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Blended Learning is
more effective than Traditional Learning
The world is becoming increasingly dependent on computers and
technology. In addition to that, lack of time plays a crucial role in the
future of education, and students are resorting to other ways of learning. One
of the ways to overcome the problem of not being able to study regularly is a
blended course, because those who are not able to watch all the F2F classes can
cover the material online. Since there are still students who prefer
traditional classes, the academic world has recently been asking a very
interesting question. Is blended learning more effective than traditional
learning? Is that what the future holds in store for us? Well, in my opinion,
blended learning is in fact more effective than traditional learning, and it should
be the only way to go.
For one
thing, students in a blended course are much more autonomous than those in a
traditional course. They will manage their time in a way that all the tasks are
done comfortably. Besides learning at their own pace, they have the flexibility
to choose whether they will work at night or in the morning. In other words,
they will be in charge of their own learning. This paves the way for meaningful
learning because the students will feel responsible for their own learning.
Another
reason why blended learning is more effective than traditional learning is that
students can check their progress more easily and safely. E-portfolios are
infinitely more organized than paper portfolios. The student can save his or
her writings and back them up on another device. This way, he or she will have
two copies of the essays, for example. Hence, there is no risk of losing a
sheet of paper or the feedback given by the teacher. Also, since it is easier
to keep the writings and to check progress, students are usually more
motivated. This happens because, at the speed of a click, they can check what
they have already achieved up to that point.
Of course,
those who are inhibited by computers or do not like change will try to find
problems with blended courses. They might say that studying online depends on
Internet connection, and that they are not able to do the activities if there
is no signal. They might even say that there are countless distractions on the
Internet, making it too difficult for students to concentrate. The truth of the
matter is that they are only finding excuses. Problems exist in blended courses
just like they do in traditional classes. Students in traditional classes will
not be able to have class if there is a blackout, for example. Besides that, there
are numerous distractions that may hinder learning in a traditional classroom
as well, some of which are cellphones, peer chatting, or noise from outside. At
the end of the day, there are no excuses. Students have the obligation to develop
their own strategies to jump over possible hurdles.
To make a
long story short, there are those who will never give in to change, and will
always prefer traditional learning. Nevertheless, global tendency is moving
towards blended courses. People’s lives are increasingly busy and they must
find ways to deal with their lack of time. In a world where investing in your
own development is essential if you want to succeed, and finding time to study
regularly is like finding a needle in a haystack, blended learning seems like
the only oasis in an endless desert. Ultimately, whether people like it or not,
blended learning is here to stay.
