E-learning has been around for quite some time, even before the pandemic. However, post-pandemic, living in the new normal, educational practitioners are now focused on blended learning. They don’t depend on one set of tools but have come up with approaches incorporating both learning styles to provide a comprehensive, well-rounded education.
So, what is blended learning? The technical definitions of the term vary widely, but it is commonly understood as an approach to education that combines online educational materials and opportunities with traditional classroom setups. It can also be called a hybrid learning model, phygital learning, or mixed modes of schooling.
But why is blended learning being adopted in schools and institutions? There are multiple reasons, ranging from the philosophical to the practical benefits compared to conventional classrooms and e-learning.
The philosophy of blended learning draws roots in the constructivist school. Both put children at the centre of their education and use the teacher as a facilitator and guide rather than a mere instructor. They believe that knowledge is gained through understanding and adding to the social meaning of concepts learnt. From a passive bowl waiting to be filled with knowledge, children create knowledge through hands-on experiences. Where blended learning starts to branch out is the technological input. It adds a whole new dimension to constructivist learning by providing tools from both physical and digital resources.
In the initial stages of e-learning, the model of education was heavily praised for increasing access to more children around the world, providing more tools and resources, and providing a more personalised learning environment. However, drawbacks were soon discovered. Socialising is an inherent part of education that e-learning failed to deliver. Moreover, many children worldwide still don’t have access to the internet or the means to use laptops or mobile devices, cutting off a significant population of students from the benefits enjoyed. E-learning, while enabling a student to learn at their own pace, also doesn’t actively encourage physical experiences and experimentation.
Thus, a hybrid approach is now being recognised as the way forward. It combines the best of both worlds, so to speak, providing both physical and digital resources to children.
A hybrid approach focuses on hands-on learning using digital technologies. The modules provide multiple opportunities for exploration and experimentation, with the aid of teachers, both online and offline.
This keeps children engaged with the material and nurtures curiosity, creativity and confidence.
This approach thus lends itself to the Agastya way of learning naturally. We are firm believers in constructivist education and have experimented with digital learning in the lockdown. This has provided us with a solid foundation to create multiple blended learning tools that aid education and educators in the remotest corners of India.
One such tool is We-Learn, an android application that teachers can use to explain modules in fun, simple ways. It is also loaded with activities children can perform with everyday materials, actively involving them in the learning process. We have also developed several phygital modules across different Agastya outreach activities, maximising access.
While digital technologies may still be out of the hands of many Indian children, we have equipped our instructors with tablets to travel and spread these resources. Keeping in mind that India has the largest population of mobile phone users and mobile data, Agastya instructors conducted online lessons (through WhatsApp, Zoom etc.) and created sessions using android-based learning resources. We also developed kits and manuals couriered to children’s homes. The instructors act as online facilitators in these scenarios, guiding children on using these kits to build an understanding of the taught concepts.
There are still many unanswered questions about how education should be delivered to keep up with the current world. But blended learning has become a staple guide to the answers.
