Learning Language with ICTs
Category Archives: Teaching and Miscellaneous
Blended Learning, What and Why?
BLENDED LEARNING
Technology has become something inseparable from Education in this era. It gives more varieties of learning and serves the needs of modern people. The term ‘e-learning’ refers to the new methods of learning which enable students to learn in long distance by using internet. Henderson (2003) states that e-learning is learning at a distance that uses computer technology (usually the internet). On the other hand, the existence of teacher and human interaction (face – to – face ) also play an important role in the nature of learning. Therefore, by combining the benefits of e-learning and traditional learning, then, a new method termed “blended learning” was introduced. Hopper (2003) states that blended or mixed classes have been proved to be more effective than full on-line classes or full face to face classes because they give effective collaboration between technology and human interactions. However, in the application of blended learning, some difficulties occur due to readiness of human resources (teachers) and the limited ages of students who are suitable to the method of blended learning.
One of the most common problems in accordance to the application of blended learning is regarding human resource. In this discussion, human resource refers to teachers or whoever conduct blended learning in their teaching programs. Firstly, many teachers are lack of literacy in technology. The trends show that students’ nowadays are more literate in technology than their teachers. However, in applying blended learning, teachers’ literacy in technology is expected to be more competent than the students. Otherwise, they will not be able to help students who consult them in it’s operation. Secondly, in order to create blended learning program, teachers should master the skills of choosing effective, appropriate and beneficial teaching materials taken from the internet such as videos, e-news, e-mails, games, articles, journals, magazines,etc, all in the latest versions available. Hartoyo (2012) adds that teachers can also master the content management systems such as Blackboard, Drupal or Moodle. Those of which are still unfamiliar for many teachers. Thirdly, teachers often do not have enough time to cope with the workloads. Conducting a blended learning program means that the teacher should rebuild the program rather than just adding some internet related tasks, or something else. In the process of learning, teachers should always be available to meet students’ needs. Hartoyo (2012) states that teachers and students may use chat room to discuss difficulties. Thus learning process is not limited by school periods. In reality, however, we may find it difficult to be done due to teachers limited time outside school hours.
The second primary problem in applying blended learning is in the factor of the learners. Blended learning is suitable for independent, responsible, consistent and well-managed students. It means that only adults can meet the criteria. Students’ maturity and responsibilities play important roles in the success of blended learning programs. With this limit, blended learning seems to be less applicable for education in general. Tabor (2007) mentioned that students’ learning maturity and readiness for blended learning with it’s demand for independent learning must be considered.
In conclusion, we can say that blended learning can be used as an alternative in learning and it is beneficial in answering the needs of modern people. However, some disadvantages of blended learning happen to be the obstacles in applying it. The solution is on the hands of the teachers and learners themselves, where the key of success in applying blended learning exists. The consultation and consideration before applying blended learning are also significant to the success of it.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hartoyo (2012). ICT in Language Learning. Semarang. Pelita Insani semarang printing and publishing.
Henderson, Allan J. (2003). The E-Learning Questions ans Answer Book. New York:AMACOM
Hopper, K. (December 15, 2003). Hybrids: Reasons to go hybrid. Distance Education Report, 7 (24), 7. Retrieved May 14, 2005, from EBSCO Host database.
UNIT 1 Overview of Blended Learning . Retrieved on www.ecoisonline.org on April 25, 2006 and adapted from the following websites:
• http://www.cybermediacreations.com/elearning/glossary.htm
• http://www.teach-nology.com/glossary/terms/b/
• http://www.intelera.com/glossary.htm
• http://www.itslifejimbutnotasweknowit.org.uk/lt_glossary.htm
• en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blended_learning
• http://www.e-learningguru.com/wpapers/blended_bersin.doc.
Molloy, Patrick ( 2013). Advantages and disadvantages of using blended learning. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erPCTSwLf2c
Tabor, S. (2007). Narrowing the distance: Implementing a hybrid learning model for information security education. The Quarterly Review of Distance Education, 8(1), 47–57.
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It’s certainly a breakthrough for teachers in Indonesia.
24 hours “English – Indonesian” or “Indonesian – English” Translator
In a very reasonable price I can help to translate your documents from English to Indonesia or from Indonesian to English. Please give your comments to these post if you need my help. or email me to dwisofie79@yahoo.com . Thank you:)
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I almost never realize that I have been teaching for more than ten years by now. Every single day in the classroom is an enjoyable moment. Every minute is fun and interesting. Teaching makes my life. Ten years seem only several hours full of love.
dwirahayu2013 