What is blended learning?

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Published: October 21, 2024​

 A new approach is gaining traction in the educational landscape: blended learning. This method combines the best of traditional classroom instruction with the flexibility and personalisation of online learning. But what exactly is blended learning, how did it become so popular, and how can it benefit students and educators alike?

Blended learning is more than just incorporating technology into the classroom. It’s a thoughtful integration of face-to-face and online experiences, designed to enhance student engagement and improve learning outcomes. From flipped classrooms where students watch lectures at home and practice concepts in class, to flex models that allow students to move through content at their own pace, blended learning offers a range of possibilities.

What is the blended learning approach?

Blended learning refers to an educational model that combines face-to-face classroom instruction with online learning activities. This hybrid approach leverages technology to complement traditional teaching methods and can be customised to meet the specific needs of students. This can be in terms of time, place and pace. There are several models of blended learning – each offering different levels of flexibility.

 

What are the different types of blended learning styles?

This hybrid approach leverages technology to complement traditional teaching methods and can be customised to meet the specific needs of students. There are various models of blended learning, each offering different levels of flexibility and independence:

·         Rotation model: Students rotate between different learning stations, including online and traditional instruction.

·         Flex model: Most instruction occurs online, with teachers offering in-person support as needed.

·         Self-blend model: Students take online courses in addition to their in-person classes.

·         Lab rotation model: Students rotate between a physical lab for online learning and their classroom for face-to-face instruction.

Why is blended learning important?

The integration of technology in education is transforming the way students learn, and teachers teach. Blended learning is a prime example of how educational systems are evolving to meet the needs of modern learners. It has been shown to improve student outcomes by offering more individualised learning experiences, reducing the “one-size-fits-all” approach found in traditional classrooms.

In real-world examples, schools implementing blended learning programs have reported increased student engagement and better academic performance [1]. Research also supports these outcomes, with studies highlighting how technology-enhanced learning can lead to significant gains in student achievement [2], especially in areas such as math and science.

 

A comparison: Hybrid learning vs. homeschooling

 

What is the difference between hybrid learning and homeschooling?

 There’s often confusion between hybrid learning and homeschooling, but these are two distinct approaches.

·         Hybrid Learning: This is like blended learning but typically refers to students splitting their time between in-person classes and online instruction at home. It is structured by the school and follows a formal curriculum.

·         Homeschooling: In homeschooling, parents take on the responsibility of educating their children at home, usually designing their curriculum or using external resources, without the structured support of a traditional school system.

Each model has its pros and cons. Hybrid learning offers more flexibility while still providing access to school resources and teachers, whereas homeschooling gives parents complete control over the learning environment and curriculum. However, homeschooling can be more challenging for parents to manage and may require additional legal and administrative work, depending on the region

 

What are the key features between the two?

 

·         Hybrid learning provides a more structured approach with set schedules, while homeschooling offers maximum flexibility.

·         In hybrid learning, the school largely determines the curriculum, whereas homeschooling parents have full control over educational content.

·         Hybrid learning naturally includes peer interactions, while homeschooling families need to actively seek out socialisation opportunities.

·         Homeschooling requires a much higher level of parental involvement and time commitment compared to hybrid learning.

·         Hybrid learning inherently involves significant use of online tools, while technology use in homeschooling can vary greatly based on family preference.


Deep dive into homeschooling

What are the positives?

    Homeschooling offers flexibility in scheduling. Families can structure their days around their needs, allowing for breaks, travel, or focus on areas without being tied to a rigid school timetable.

student in library studying in front of laptop

·         Homeschooling allows parents to tailor the curriculum to their child’s specific learning style, interests, and pace. This individualised approach can foster a deeper understanding of subjects and improve engagement.

·         Research shows that the parent-child relationship is an important factor in the homeschooling experience [3]. This can strengthen family ties and improve communication.

·         Parents have the freedom to choose or create a curriculum that aligns with their values, priorities, or educational philosophy. This can include a greater emphasis on certain subjects, religious or moral instruction, or more real-world experiences.

·         Without the distractions of a large classroom, homeschool students often complete their work more quickly, leading to more efficient learning and the ability to explore extracurricular interests or hobbies.

 

·         Children can spend more time on subjects they are passionate about, allowing them to develop expertise in areas of interest, which might not be possible in a traditional school setting with a standardised curriculum.

 

What are the drawbacks?

