Education in Australia has recently transitioned from traditional classroom-based learning to more technology-driven and flexible learning modes. One such mode is blended learning, combining online learning and classroom-based instruction. While the onset of COVID-19 is one of the main reasons for this transition, blended learning’s effectiveness on student achievement has made it a catalyst for the new and default type of education among schools.
This article will discuss blended learning, its types, the technologies used, and whether it works for RTOs.
What is blended learning?
Blended learning, also known as hybrid learning or mixed-mode learning, refers to an educational approach that combines online and traditional classroom-based instruction. This type of learning creates a flexible and interactive learning environment that caters to students’ different learning styles, preferences, and schedules, which promotes self-paced and independent learning.
Blended learning isn’t simply using technology while teaching
“In a blended education model, there is a balance between classroom learning and online activities that can be more engaging with multimedia, quizzes and gamification.”
It’s important to note what blended learning is NOT. A common misconception is that incorporating technology into teaching is the same as blended learning. While technology is a key component of hybrid education, it’s not the only aspect. Simply using digital tools in a traditional classroom doesn’t necessarily result in the advantages of blended learning.
A trainer or educator uploading lecture videos online or starting a group chat to facilitate discussions doesn’t equate to blended learning. Moreover, online and digital tools such as Google Docs, electronic whiteboards, etc., may be considered “tech-rich instruction” but not blended learning.
To address this confusion, Sloan Consortium defines blended learning as any course that delivers its content 30% to 79% online. Additionally, it should integrate online with traditional face-to-face class activities in a planned, pedagogically valuable manner. Blended learning isn’t just about saving time or money; it’s a deliberate approach to education that combines the strengths of both online and face-to-face instruction.
Online learning and in-person learning should act in unison for students to experience the advantages of blended learning
Online and in-person learning shouldn’t be seen as opposing modes of education but should act in unison to create a blended learning experience. Blended learning for RTOs is an effective way to combine the best of both worlds.
While online learning provides flexibility and accessibility, in-person learning supplies opportunities for face-to-face interaction and real-time feedback from teachers and trainers. Combining these two training modes allows for a more personalised and engaging learning experience, enabling students control their learning pace and receive feedback on their performance.
The advantages of blended learning include improved student engagement, better knowledge retention, and increased access to educational resources. By combining the benefits of online learning with in-person instruction, blended learning creates a learning environment that is flexible, interactive, and effective.
Blended learning can’t and shouldn’t replace teachers and trainers
COVID-19 has shed light on the shortcomings of traditional institutions, including the educational system, the reliance on face-to-face learning and the quality gap between urban versus regional and private versus public; there is an obvious need to improve the quality of education.
In the face of social distancing and lockdowns, online learning emerged as a workable alternative to continuing education. Many institutions have turned to this teaching mode to provide students with access to digital materials and resources anytime, despite being on lockdown.
Nonetheless, this sudden shift has also highlighted that despite the advanced features of online learning, it still needs a capable facilitator. The National Centre for Vocational Education Research’s (NCVER) study titled “The Secret is the Teacher” emphasises the importance of good teachers and facilitators since the essence of good-quality online learning lies with the teacher. Additionally, they argued that quality, online (and blended) learning relies on the work of good teachers and is not concerned with replacing them.
Types of blended learning
There are several types of blended learning that RTOs can choose from. Each type has different functions and may benefit RTOs differently depending on how they are used. The following are the most common types of blended learning:
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Rotation model
In this model, students rotate between different learning modalities, such as small-group instruction, online learning, and individual or teacher-led instruction. Several variations of the rotation model include the station rotation model, in which students rotate through a series of learning stations or stations that correspond to different activities or subjects.
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Flex model
In this model, students have more control over the pace and content of their learning. Students may choose to learn online, attend in-person sessions, or a combination of both. The flex model is often used in higher education or training programs where learners have more autonomy and independence.
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Self-blend model
In this model, students can choose which courses or subjects they take online and which they take in person. This model allows learners to customise their learning experience to fit their needs and preferences.
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Enriched-virtual model
This model combines in-person learning with online learning. Students attend school in person for part of the day and then work on online coursework for the other part. This model allows students to work at their own pace while still receiving support from teachers and peers in a traditional classroom setting.
What technologies are used in blended learning?
Blended learning relies on a variety of technological tools to facilitate learning. The following are some of the most common tools used in blended learning:
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Learning Management System (LMS)
It is an online platform used to deliver course materials and assessments, and track student progress. A good LMS can significantly improve an RTO’s training delivery by providing a centralised location for all course materials, allowing for easy communication between trainers and students, and tracking student progress and assessment results. It can also automate many administrative tasks, saving time and resources.
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Student Management System (SMS)
It is used to organise and manage the daily operations of an RTO, including managing student records, scheduling classes, tracking attendance, managing enrolments, and billing.
While not a part of training delivery, a good SMS is important for ensuring the smooth running of an RTO, enabling staff to manage all aspects of the student experience in one place, and reducing the risk of errors and administrative mistakes.
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Virtual classroom
It is an online learning environment that allows students and teachers to interact in real-time. In blended learning, virtual classrooms are often used to supplement in-person classroom instruction, allowing students to engage with course materials and collaborate with peers outside of traditional class hours. This can include virtual discussions, group projects, and online assessments, which can enhance the blended learning experience and help students achieve their learning goals.
There are other more powerful and integrated LMS where virtual classrooms include interactive whiteboards for real-time collaboration, and breakout rooms that allow for more engaging student discussions.
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Online assessments
It can be used to assess student understanding and progress, and can be completed remotely at a student’s convenience. This can save time and resources compared to traditional paper-based assessments.
It should be noted that some LMS offer online assessment builders and e-Learning authoring tools so RTOs can easily create assessments or upload existing ones to their software. These ensure that online assessments are created seamlessly and that proctoring is done securely.
Does blended learning for RTOs work?
Blended learning has emerged as a powerful educational model for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) in recent years, with 61.8% of RTOs intending to use more hybrid education in the future, according to NCVER’s study titled The Online Delivery of VET during the COVID-19 pandemic: Part 2.
In the same research by NCVER, blended learning for RTOs became the bridge between online learning and traditional classroom settings since it addressed both gaps in the two learning modes. RTOs that have undergone case studies stated that courses with theoretical and practical components could only deliver theoretical parts online, delaying the latter’s delivery. This had significant consequences for the completion of the course. Because students had difficulty remembering what they learned during online training, there was a need to re-teach the theoretical parts, which added more load to the trainers.
Additionally, some topics with no practical components were deemed unsuitable for online training since emotive topics like suicide risk, child protection, and family and domestic violence can negatively impact some students.
Blended learning combines the best of both worlds: the flexibility of online learning accommodates students and trainers with varying schedules and locations. At the same time, in-person training provides a hands-on experience that no online training can replace.
Conclusion
Blended learning is an educational approach that combines online and traditional classroom-based instruction, creating a flexible and interactive learning environment that caters to students’ different learning styles, preferences, and schedules. It is not just about incorporating technology into teaching but a deliberate approach that integrates online with traditional face-to-face class activities in a planned, pedagogically valuable manner.
Blended learning for RTOs has many advantages, including improved student engagement, better knowledge retention, and increased access to educational resources. There are several types of blended learning, including rotation, flex, self-blend, and enriched-virtual models, each with different functions and benefits, and relies on various technological tools to facilitate learning, including learning management systems, online assessment, virtual classrooms and more.
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