Remote and blended learning are not new concepts. For years, students of all ages have been exposed to classroom concepts using online platforms for many reasons: geographic location, accelerated or specialized educational needs, or unfavorable school experiences (like bullying or a lack of resources for those with certain disabilities).
But what is blended learning? And how does remote learning fit in? Let’s take a look at how the act of learning has changed this year.
What is Blended Learning?
Blended learning is the combination of different digital content and activities with face-to-face learning. The beauty of blended learning is the ability for each child, class, school, and institution to customize the education to their preferences and needs. Remote and blended learning can not only offer several different tools for learning the same material, but blended learning can also accommodate those who need that personal connection.
Whether it’s 50/50 or 90/10 online vs. in-class learning, a blended approach can be tailored to fit any schedule and even be used to foster progress and education during a global pandemic. The TCEA (Texas Computer Education Association) has a great infographic that breaks down the tech side of blended learning.
The 2020 Effect
2020 has given rise to many different educational solutions for the unique landscape that’s been created by COVID-19. There are so many technology solutions that can be used for hosting educational courses and projects, it is overwhelming to think about.
Fostering Creativity
In an article from The Conversation’s Blog, one huge benefit to remote and blended learning is their ability to foster creativity and critical thinking. There is no one-size-fits-all model anymore: specialization is now being accepted as the best way for children (and adults) to really grasp the concepts they are learning.
Allowing students the ability to harness different technologies to create presentations and complete projects reinforce the lessons being taught. It also creates a passion for these ever-changing online and virtual tools.
Remote Learning Hedges Out Blended Approaches
In recent news, many K-12 and post-secondary schools prepared all summer for a half-and-half model where students would be in the classroom on certain days and learning from home for the rest of the week. But as COVID-19 cases surged during the weeks leading up to the start of the school year, many ended up scrapping those plans and incorporating a remote approach to keep their students and staff safe.
As remote and blended learning gain prominence in the classroom and the workplace, there are many options out there for you to access education safely and effectively. Meet Me In The Cloud has a solution for every preference – from onsite training to a host of e-learning courses.
