Blended learning

The coming of modern times is something that has brought varied benefits for our society. However, this can be a double-edged sword when referring to the education field, due to the advantages and cons of technology. According to this, a good way of dealing with technology inside the class is using blended classroom. 

According to Smythe (as cited in Graham, 2006; Garrison & Vaughan, 2008) Blended learning means "employing a variety of media and methods, most often a mix of online and face-to-face learning. However this combination is subject to a range of permutations in technologies, pedagogies and contexts" (p. 2).

Personally, I think that blended classroom is important to the language learning due to the effectiveness that it has on students' performance. In addition, this technology not only improves this, but also students' attitude towards learning. This is because of the combination of two factors, the face-to-face and the online classes. The use of these two would not have the same results as if they were used separated. 

 Nevertheless, using blended classroom might have some limitations. One drawback that I can identify is that we as teacher can not know whether students are reading, watching or studying the material that is being uploading. Another limitation is the need of internet. Today most of the students have internet connection at their home; however, we can not assume that every student have access to internet, even inside the classroom.

Video: "What is blended learning?"
Channel: Frederic Skrzypek

References

• Smythe, Michael. "Blended learning: A transformative process." National Tertiary Learning & Teaching            Conference. Retrieved from http://akoaotearoa. ac. nz. 2011.