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Reflective note on Blended teaching and learning

As a teacher, our recent connections with technology  has pointed out so many benefits of using it in our teaching. There were very limited numbers of teachers who were trying to use technology for effective teaching in pre-Covid-19 era but now the numbers have increased and opinions have also come out in favor of blending technology with the traditional teaching. Undoubtedly, technology can not replace the teacher but it can surely streamline the teaching process, and give the ability to engage learners in most interactive ways. Several educational studies have indicated the possible future directions of this new normal teaching-learning technique called BLENDED LEARNING, also known as cross and mixed-mode learning.  It is much beneficial specially in higher education in a world where information communication technologies (ICTs) increasingly communicate with each other. The studies also show that the Asian countries have joined their western counterparts in adopting blended learning in higher education. 

 


So far Indian education is concerned, It is still in a beginning stage of adopting blended learning in higher education. The National Education Policy 2020 has also emphasized on focusing on blending of online and physical classroom learning. Considering the point, recently University Grant Commission of India has circulated a note indicating a move towards blending technology in regular traditional teaching. In the well-drafted concept note on Blended Teaching published by UGC has suggested 40% teaching of total course  in Online mode and 60% of teaching in traditional mode. It has also provided a clear outline of practicing blended learning technique with the list of open access and licensed software and platforms, infrastructure for effective implementation. UGC has also demanded suggestions and comments regarding this announcement. 

"Speaking at The Print’s ‘Safe and Sound’ series, presented by Facebook, on education system during Covid-19, Bhushan Patwardhan, Vice Chairman, University Grants Commission, said, “Future universities will have to adjust to the new changes… we have no choice but to adjust with the technological advancements. We cannot go back to the original concept of classroom-only learning. "

While UGC has demanded public suggestions and comments about Blended Teaching in colleges, here some of the points are from my side..

This Concept is a must adopting because...

  • Emergency teaching in online mode during pandemic has clarified that it develops ICT skills among teachers and students which is need of the hour
  • It is student centered, learning can be accessed anytime, anywhere so half of the course or activities should be available in this mode
  • Colleges and Universities already have platforms like Microsoft Teams and Google Classroom so platform requirements are least 
  • Portals like SWAYAM, DIKSHA, PARAKH can be best utilized  
  • Internet connectivity is also not a major issue, remote areas should be facilitated with it
  • Teacher-student interaction is possible 24x7 which helps problem solving and learning guidance 
  • It brings learners out of the box and encourages learning beyond textbook and lectures 
  • It reduce information transmission in physical classroom 
  • It will boost scope of activities in traditional classroom
  • More demonstration, practical work, activities and collaborative tasks and creative work will be possible in physical classroom
  • More learning e-content will be available for all time access 
  • Teachers and Learners will be able to communicate and create and collaborate globally 
  • We have tried both the modes, now it is time to blend it systematically 

* (response of my students of B.Ed Sem-4 2020) 


Barriers...…

Looking at the concept of blending technology and traditional teaching, there are some of the limitations that may be a rock against the road but can be overcome with root level attempts and goals.
  • Inability of teachers and students to use proper technology for effective teaching. (It can be overcome by trainings)
  • Lack of high quality devices and internet connectivity and infrastructure in all institutes 
  • Unavailability of e-content for effective teaching
  • Lack of knowledge of dealing with students and facilitating learning in online-mode
  • Strong attitudes and beliefs in Traditional teaching mode
  • Syllabus, Exam pattern may not suit to online teaching (But half of the portion can be done for skill based practices) 
  • Backlash against such innovative practices and its implementation 

So looking at the advantages of Blended learning,  one thing is for sure that it is high time for Indian higher education to step into the Blended Teaching mode. There are the ways against all the odds, so beginning is a must. The researches and best practices on blended teaching-learning should be brought out to the notice and considered for the implementation. The thornes are always on the way but one who walks, reaches to the destination. At least the younger generation of teachers should make 'Blended teaching and learning' a practice.


UGC's Concept note on Blended mode of Teaching and learning is worth to read and follow- Click to read


 

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