Fundamentals of Educational Technology

Shareef M. Shareef, Vinnaras Nithyanantham

• Editore: Bentham Science Publishers
• Anno: 2001
• ISBN:
  9789815039832
• Argomento: Education
• Categoria: Education Technology

Educational technology refers to the preparation and use of electronic resources, computer applications, and audio-visual aids which are used in the teaching and learning process. For administrators, the term also includes the planning, organization validation, evaluation, and implementation of all kinds of educational programs. Educational technology is now important for the selection of appropriate teaching media as well as the development, and application of curricula. Fundamentals of Educational Technology work explains the basic facts about educational technology to inform teachers and students. The book includes 6 chapters which cover the subject in a simple manner suitable for learners in education programs. Key Features: - 6 organized chapters on the basics of educational technology and media - Simple reader-friendly organization of contents with relevant diagrams - Gives a historical perspective of the field - Gives an overview of digital and electronic tools for educators - Includes information about relevant teaching methods - Gives an overview of the role of electronic and digital media in education - Includes a section on the ethical use of educational technology Fundamentals of Educational Technology serves as a basic guide for educational instructors and administrators on educational technology and its role in teaching and designing educational programs at all levels.

Blended Learning

Shareef M. Shareef, Vinnaras Nithyanantham

Abstract

As there is a huge and rapid development in technology, the request for new and innovative methods of delivering education are growing and hence led to alterations in learning and teaching approaches. This chapter investigates the elements related to the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the teaching and learning process. This integration is known as blended learning that merges the online and technology resources with traditional face-to-face teaching and learning to make a more personalized learning atmosphere for learners. Also, it will address the important components of blended learning such as; Zoom, Webinar, Cisco WebEx, Adobe Connect, Google Hangouts, and Google Meet. This chapter also determines the effectiveness, benefits, and drawbacks of blended learning along with analysing the differences between e-learning, distance learning, programme learning, linear programming learning, and problem-based learning.

Keywords: Animoto, CK-12, Class Dojo, Digital Education, Digital software, Ed Clipper, Educational Game, Haiku Deck, Kahoot, Online quiz, Pixton, Prezi, Scratch, Socrative, Story bird, Student engagement, TED-Ed, Thing link, Traditional teaching, Visual class.

3.1. BLENDED LEARNING

If you are familiar with e-learning, you must have heard of blended learning. This concept has become more and more popular in recent years, and its benefits have been admired by professionals and students associated with e-learning. Although the efficiency of blended learning is recognized, there are still some ambiguities in its definition. So what is blended learning? In this chapter, we will explore blended learning and learn some of its benefits to organizations and students. We will also examine some of the pitfalls to avoid and use blended learning as a portion of an e-learning approach. Blended learning is a complementary combination of traditional offline (face-to-face) learning and online learning. Blended learning gives people the opportunity to adore the finest of both offline and online classes. For example, students can take lessons in real classrooms and add online multimedia courses to the lesson plan at that time. Once in a week take a physical education class and practice at your own pace (no need to fear scheduling issues). Blended learning is regularly mentioned as “Hybrid” learning, (Fig. 3.1) and it can take many forms in an online learning atmosphere. Although

some administrations rarely make use of the blended learning methods, other organizations may use them as the main teaching strategy in their courses. Blended learning usually has two key principles (this is the “secret” for its success): Students who can share their knowledge in a collaborative environment and work directly with other students have an advantage of added complete learning knowledge. And inter-student interaction Collaboration raises the question of whether group courses are based on online resources or course information. It is also recommended that students who finish coursework online and then participate in interactive classroom activities get richer educational knowledge by using mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

Fig. (3.1))
Blended learning.

3.2. WHAT IS BLENDED LEARNING?

Blended learning can be defined as a proper education program that includes face-to-face courses and one-to-one online courses using e-learning software. This is a multi-channel approach, including teacher-led lessons, pictures, videos, and digital assignments. Courses that adopt the blended learning method are usually taught in real classrooms with dedicated lecturers providing supplementary learning prospects through digital platforms. You can generally log in anytime, anywhere.

Performing blended learning typically depends on the specific circumstances, which makes a general and comprehensive definition difficult. But the Wikipedia delivers the following definitions:

“Blended learning is an educational approach that combines online educational materials and opportunities for interaction online with traditional place-based classroom methods. It requires the physical presence of both teacher and student, with some elements of student control over time, place, path, or place.”

However, in e-learning, “classroom teaching methods” lectures can be substituted by webinars, making learning easier and more convenient. At Learn on, we believe that blended learning can help personalize e-learning knowledge by merging the best features of face-to-face learning with technology-driven e-learning methods. It enhances learners' abilities by auxiliary learning anytime and anywhere and changing the role of teachers. When applied to e-learning, blended learning again depends on the situation but usually includes:

Some part of learning is done online, and students can control their own learning speed.

The other part of the training is guided by instructors, generally through webinars, making interaction with remote students easier.

Essentially, in blended learning, online learning and teacher-led training complement each other to create a comprehensive learning atmosphere.

3.2.1. Benefits of Blended Learning

The blended learning method is undoubtedly a good way to enhance the learning involvement of students, but its benefits are far more than that. Whether you are training students, customers, partners, and employees or scheduling compliance training, organizations using blended learning can receive many honours. Some advantages about students and organizations that follow blended learning are discussed in the forthcoming topic.

3.2.2. Benefits for Learners

• Blended learning provides accessibility and flexibility for students; they have the opportunity to regulate their learning speed and learn remotely.
• Scientific research shows that blended learning allows students to have a better wide-ranging understanding of the course overall.
• As blended learning enables students to interact with teachers and colleagues about their lessons, it supports social learning.

3.2.3. Benefits for Organizations

• Blended learning lessens the cost of classroom or organizational training, like accommodation, trainers’ fees, travel, and printed learning materials.
• Companies can use various e-learning approaches, like web seminars, gamification, etc., to increase employees’ participation.
• As blended learning is a more effective and cost-cut way of learning, organisations or companies can get a faster and higher return on investment?
• It makes the tracking work easier to monitor who has accomplished the training and who has not.

3.3. BLENDED LEARNING DRAWBACKS

Now that one must have a better understanding of blended learning. It provides a handful of advantages in the teaching and learning process. Before knowing how to use the teaching and training approach, let us outline first some major mistakes one must avoid before starting.

• The main disadvantage to be avoided is to use an LMS that does not suit your needs. You need an LMS such as Learn about managing and implementing your blended learning approach, like webinar software integration.
• Keep in mind that the methods that apply to face-to-face training do not necessarily apply to online training. You should not robotically adopt those existing courses that are equipped for circulation on the In...