The simplest and most precise definition of this new way of learning is that which describes it as an education which combines the traditional face-to-face learning and e-learning. This new approach to teaching has emerged as a response, especially in universities, to provide necessities and facilitate certain aspects in face-to-face teaching institutions. As Pascual (2003) claimed, blended learning emerged out of the necessity of attempting to solve problems of high costs when studying.
A question that always is raised is whether it has some benefits on the whole process of learning or not. One of the most significant advantages that this approach offers is the possibility of uploading great amount of material available in the Internet and sharing it with all you learners. Many critics claimed that it transforms the learning process into a more active one, centering things mostly on the students rather than on the teacher. It is considered as a method which is time-saving and more practical as a great number of students prefer to study at home rather than travelling long distances to be present in a short-time lesson.
Another justification for implementing blended-learning in universities or high schools is that it justifies the effort that institutions make so as to incline towards new methods of learning. This inclination is based on deep changes the society has suffered in relation to communication and information, which undoubtedly is affecting the education context.
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| The combination of Humans and Technology |
Reference:
PASCUAL, Mª PAU (2003). El Blended learning reduce el ahorro de la formación on-line pero gana en calidad. Educaweb, 69. 6 de octubre de 2003. http://www.educaweb.com/esp/servicios/monografico/formacionvirtual/1181108.asp
