The Pros and Cons of Blended Learning Options

What are the pros and cons of blended learning options? This is a question that parents, educators, and students are asking more frequently as this instructional approach becomes more popular. There are many different ways to blend learning, so it can be difficult to get a clear picture of what the pros and cons are for these option options.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the most popular blended learning approaches, including their pros and cons, to help you make an informed decision about which option is best for you or your child.

What Is Blended Learning?

Blended learning is a teaching and learning approach that combines online digital media with traditional classroom methods. In other words, it’s a blend of in-person instruction and online learning tools. Many schools use blended learning strategies to teach core subjects like math, science, English language arts, history, and geography. Blended learning can also be used for elective courses like music or art.

Blended learning has evolved from early efforts to integrate technology into classrooms to more sophisticated models where students learn remotely and teacher time is focused on providing academic support and mentorship rather than presenting lessons.

Even though classroom learning provides an opportunity for immediate face-to-face interaction, online learning modalities offer flexibility, better engagement, and collaboration, all accessed on a learner’s home page in a learning management system (LMS), for example.

Types of Blended Learning Options

There are many different ways to blend learning, and the exact way you choose depends largely on your specific needs. Some of the most popular blended learning options include:

1. Flipped Model

The flipped model is one of the most popular blended learning options, mainly due to its flexibility and ease of implementation. The central idea behind this instructional approach is that students watch videos or complete assignments online during their free time outside of school, such as on weekends or evenings.

This frees up class time for more interactive activities like group projects, collaborative study sessions, discussion groups, debates and more.

2. Flex Model

The flex model is very similar to the flipped model, but it has a more flexible approach. Instead of school hours being scheduled around traditional in-class learning sessions, students get access to their assignments and activities online 24/7. They can complete them at home or on the go using a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet.

This type of blended learning option may work better for certain learners who don’t function well in an environment with strict classroom rules and expectations.

3. Enriched Virtual Model

In this type of blended learning model, lessons and activities take place both online and offline. Students complete their coursework at home on a computer or laptop but receive additional classroom instruction from an instructor or teaching assistant.

This model works best for students who struggle with self-paced learning and those who need more human interaction than what is typically available in an eLearning environment.

4. Rotational Model

The rotational model is a great way to provide students with semi-autonomous learning and more hands-on, project-based activities.

In this option, different class periods are devoted to traditional classroom instruction followed by computer lab time or project work. This can help students stay focused and motivated without becoming overly dependent on technology, which can be a concern for many parents and educators.

5. Face-to-Face Driver Model

A face-to-face driver model is an excellent option for students struggling with the challenges of going back and forth between traditional classroom instruction and computer-based learning.

In this framework, all or most coursework is completed online outside school hours, while class time is devoted to more hands-on activities like group projects, collaborative study sessions, teacher lectures, and more. This helps students learn in a way that appeals to both their left-brain and right-brain thinking styles.

6. Parallel Model

The parallel model is one of the most common blended learning options, as it combines online instruction with more traditional classroom activities. In this option, students work on projects, complete assignments outside of school, and attend classes to receive additional guidance from instructors or teaching assistants.

In addition, this option allows students to learn at their own pace when they have time outside the classroom. It may be a good option for any student struggling to complete coursework promptly.

7. Paired-Down Model

This model requires fewer resources than many other types of blended learning options since it focuses primarily on computer-based instruction rather than also incorporating face-to-face interactions.

Students participate only during class days and complete all other coursework (and assessments) online during their free time. This is an excellent option for highly self-motivated students who can manage their own time without direct supervision from an instructor or teaching assistant.

What are the Pros of Blended Learning Options?

Blended learning options offer a number of benefits for students, including:

• Increased flexibility and customization. Blended learning options give students more control over their own learning experience, allowing them to choose how they want to complete coursework and assessments based on their individual strengths and learning preferences.
• Mixed modalities of instruction that cater to different learning styles. Many blended models incorporate both face-to-face instruction in the classroom and computer-based instruction outside of school, which allows students with different thinking styles or learning needs to receive tailored support at all times.
• Opportunity for collaboration and interaction between peers. Many blended models also include opportunities for group activities or project work, promoting team-building skills while offering additional resources and support from instructors.
• Greater accessibility to online course materials. Students enrolled in blended learning options often have access to a wider range of online course materials, tools, and other resources that can support their learning needs both inside and outside the classroom.
• Individualized instruction. In many blended models, instructors or TAs may provide additional mentoring or tutoring to students who need extra help with certain concepts or assignments.
• Increased flexibility around scheduling. Blended learning options often allow students to complete coursework on their own time, which can be especially beneficial for students with busy schedules or specific out-of-school commitments.
• Reduced costs compared to entirely online or face-to-face programs. Blended learning options can often help reduce education costs by leveraging existing classroom space and equipment while utilizing more affordable online course materials.
• Better preparation for college or professional life. Many employers now seek candidates who have experience with blended learning models, as they are usually better equipped to deal with rapid change and shifting priorities in a work environment.
• Greater accessibility to learning opportunities. Students enrolled in blended learning programs can often take advantage of multiple opportunities for professional development, internships, or other enrichment activities outside of school.
• Increased student engagement. Because students have more options for completing their coursework in a blended model, so they tend to be more engaged and motivated to learn the material compared to other types of educational approaches.

What are the Cons of Blended Learning Options?

While there are many benefits to blended learning options, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. These include:

• Challenges with the integration of different instructional methods and technologies. Creating a cohesive learning experience that incorporates various teaching and assessment strategies across different modalities can sometimes be difficult.
• Potential for information overload from multiple sources of content or instruction. Some students may struggle with managing their coursework or keeping track of assignments when there are multiple streams of information to attend to in both face-to-face and online environments.
• Issues with accessibility for students who lack reliable access to technology or the internet. For students who do not have consistent access to computers, tablets, or other digital devices outside of school, blended models may present additional challenges around completing coursework or staying connected with instructors and peers.
• Potential for less direct, personal interaction with instructors or peers. While blended models may offer a variety of resources through online platforms, some students may miss the benefits and opportunities for social support that are often found in face-to-face classroom settings.
• Increased potential for distractions and procrastination during coursework. Since blended learning options typically involve more self-directed study and independent learning activities, students may be at increased risk of getting distracted or putting off their work until the last minute.
• Potential for overreliance on technology or digital tools to complete assignments. Blended models often rely heavily on digital technologies to deliver content and complete assignments, which can lead to issues if these tools fail unexpectedly or problems arise with internet connectivity.

Final Thoughts!

Blended learning has quickly become a popular option for students and parents because of its many benefits. By combining online and traditional instruction, learners have more control over their own education while still receiving the support they need. Although blended learning is becoming more common, some schools are still hesitant to make the switch.

If you’re considering enrolling your child in a blended learning program, or if you’re a school administrator wondering if blended learning might be right for your institution, contact High School of America today!

Our experienced educators will help you weigh the pros and cons of each type of blended learning so that you can make an informed decision about what’s best for your family or students.