Specifically, working within the classroom gives you traditional face-to-face learning but working online gives you self directed learning. Furthermore, Blended Learning combines both of these attributes to enhance your education and allows you to learn within on and off hours in your college education (Hootsuite University. 2016). Online learning enhances your education and allows you to progress at your own level by using various advanced tools. This allows you to complete the work in an environment you feel most comfortable whilst obtaining the same high level professionalism within your education. Having the option to work within classroom learning or online learning gives you the flexibility to accommodate your current curriculum and introduce virtual content to your college education. In addition, your education becomes flexible and accommodates to online learning and classroom learning (Hootsuite University. 2016).
Every student learns in a different way at a different pace but as a teacher it is impossible to cater to everyone’s learning needs (Smorenberg, R. 2014). As students, you should be able to learn at your own pace and I think the lecturer should be able to easily accommodate this. To give students additional time outside of college hours allows them to learn and understand different elements that they normally wouldn’t. Every student has a different way of learning but Blended Learning corresponds to these needs. Furthermore, if students are learning at a faster pace, there’s tools available to enhance their learning experience. In addition, you can access sources at a higher-level if you’re a fast paced learner, giving you the ability to flourish (Cisco. 2011). Having these advanced skills enables you to be more focused and prepared for higher level education. Learning at your own pace reduces the pressure for performance alongside your own peers.
53 percent of lecturers believe that having advanced devices such as iPads, Kindles, Sony Readers, iPods, and MP3 players can enhance your education (Cisco. 2011). Having these devices make students more organised, equipped and confident for the lecture, allowing them to effectively gain information from their lectures, to increase their education. Nevertheless, 81 percent of teachers influence students to have a laptop because it ensures they are fulfilling their education. (Cisco. 2011). Having a laptop allows the student to become flexible within their learning, making it easier to connect with the lecturer and correspond to upcoming coursework or set tasks. Within the timetabled Blended Learning hour, students have to complete tasks set by the lecturers and having a laptop enables students to work independently to complete the task. These devices which are resourceful and enable students to efficiently work alongside interactive videos. Furthermore, interactive videos can support new learning and teaching experiences across cities, making it easier to collaborate with the general public to complete tasks and develop collaboration and communication skills (Cisco. 2011).
References:
– Cisco (2011) Video: How Interactivity and Rich Media Change Teaching and Learning. Available at: http://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/products/collateral/collaboration-endpoints/collaboration-room-endpoints/k12_video_wp.pdf. (Accessed: 12 December 2016).
– Hootsuite University (2016) ‘Teaching Social Media in Higher Education with Hootsuite’, Hootsuite, pp. 1-16. Available at: https://hootsuite.com/en-gb/pages/landing/blended-learning (Accessed: 12 December 2016).
– Smorenberg, R. (2014) Daily Edventures. Available at: http://dailyedventures.com/index.php/2014/10/16/robin-smorenberg/ (Accessed: 12 December 2016).
Abbie Fothergill 