Blended Learning and the Virtual Learning Environment of Nottingham Trent University

Abstract

This report discusses the merits and limitations of the two main choices of learning and teaching method which are the traditional learning (t-learning) and electronic learning (e-learning) methods. On the basis of this comparison and evaluation, the report suggests the blended learning (b-learning) method as an effective alternative approach for teaching and learning process. The term b-learning is used to describe a solution that combines the traditional faceto-face classrooms, i.e. t-learning along with the elearning. The goal of blended learning is to join the best features of in-class teaching with the best features of online learning to promote active independent learning and reduce class seat time. The basic concept of blended learning, and the key steps and rules to develop a successful blended module is reviewed. The second part of the paper highlights the actual practical aspects of blended learning model currently adopted by Nottingham Trent University and its experience in this field for achieving maximum teaching objectives and learning outcomes. BackgroundWith recent advances in the science and technology of learning, there will be two main choices of learning and teaching method. Will it be electronic learning (e-learning) method? Or one of the older but tried and true classical face-to-face approach, i.e. traditional learning (t-learning) method? Professionals reveal that certain content is more effective if delivered through e-learning, while other content is more suitable for classroom instruction. Findings show that both delivery methods can successfully coexist to compose an effective and efficient training system. This report is divided into two parts. The first part reviews the advantages and disadvantages of the two teaching and learning methods: e-learning and tlearning. On the bases of the comparison of these two methods, blended learning (b-learning) method is suggested as an alternative approach for teaching and learning process.The basic concept of blended learning, advantages and the key steps and rules to develop a successful blended module is reviewed. The second part of this report highlights the actual practical aspects of blended learning model currently adopted by Nottingham Trent University and its experience in this filed for achieving maximum teaching objectives and learning outcomes. Electronic LearningElectronic Learning (e-learning) is the term used to describe teaching and learning resources or experiences that are, in some way, delivered electronically. E-learning is meant to be more than just educational websites or computer software. It includes all aspects of available electronic delivery (internet, intranets, extranets, satellite broadcast, audio/video tape, interactive TV and CD-ROM) to make teaching and learning more flexible for the students and instructors [1].For learners, e-learning knows no time zones, and location and distance are not an issue. In asynchronous e-learning, students can access the online materials at any time, while synchronous elearning allows...

Pengembangan Sistem Layanan Pembelajaran Kecakapan Abad Xxi

“…Penggabungan tersebut dilakukan untuk mengambil fitur terbaik dari masing-masing unsur yang digabungkan (Akkoyunlu & Soylu, 2008;Mohammad, 2009;Tulaboev, 2013) untuk menciptakan lingkungan pembelajaran yang paling efisien (HoicBozic et al, 2009). Penjelasan tersebut sejalan dengan definisi yang dikemukakan oleh Aboukhatwa (2012), yaitu metode pembelajaran yang mengombinasikan aspek terbaik dari metode pembelajaran tatap muka dan metode pembelajaran daring menggunakan TIK.…”

“…B-Learning adalah model pembelajaran yang mengombinasikan aspek terbaik dari pembelajaran tradisional dengan tatap muka dan pembelajaran menggunakan TIK (Aboukhatwa, 2012; Akkoyunlu & Soylu, 2008;Hoic-Bozic, Mornar, & Boticki, 2009;Mohammad, 2009;Van & Meij, 2012). Pembelajaran tradisional menyediakan interaksi sosial antarsiswa dan antara murid dengan guru yang sangat diperlukan dalam pembelajaran, sedangkan pembelajaran berbasis TIK memastikan fleksibilitas dan efektivitas dengan cara menyediakan materi secara daring yang dapat diakses oleh peserta didik kapan dan di mana saja (Alqahtani, 2010).…”

ELT instructors’ attitudes towards the use of Blended Learning in tertiary level English language programs

“…According to John Merrow (2012), "blended learning is some mix of traditional classroom instruction (which in itself varies considerably) and instruction mediated by technology" and he continues, "the latter can be one student with a tablet or laptop, or small groups of kids working together on devices" (ibid.). Lynch and Dembo (2004) pointed out that blended education is a form of distributed education, and "distributed education represents an eclectic blend of technologies and modalities to enable both synchronous (real time) and asynchronous (anytime) teacher-learner and learner-learner interactions in a single course or program" According to Mohammad (2009), "blended learning is a powerful method of the learning and teaching process that successfully mixes the best features of both traditional and electronic learning in order to promote active independent learning and reduce class room time" (p. 299). Natasa Hoic-Bozic, Vedran Mornar, and Ivica Boticki (2009) defines blended learning as "learning based on various combinations of classical face-to-face lectures, learning over the Internet and learning supported by other technologies, aimed at creating the most efficient learning environment.…”

Curso Híbrido usando a Rede Social Facebook no Ensino de Programação de Computadores

“…A aprendizagem híbrida consiste em manter as melhores características de um processo de aprendizagem realizado em sala de aula (t-learning) associada com as melhores características de um processo de aprendizagem online (e-learning) [Mohammad 2009]. Realiza-se o uso de diversas ferramentas como: wiki, blogs, redes sociais, celulares e computadores como instrumentos facilitadores do processo online [Khan 2013].…”

“…Há o aumento na interação entre os alunos e com o professor [Mohammad 2009]. Essa geração de alunos denominada nativo digital, nascida em meio à inserção de tecnologias de informação e comunicação no cotidiano, com essa característica dessa geração justifica-se o uso de sistemas e ferramentas digitais também no ambiente escolar [Khan 2013].…”