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The Major Disadvantages of Blended Learning
For all of the advantages of blended learning, there are quite a few potential challenges. For example, there are many learning styles to consider when an instructor is determining how to format a lesson plan.
Unfortunately, technological classrooms may not necessarily allow professors to try to appeal to all styles of learning. This has the potential to hinder student success. Other disadvantages of blended learning include the fact that this style of learning excludes students with visual disabilities. Furthermore, blending learning incorrectly assumes that all students have equal access to technology. By default, technology-based learning has found its root from the supposition that all students will have computer access, as well as Internet access. However, this is not a reality for all students.
Incorporating Technology
Students may also use technology of their own volition as a way to stimulate intellectual growth. PowerPoint allows students to make presentations on the computer to disseminate informaion.
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This is a powerful aid in the creation of effective public presentations. For this reason, many professors require that Powerpoint, or other comparable tools, be incorporated into blended learning project descriptions. University seminars on the topic often make use of PowerPoint to underscore this learning preference. Unfortunately, one potential caveat of PowerPoint is that it may inadvertently encourage dull presentations, as individuals may be tempted to read from the screen.
A digital blended learning system makes use of technologies such as original mp3 files. Mp3 files preserve audio in a digital format. With these files, people may save recorded music, interviews, etc. Digital photo and digital film presentations also aid presentations. At a blended learning conference, one will usually observe usage of one or more of these technological tools. With digital cameras, images onscreen will look amazingly vivid and lifelike. These digital images are also less expensive than traditional film developing. All that is required is a computer and the appropriate cables that will allow the user to upload images.
Advantages of Blended Learning
There are many advantages to the usage of blended learning solutions. Firstly, this format maximizes effectiveness. Blended learning is ideal for the purposes of adding creative dimensions to otherwise uninteresting classroom environments. This style of teaching also tends to promote teacher-learner interaction and engagement in new and exciting ways. For instance, students can access online feedback instantly. Furthermore, blended learning in online formats allows students from inaccessible regions to access the same quality of education that they would otherwise afford if they were located closer to the center of learning.
Instructors may use a website to augment the physical class. On a course website, students may be able to download special materials that will supplement lectures. It is also possible for students to post information that will stimulate overall academic engagement. Student sharing of personal work can only benefit in-class discussions. Furthermore, the website can serve as a likely venue to engage in online chat rooms. In these chat rooms, students can “talk with” guest speakers, or talk among themselves. Websites can also be a place to post important messages and to become aware of recently updated information.
In general, however, blended learning does capitalize on the appeal of computer and other technologies to the current student base. In most cases, students are technology savvy. Thus, they may already possess the skills that are necessary to succeed in this capacity. Blended learning research also indicates that students learn more effectively when more than one format is used to circulate information. Blending learning then, engages all the senses and numerous styles of engagement. Ultimately, the diversity of blended learning solutions is a beneficial tool used to assist learning success.
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