New Technologies for a Language
Classroom
Blended learning is a
term increasingly used to describe the way e-learning is being combined with
traditional classroom methods and independent study to create a new, hybrid
teaching methodology. It represents a much greater change in basic technique than
simply adding computers to classrooms; it represents, in many cases, a
fundamental change in the way teachers and students approach the learning
experience. It has already produced an offshoot the flipped classroom that has
quickly become a distinct approach of its own. A course created in a blended
learning model uses the classroom time for activities that benefit the most
from direct interaction. Traditional education (especially at the college
level) tends to place an emphasis on delivering material by way of a lecture,
while in a blended learning model lectures can be videotaped ahead of time so
the student can watch on their own time. The classroom time is more likely to
be for structured exercises that emphasize the application of the curriculum to
solve problems or work through tasks. An individual semester of blended
learning may emphasize classroom time at the beginning, then gradually increase
the amount of work that students do online or during independent study. Many
argue that class discussion boards, for example, are far more useful if the
participants have met face-to-face first. In some situations, the move to
blended learning has inspired educators to redefine traditional roles. The word
“facilitator” has emerged as an alternative to “teacher,” bringing with it a
slightly different focus. The facilitator places an emphasis on empowering
students with the skills and knowledge required to make the most of the online
material and independent study time, guiding students toward the most meaningful
experience possible. The advantages of blended learning are Blended instruction
is reportedly more effective than purely face-to-face or purely online classes.
Blended learning methods can also result in high levels of student achievement
more effective than face-to-face learning. Blended learning also has the
potential to reduce educational expenses, although some dispute. Blended
learning is inherently less expensive than traditional classroom learning. Blended
learning has can lower costs by putting classrooms in the online space and it
essentially replaces pricey textbooks with electronic devices that students
often bring themselves to class. There are also disadvantages of blended
learning. Blended learning has a strong dependence on the technical resources
or tools with which the blended learning experience is delivered. These tools
need to be reliable, easy to use, and up to date, for them to have a meaningful
impact on the learning experience. From an educator's perspective, most
recently, it has been noted that providing effective feedback is more
time-consuming (and therefore more expensive) when electronic media are used,
in comparison to traditional assessments.