 

·         Homeschooling requires a significant time commitment from parents, both for planning lessons and for teaching. This can be particularly challenging for working parents or those with multiple children.

·         Homeschooled children may have fewer opportunities for social interaction with peers. While this can be amended with planning and looking for extracurricular activities, co-ops, or community groups, it requires extra effort.

·         Homeschooled students may miss out on resources available in traditional schools, such as sports teams, specialised teachers, lab facilities, and extracurricular clubs or programs.

·         Depending on the country or region, homeschooling in the UK comes with legal requirements, but you do have the right to teach your child at home. Parents may need to submit educational plans, keep detailed records, or meet specific educational standards, which can be burdensome.

·         While homeschooling can be more affordable than private schooling, it often requires parents to purchase curriculum materials, textbooks, and resources. Additionally, the parent may need to reduce work hours or leave employment to manage homeschooling, which can have a financial impact.

·         In a homeschooling environment, children may have fewer opportunities to be exposed to diverse ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives that they would encounter in a traditional school setting.

·         Without the structure of a traditional school, some homeschooling families may struggle to maintain consistency or meet academic goals. There’s also the risk that certain subjects may not be taught as thoroughly as they would in school, depending on the parents’ expertise.

 

Focusing on blended learning approaches

What are the benefits? 

 

·         Blended learning allows for tailored instruction based on individual student needs, enabling them to work at their own pace and level of understanding.

·         Combining traditional instruction with interactive online tools helps maintain student interest and encourages active participation.

·         Students can access learning materials anytime and anywhere, offering flexibility in when and how they complete assignments.

·         Online platforms often encourage collaboration through discussion boards, group projects, and shared resources, promoting peer learning.

·         By moving direct instruction online (e.g., flipped classrooms), teachers can dedicate more in-person class time to hands-on activities, deeper discussions, and personalised support.

·         Digital tools provide real-time feedback and data, allowing teachers to quickly identify student progress and areas where additional support is needed.

·         Blended learning has been shown to improve student achievement by providing a more customised and engaging learning experience.

 

What are the drawbacks?

·         Blended learning demands a high level of self-regulation and motivation from students. Without strong time-management skills, some may struggle to keep up with online work.

·         With more learning occurring online, students might miss out on the face-to-face social interactions that are a key part of traditional classroom environments.

·         Setting up a blended learning system can require significant investment in technology, digital tools, and training, which may not be feasible for all families.

 

What are practical tips for implementing blended learning at home?

parent and child studying at desk

Blended learning can be adapted to different educational environments, making it a versatile choice for both schools and individual learners. Choosing the right model depends on the needs of the students, the resources available, and the desired learning outcomes. 

We recommend:

·         Starting with clear learning goals

·         Choosing the right technology tools that align with those goals

·         Gain training from educators on how to effectively integrate technology into your teaching

·         Encourage student collaboration both online and in-person

Kickstart blended learning for your child today

Blended learning offers many benefits for students, including personalised instruction, greater engagement, and improved academic outcomes. By combining the strengths of both traditional and digital education, it ensures that children receive a well-rounded, flexible learning experience.

At FIA UK, we offer a British Curriculum hybrid learning program designed to meet national educational standards. Our program supports students in Early Years to Bachelor’s, providing a seamless blend of classroom and online learning to foster academic success.

For more information on how to enrol your child in our hybrid learning program, contact us.


[1] Sahni, J. (2019) ‘Does Blended Learning Enhance Student Engagement? Evidence from Higher Education,’ Journal of e-Learning & Higher Education, 2019, pp. 1–14..

[2] Cakir, H. et al. (2009) ‘Technology Enhanced Learning Environments for Closing the Gap in Student Achievement Between Regions: Does it Work?,’ Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE), 17(4), pp. 301–315.

[3] Firmin, M.W. et al. (2019) ‘Qualitative perspectives of homeschool parents regarding perceived educational success,’ Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.33423/jhetp.v19i1.667.

 

Dr. Mark Evans

Dr. Mark Evans, a native of Wales, began his education in government schools before attending United World College of the Atlantic at age 16.
After earning his International Baccalaureate Diploma, he pursued a BA in Psychology from Oxford University. Throughout his career, he has taught at every level of education—from nursery and primary to secondary, special needs, and university instruction. He holds three master's degrees and a doctorate. His true passion lies in the transformative power of education.

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