Fill Learning Gaps with Blended Learning

Learning gaps are common and very dangerous for students of all age groups. They can happen when a student misses a lecture, does not understand a teaching method, or needs more time with a topic.

What makes them dangerous is the fact that the gap size increases every time it is ignored for another lesson. And with time, learning gaps are capable of creating serious impediments to learning in multiple subjects.

The good news here is that learning gaps can be managed with timely interventions. They can be efficiently mitigated with timely identification and personalized guidance. Blended learning is one great tool that helps educators to manage learning gaps and keep students on the same skill level.

Let’s understand how blended learning can simplify learning issues. To begin, let’s first understand the nuances of blended learning and other similar, efficient learning methods.

Different Modes of Learning

Technology has paved the way for several learning strategies. Online learning tools are now used varyingly across age groups and according to learning requirements. The most popular ones at the moment are:

· Blended Learning

Blended learning, as its name suggests is a blend of in-person and online learning. In most cases, the classes are in-person and then technology is used to supplement the in-person lessons. The classroom lessons are usually followed by online resources and activities. In blended learning, online materials are not intended to replace in-person sessions with an educator.

· Hybrid Learning

Hybrid learning is also a blend of in-person and online learning. But in this method, the online components of a course are intended to replace parts/sections of in-personal sessions. In hybrid learning, online sessions are mostly synchronous, meaning the students interact with the teacher/tutor in real-time but they may also be asynchronous in the form of recorded classes, online discussions, etc.

The hybrid method is a great choice for students who want to study with teachers who are located far away, geographically. It is also apt for students who may have trouble commuting or would like to save time going from one place to another.

· Flipped Learning

Flipped classes are again a mix of in-person classes and online classes but it is the opposite of blended learning. In flipped learning, students interact with online content first and then attend an in-person class with a teacher. With this method, students get the basics through, videos, podcasts, and other technology-based resources. And then the teachers extend the learning through in-person lectures.

Blended Versus Hybrid Learning

Did not understand the difference between hybrid learning and blended learning? Don’t worry, you are not alone. Parents often confuse Hybrid with Blended and that is because both methods are more similar than they are different. But there is one glaring difference that differentiates the two and that is the mode of usage of technology for learning.

In hybrid learning, technology replaces a segment of in-person learning while in blended learning technology complements in-person learning. It becomes an extension of classroom lessons, homework, assignments, and more. So, in hybrid learning, there are topics that students may learn only online with the help of various tools but in blended learning, students use technology to learn and improve lessons learned in person.

5 Ways How Blended Learning Can Bridge Learning Gaps

Blended learning is quite new to the learning scene (roughly two decades old) but it has gained popularity very fast in the last few years. And that is because of all the obvious advantages of this efficient teaching methodology. It works with all curriculums and courses and has been found to be ideal for Common Code Standards as well.

Blended learning enables teachers to identify students’ strengths and weaknesses and personalize instructions to enhance learning efficiency. It also provides them with tools that can be used to present information in multiple ways. Following is how blended learning empowers the teachers and helps them bridge learning gaps.

1. Online Teaching Tools

The best thing about technology is that it makes life easy and the same goes for blended learning. The online teaching tools provide tutors with effective teaching techniques that simplify concepts and take care of learning gaps. With blended learning, teachers can use videos, quizzes, and even games to break down a difficult topic.

2. eLearning Material

eLearning material provides both tutors and students with flexibility. Teachers can upload the worksheets or videos at their convenience and students can access them and also revisit them as per requirement. Blended learning takes away the stress on both parties, of being present at all times and shifts the focus on learning 24x7.

3. Easy Collaboration

Blended learning often involves the use of teaching platforms that are equipped with collaboration tools. It enables connectivity among students and teachers and also creates an atmosphere for continuous learning. Online learning platforms can also be used by students to collaborate for teamwork and it can also bring teachers together to achieve learning goals.

4. Parental Involvement

Blended learning involves parents learning through online learning materials. Digital learning resources such as worksheets, group projects, performance charts, class reports, etc. provide parents with an instant picture of a child’s growth and learning requirements. This kind of clarity enables parents to ask the right questions and contribute to better learning outcomes.

5. Data Analysis

Learning gaps are not a sudden occurrence. They are a result of the gradual accumulation of learning issues caused by various reasons. So, it helps if you can have poignant data about learning gaps, progress, and setbacks. Blended learning platforms provide teachers and students with measurable data that can be used to efficiently fill in learning gaps by shifting the attention to problematic topics, in time.

The graphs and statistics also make way for accurate personalized feedback that can put learning on the right track before it’s too late. On-time path correction is the best weapon against learning gaps.

We Have the Tool, Let’s Use It

Blended learning has been around for quite some time now, but it won’t be a surprise if you learned about it during the pandemic. And you are not alone either. In the pre-covid world, all the new teaching methodologies existed but in the shadows of our traditional methods. In the post-covid-world, the tables have turned, and well know the benefits of blended learning.

Do we want to go back to the old methods? Is now the time to pack away the teaching methods that were not inclusive and bring out modern methods that will ensure success for everyone?

We say yes! Now that we know blended learning is efficient and technology can result in an education system that is for everyone, it’s high time we pick the right tools. Blended learning should get the center stage and learning gaps should be buried, once and for all.

Head on to the eTutorWorld website to learn how we are turning around learning outcomes, one personalized session at a time. You can also talk to an eTutorWorld executive to understand how we can help your child achieve academic success. Click here to schedule an interview with an eTutorWorld expert.