Blended learning in classrooms by Arun Nigavekar

Photo: Arun Nigavekar

Arun Nigavekar writes, "We have been struggling, wi­t­hout much s­u­­c­cess, to promote the use of technology in classroom education, from primary to higher education. In early 90s the arguments were focused on cost of hardware; the computers, projection systems and of course, the cost of renting connectivity."


Photo: FreeDigitalPhotos.net



In the past one deca­de these arguments have lost significance as all hardware is getting miniaturised, giving larger memory and speed, becoming cost effective, and us­er-friendly. However, the noti­on of blending various teaching methods to achieve an effective learning experience is still a subject of exploration by academics.

This is mainly because adoption of blended lea­rning is a complex process for educational institutions and academic staff. It is true that adding creative and innovative uses of technology to improve teaching practices has generated new opportunities for learning. Ble­nded learning is envisaged to maximise the benefits of traditional teaching methods and online delivery.

Blended learning is significantly different from courses delivered in a traditional face-to face classroom with a supplemental website. It is not implemented by a simple transfer of teaching materials online, but rather involves redesign of delivery and pedagogy. Technology has had a significant influence on the ways students interact with th­e­ir peers and faculty and has transformed learning and te­a­c­hing inside and outside the cl­assroom.
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Source: mydigitalfc.com