Key Technology Behind Blended Learning

In the recent years, Blended learning has become an integral part of the education environment. Blended Learning refers to the combination of face-to-face classroom instruction with online learning components. This educational model integrates digital content such as learning activities, materials, tools, and recorded classes, which students can engage at their own pace. This mix of in-person classes and online learning materials – e.g., pre-recorded lectures, readings and multimedia resources- has become an educational model substantial to the educational system worldwide.?

In this article, we will delve into what exactly blended learning is and the benefits it brings to the educational sector. Following this, we will discuss four aspects that play an important role in blended learning – Video Technology, Classroom Collaboration Solutions, Audio Clarity & User-Friendly Technology.??

Benefits of Blended Classroom Learning??

Blended modality education has demonstrated to be significantly more effective than in-person or online modalities. The aim behind blended education is to ensure an effective and flexible way of learning while generating an increase in learning and teaching efficiency. Moreso, since the pandemic years, the shift to online and blended learning was a necessity but now it’s a choice. Teachers and students worldwide have experienced the benefits of this learning method and they’re not going back! A variety of research has covered the student/teacher's satisfaction with online and blended education, reporting a higher preference for blended education than ever before.?

These are some of the benefits that blended learning might bring to your classroom:???

• Improved engagement of teacher and student through the combination of both online and in-person teaching/learning.??

• Possibility for a flexible schedule.?

• A Higher retention rate from students.?

• A cost-effective learning environment.?

• Higher training participation from teachers and students.?

• Improved communication skills.?

• A widespread accessibility. ?

Video Technology Behind Blended Learning??

Classrooms around the globe are rapidly transitioning into ‘smart’ learning spaces, which has involved a series of equipped technologies that can handle the demands of blended learning. Yet this transition has not always been easy, some institutions lack proper visual and auditory equipment, which can lead to frustration for both teachers and students.??

One key consideration for blended learning is the classroom camera. For blended learning to be effective and engaging, the camera should be capable of tracking the teacher’s movements. As well as to switch easily between presets – whiteboard, PowerPoint - giving the teacher the necessary tools to give a dynamic lesson. High-definition cameras, clear audio, and interactive features enable teachers to communicate effectively with remote learners. Whether it is for learning, teaching or assessing students, having reliable, user-friendly video technology ensures a smooth operation within learning environments.??

Classroom Collaboration Solutions?

Technology today plays a huge role in making blended learning not only possible but also a team effort. For example, popular video conferencing and collaboration tools - like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet - enable real-time virtual interactions between instructors and students. With these tools, schools can easily share material with their students and teachers, keep track of tasks, and make interactive learning features.??

Moreover, collaborative learning has proved to make students more motivated and interested in class. Studies report that 70% of students feel more engaged when they use collaborative tools in school, allowing students to solve problems together, work with one another, and build a supportive community.??

What are some classroom collaborative tools that are essential for blended learning???

1. A Learning Management System that allows you to create, manage and deliver eLearning content.?
2. A Webinar Platform as a platform to conduct virtual learning sessions.?
3. Video Software to create pre-recorded training sessions.??
4. An Authoring Tool that allows you to design a digital course and publish it in desired formats.??

Audio Clarity for Blended Learning?

With the rapid growth of blended education, a good audio system is a key asset when implementing blended learning. Good quality audio allows quality classroom video conferencing and allows institutions to create an environment where everyone can participate.??

Audio solutions are often overlooked when it comes to blended learning, yet studies show that now even within face-to-face classrooms, a 25% of information is lost when students are in rooms with poor sound conditions. Further, not implementing a good audio quality might cause an impact on the user’s emotional well-being research found that 35% of end-users feel a sense of frustration and annoyance due to poor audio quality, while 25% experience moments of stress and 15% embarrassment.??

To avoid these issues, here we mention the audio must-haves that you may need to know to keep your audio system updated!?

• Microphones such as hands-free mics, desktop mics or innovative ceiling microphones.??

• Audioconferencing systems that feature power processors such as noise reduction, and USB connectivity.??

• Mixers that allow audio mixer platforms combine input from multiple signals to optimise sound for in-person and remote participants.?

User-Friendly Technologies within Blended Learning?

New technology can frustrate everyone, from learning new pre-sets, ‘language’ or even configuring a video camera. Now, since blended education model combines both online and in-person instruction, it's important to consider the user-friendliness of the technology it uses. The ability to quickly adopt and integrate this technology effortlessly is essential for maintaining engagement and maximising educational outcomes.??

AVer’s focus on user-friendly technology is evident in its commitment to designing products that are intuitive, easy to set up, and compatible with the tools educators and institutions already use. Whether you’re a teacher looking for high video quality, tools for collaborative learning, or crystal-clear audio, AVer’s solutions are designed to accommodate your needs effortlessly.??

Aver offers a wide range of solutions adjustable to blended learning, such as the A+ Suite which enhances classroom presentations with versatile features, including robust annotation tools, real-time video and image capture, and seamless integration with AVer visualisers.??

AVer also offers advanced audio solutions such as their speakerphones and microphones, which are designed to capture clear, distortion-free sound, even in larger classrooms, providing built-in noise-cancellation technology that helps filter out background noise. To further ensure clarity for remote learners, AVer’s voice tracking technology helps to isolate and reduce echoes and ambient noise.?

To learn more about the EdTech essentials, please visit: www.avereurope.com?