Flexible and Blended learning

Blended Learning:

  • Definition:
    • Blended learning is an educational approach that combines traditional face-to-face classroom instruction with online or digital learning experiences.
    • It's about strategically integrating technology to enhance and supplement traditional teaching methods.
  • Key Features:
    • Integration: It seamlessly blends online and offline learning activities.
    • Variety: It utilizes diverse learning resources, including online modules, videos, discussions, and in-person interactions.
    • Flexibility (to a degree): It offers some flexibility in terms of access to materials and learning activities.
    • Enhanced Engagement: It aims to increase learner engagement through interactive online tools and collaborative activities.
  • Examples:
    • A course where students watch lectures online and then participate in in-class discussions and group projects.
    • A training program that combines online modules with hands-on workshops.

Flexible Learning:

  • Definition:
    • Flexible learning is a broader concept that emphasizes learner autonomy and control over the learning process.
    • It focuses on providing learners with choices regarding when, where, what, and how they learn.
  • Key Features:
    • Learner-Centered: It prioritizes the individual needs and preferences of learners.
    • Accessibility: It aims to remove barriers to education by offering flexible scheduling and delivery options.
    • Adaptability: It allows learners to adjust their learning pace and path.
    • Choice: It provides learners with options regarding learning resources, activities, and assessments.
  • Examples:
    • Online courses with asynchronous learning, allowing students to study at their own pace.
    • Programs that offer multiple pathways to achieve learning outcomes.
    • Competency-based education, where learners progress based on their mastery of skills.

How They Relate:

  • Blended learning can be a component of flexible learning. By incorporating online elements, blended learning can contribute to greater flexibility.
  • However, blended learning doesn't automatically guarantee flexibility. A blended course may still have rigid schedules and requirements.
  • Essentially, flexible learning is a philosophy, and blended learning is a methodology that can be used to enact that philosophy.