Blended Learning Strategies: Possibilities and Challenges for Future

Abstract

The world today is witnessing a shift towards the blended approach to teaching learning. This shift has been mainly driven by globalization of information and human capital; and newer fields of knowledge, fuelled by advancements in technology. The technological advancements have brought these changes across the spectrum of industries and activities including agriculture, manufacturing, banking, and medicine. In this age of digitalization, the use of technology in education is no longer a choice but a reality.

Use of technology in education offers unique advantages like easy access and flexibility, access to and sharing of global resources, infrastructure and human capital; inclusive pedagogy; cost effectiveness; continuity of learning and personalized learning and assessment.  On the other hand, one cannot undermine the importance of face-to-face learning environments for various reasons. In addition, one needs to take into cognizance potential challenges that need to be addressed such as increasing digital divide; impact on social and emotional health; generational gaps in technology adoption; and using appropriate pedagogy.

Hence blended learning approaches are important and hold a lot of promise for future.The policy makers, academicians, students, researchers and other stakeholders including digital companies providing educational solutions should be geared to think of the possible ways in which blended learning could be adopted at the mass level. This paper provides an overview of various blended learning strategies, advantages and associated challenges.