Blended learning and its implementation to ELT

According to Whitakker (2013), It is said that the term 'blended learning' has its origins in business and uses several methods to deliver learning by combining traditional classroom interactions with online and offline activities. Although there is little consensus on its definition, we can take in consideration three different fields. The first one is related to corporate training in which learning programs are used for reducing both training costs and increasing performance. It’s generally a one-time session for a single group of people who get together to deal about a particular subject matter having in mind the goals of the organization. 

 The following definition according to Whittaker (2013) is linked to higher education in which blended classrooms allow greater flexibility for students to enhance their understanding by delivering online instruction and evaluation. Finally, according to Claire Whittaker, English language teaching blended learning 'is the term most commonly used to refer to any combination of face-to-face teaching with computer technology' (Whittaker, 2013:12). In this way we make an effort to identify the ideal mix of course delivery to give the most efficient language learning.

     

   Focusing on ELT, blended learning has a large amount of advantages such as low costs, convenience, and it brings students the possibility to work at their own pace, according to Sharma and Barrett (2007) in Whittaker (2013e). Moreover, Hockly (2008) in Whittaker (2013) provides other three reasons for employing blended learning in ELT: learner`s expectations regarding technology being integrated into their lessons; flexibility referring to the possibility to relate learning to students busy lives; and the fact that in some contexts the Ministry of Education directives require teachers to include blended learning. For these reasons, blended learning after receiving some face-to-face teaching could be beneficial both for learners and teachers.

   In conclusion, it can be considered that enhancing face-to-face teaching and blended learning mediated by technological devices provides students with opportunities to improve their learning and be protagonists of their learning process by having the time to work at their own pace. Because of this, teachers should really try to implement this approach to their classrooms.

Find out here how blended learning is implemented:

References:

- Tomlinson, B (ed) and Whittaker, C (ed). (2013). Blended Learning in English Language Teacher: Course Design and Implementation. British Council.

- Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3UII8xmzSk