pros and cons. In simple words, blended learning is the combination of computer-based activities and face-to-face learning in the classroom. A similar model was being followed before the pandemic also, as most of the schools have gone digital and have smart classrooms to teach students with the help of audio and visuals.
Blended learning is a mix of digital and traditional teaching methods, which improve the learning process. It delivers a whole new experience.
How to create a blended learning environment?
Understand the requirements and prepare accordingly
Schools will need to understand their basic hardware and digital requirements to create a blended learning environment. Let’s look at what is required:
Devices – Every student will need a device to study online. The device could be a tablet, smartphone or laptop. Schools will have to determine if students will use these devices to only attend classes or do assignments also. In addition to this, schools need to ensure device uniformity. If teachers are preparing assignments or using tools on Mac OS, students might have to struggle with the accessibility and compatibility issues, in case they have Windows OS.
Applications and Tools – Blended learning is dependent on interactive tools such as cloud storage, virtual whiteboards, etc. Therefore, schools need to choose the tools wisely. Some of the tools and applications they need to consider are – live video classrooms, messaging tools, downloading tools, image and document processing tools, and lectures or recordings streaming tools.
Learning Management Software – The most crucial aspect of blended learning is the learning management software. There are many options available in the market, but schools need to identify their needs and understand teaching pedagogy to make the right decision. Also, it is always a good option to go for customisable LMS.
Other Things to Consider
After analyzing requirements, LMS, applications, and infrastructure, schools need to:
- Set clear objectives and goals that are time-bound
- Assess the skillset of students
- Assess the skillset of teachers
- Look for engaging content
- Set up ways of evaluation
Final Thoughts
When the school has finalised all these aspects, it gets easier to implement a blended learning system. Make sure you consult a technology expert to get the work done, as this will deliver a better experience to both teachers and students.
