The disruptions caused by the global outbreak of the COVID-19 virus have obligated educational institutions to adjust from the traditional way of delivering basic quality education to embracing Blended Learning through technological devices where teachers and learners are secure of their health from the possible spread of the virus and at the same time able to meet training and learning needs.
But what really is blended learning? Fundamentally, blended learning is a combination of face-to-face classes, online learning, and Self Learning Modules (SLMs) where lessons are tackled from limited classroom classes to online learning, and/or the use of modules. This Blended Learning consists of Four Key Elements:
Face-to-Face-Learning. Conventionally, teachers and learners attend classes in a formal setting in a physical classroom. However, with the use of technology, face-face- classes are no longer limited to a physical classroom, a virtual classroom is considered as face-to-face learning as long as all learners with their teacher are present (synchronous learning) in the said virtual room.
Online Learning. Studying online through a learning content/activities/online workbook provided by a teacher using digital technology such as screencasting, podcasting, video, audio, and other multimedia-based
instructions that are readily accessible on the platform. In this part of Blended Learning, students are given the freedom to complete the given activities according to their own pace of learning and submit or upload answers in the given link or platform or discussed through google meet, zoom, or similar video conferencing applications.
Self-Paced Learning. This is a significant part of Blended Learning since it gives learners the study and answer activities at their most convenient time, at any given place as long as they have internet access, and the online workbook could either be done individually, with a friend or as a group, depending on the directions given by the teacher.
Integrated Learning. To be considered as Blended Learning, there should be an integration of lessons from the formal setting to an online setting and the use of Self-Learning Modules (SLMs). Delivery of lessons should be seamless from the start of the lesson in the classroom setting to the online setting and vice-versa. For instance, lessons conducted in the classroom should be continued in the online class such as watching additional inputs and answering activities and then presenting them through meeting conferences or in the classroom setting. Failure to connect this together means that Blended Learning is not really applied.
Additionally, for blended learning to yield the desired learning outcomes, learners must possess the skills needed in this classroom of the future. The 4Cs for 21st Century Skills are the basic elements that learners need to participate effectively in the new setup of learning. These elements include Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity.
Critical Thinking. Based on Bloom's Taxonomy, critical thinking belongs to the higher thinking skills where a learner goes beyond the basic observation of facts and memorization. A learner figures out how to solve problems, formulate solutions, make decisions, and be able to understand certain situations based on prior knowledge and experiences. Having critical thinking skills leads to the development of other skills such as a higher level of concentration, deeper analytical abilities, and improved thought processing.
Communication. Having the ability to be understood clearly when communicating ideas, views, or opinions whether spoken, written, or through facial expressions, body language or hand gestures is one of the factors that leads to successful social life. Thus, communicative skill is a necessity when learning through Blended Learning since most instances that this skill is utilized.
Collaboration. Being able to work with others with varying ideas, views, and opinions and able to come up with a consensus in defending your stance as an individual participant or as a group is another important skill for one to be able to learn effectively through Blended Learning.
Creativity. Generating new ideas based on existing concepts, and theories, or innovating a particular product leads to effective participation in Blended classes. These creative thinking skills can be enhanced through continuous learning that is open to questioning varying views and accepting mistakes and learning from them.
Lacking these elements of Blended Learning and required skills for learners could affect the teaching-learning processes, not to mention the distractions that teachers and students encounter when conducting classes in the comfort of their homes such as household chores and other obligations and responsibilities. Computer skills and basic troubleshooting are also necessary for both teachers and learners for the smooth implementation of lessons and responses to online class activities. Apart from that, a good internet connection, computers, laptops, and smartphones are also necessary for this type of learning that must be communicated to parents or guardians and other stakeholders in the school since not all learners have internet access, let alone educational gadgets.
Thus, Blended Learning requires the 4Cs for 21st-century skills for learners, and the cooperation of teachers, students, parents, and the community on the use of technological tools to attain the delivery of basic quality education for the classroom of the future.
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