How does blended learning help pupils prepare for the future?

Blended learning has been accepted as an effective learning strategy for many years, though few were aware of it.?So, what is blended learning and what are the benefits of utilising it in international primary classrooms?

What is blended learning and why is it so important?

There are now many opinions as blended learning has become something of a ‘buzz word’ in education recently, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and homeschooling (EdTechnology, 2022).

Blended learning is fundamentally a true blend of face-to-face learning and teaching, alongside a digital curriculum.?

Consequently, there is a high dependency on computers and the internet. Perhaps this provides one reason why it was not used by many schools in the past but has now increased in modern schools. To cater to these new needs and the increase of technological equipment in the classroom, teachers have had to focus on upskilling in delivering and planning blended learning opportunities (Sweller, J., Ayres, P., & Kalyuga, S., 2011 ).?Furthermore, parents, further educators, and employers now expect students to engage with technology during learning in order to advance their skills and prepare for the future workplace. These skills include research, collaboration, communication, resilience, time management, and independence.

?What are the main types of blended learning?

Originally there were 4 main types of blended learning which were all designed to integrate classroom and remote learning. They were referred to as:

1. Flip teaching,
2. Reverse teaching,
3. Reverse instruction
4. Backwards classroom.?

These methods are all based on a learning and teaching situation where learning also takes place outside of the classroom.?Often, teachers interpreted blended learning as students receiving instruction in the classroom and then extending or consolidating their learning at home.?So, the learning itself would use traditional methods with some reliance on digital resources.?

How has blended learning changed?

As blended learning has become better known it has become more complex. Prior to the pandemic research showed that more than 12 types of blended learning styles were now accepted (Teachthought.com, 2022).?

These blended learning styles were: Station Rotation, Lab Rotation, Enriched Virtual, Flex, The Flipped classroom, Individual Rotation, Project Based, Self-directed, Inside Out, Outside In, Supplemental, Mastery.

?However, closer inspection showed that all these styles were based on the simple principle that learning can be face-to-face or remote with a high dependence on technology.

There is some variation between each type of blended learning, mainly in the extent of classroom and remote learning. For example, in “inside out” blended learning, teachers teach the foundation and then students complete tasks remotely with intermittent support from the teacher.?In “supplemental” blended learning students extend their learning by completing further research based on their personal interests in self-directed activities.?The reliance on digital resources and time spent learning in the classroom or remotely can vary according to the availability and personal needs of the students. This makes blended learning an adaptable and accessible learning approach which is flexible enough to change at the last minute

?Until recently few children could access digital technology at home and so this aspect of learning was often carried out in the classroom with other activities in the home. Technology has progressed rapidly over recent years resulting in increasing accessibility in some homes.?By the end of 2021 96% of households had access to the internet, compared with only around 15% having it in 2000 in the UK (ibisworld.com, 2022)

?During the pandemic many students of all ages had to be educated from home.?Blended learning was relied on heavily to support students and parents trying to educate their children effectively.?Many families received computers with some free access to the internet to allow all students access to education.

The main barrier to blended learning has historically been computers and internet access.?This access is not essential, but rather it is beneficial and makes learning more engaging.?In addition, it also allows all students to receive the same instruction as resources are shared on a daily basis with all students.?Access to the internet and computers means that teachers can share ‘lessons’ with all of the children, rather than only the ones that have access. This means it is as close to actually being present in the classroom as is possible where all students receive an equal education.?Teachers and students can use the internet to access ongoing lessons and resources that can be constantly updated and shared with other students in the classroom and remotely.?Enquiry-based learning skills such as group work, collaboration, communication and research can be developed when using the internet even when children are remote.?

What are the benefits of blended learning?

In true blended learning, students become independent and responsible for their own learning.?In many of the blended learning styles, students are more involved in setting learning objectives and outcomes which gives them ownership of their learning experience.?

• Students are more likely to complete tasks when they have designed them.?
• Students often become better time managers as tasks have to be completed to an agreed timescale.?Yet there is more flexibility as students can select the best times to work and can plan their own timetable.?
• Students who find it difficult to apply themselves to learning in a more traditional setting have been found to adapt better to blended learning better.?Using the internet and online resources is more interesting to most students because they use technology in daily lives.?
• Students are more likely to fully apply themselves to their learning because they are interested.
• As students become more familiar with blended learning, they can adapt to any changes effectively. ?
• Blended learning also supports students returning to the classroom after an absence because it is less formal which some students find challenging.?
• Teachers have found that they can personalise learning more effectively as it allows them to set individual challenges with flexible outcomes and time frames, so every level of learner is catered for.

As more children have access to a reliable internet source and computers blended learning has even more of a place in education.?This allows flexibility in times such as the pandemic, long-term illness, or absence from school.?As a result, all students have equal and fair access to education.?

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The Oxford International Primary programme supports a blended learning approach for international schools.

Online subscriptions are now available for Maths, Science, and English. These new digital offerings include student eBooks with audio and video features, continuous assessment activities, additional classroom activities, teaching resources, and more.

About the Author

Deborah (Debbie) Roberts?is an International Education Consultant, published Author, and Trainer. Debbie has worked with numerous schools around the world. Her publication list for Primary and Secondary education is approaching 150, which includes books, CPD courses, and educational films.?