Online vs. blended learning: which is better?
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In the times before technology, traditional teaching methods were heavily reliant on print-based material, as classwork was done from a student book and in turn homework was completed in a workbook.
It's a proven approach, and fundamentally the anatomy of the classroom hasn’t changed all that much. What’s different now, however, is the prevalence of technology and its place in the world of education. As technology advances around us, so does the way we teach and learn.
Cassette tapes were leveraged as an education tool in the 1970s and 80s, and we then transitioned to the computing advancements of the 1990s, which made way for more sophisticated use of laptops in the classroom setting.
As such, we saw the possibilities of online teaching methods emerge as a new teaching approach that could complement face-to-face learning.
While the technology at the time was limited, it signified a landmark moment in teaching. Educators realised that teaching and learning can be done outside of the classroom and holds vast benefits for learners.
In the context of English language teaching, there are a number of variables that are changing the way learning is done, and they are as follows: learner appetite for on-demand access to information is as high as ever; competition for attention is fierce; and of course, the evolution of technology is as rapid as ever.
Ultimately, the way we learn is not linear and everyone has their own learning journey, so the challenge for teachers crafting their approach for modern English language learners remains – what is the best approach?
Enter online learning and blending learning. Brick and click, tailored learning, digital learning, and so on. We often hear of these terms, but it’s not always clear on how this looks, feels, and functions in practice.
Let’s dive into the online learning approach
What is online learning? This approach is essentially a learning environment that exists online. Learners can practice at their own rate, do their homework in their own time, and self-direct their learning.
Kayo Taguchi is Pearson Asia's English language teaching (ELT) portfolio manager, and she says that the most beneficial aspect to the online teaching approach is the higher volume of data to tap in to, and so that means being able to track progress, analyse the numbers behind learner patterns, and in turn apply learnings.
“Teachers are creating online classroom environments, where they're doing interactive activities such as: polling, breakout rooms and other team-based activities all online. What this is presenting is an opportunity for students to transition to do their homework outside of the classroom, and even go that step further to do additional study in their own time because the online environment makes it possible.”
While the online learning approach allows students to get creative with their approach to doing homework and extracurricular study, there are challenges associated with the online-only approach.
For Kayo, this approach is reliant on access to technology, a sound internet connection, and disciplined learners.
“There's the technology side of things when we’re learning and teaching online, for example, when people are accidentally on mute, or if learners don’t have computers, or their internet isn’t holding up, or they're looking at other things on their phone – that kind of general challenge is present.”
And for teachers, there’s the administrative considerations of getting the classroom online and some level of platform upskilling to understand how to get the most out of the online classroom environment.
Kayo says that with a little bit of training and a clear plan in place, the online teaching approach can be very effective.
“For example, if learners have missed a class then teachers can provide a recording of the online experience or a PDF that provides an overview of the lesson. And during unprecedented times like we have experienced with COVID-19, you can access courses from anywhere, and you don’t need the physical classroom.”
So, what about the blended learning approach?
As the name suggests, blended learning is a mix between two methods that is as follows: traditional, face-to-face learning and online learning. If we visualise it in the context of a Venn diagram, it looks like this:
- Region A denotes online learning
- Region B denotes face-to-face learning
- The union of A and B denotes blended learning
Kayo says the optimal approach to apply blended learning is if homework tasks make up the online element, as this opens a stream of possibilities around data capture, insights into learning habits, and areas of learner strengths and weaknesses, too.
This allows English language teachers to determine how to adjust their approach to the face-to-face environment. So, if the data is revealing that grammar activities are an area needing attention, then this will help to tailor the face-to-face teaching approach.
“Doing homework online allows you to track everything, and that’s the value of doing work online, so by assigning homework you can see which students are proactively learning and how much time they're spending on each of the activities, and then that provides teachers more information on the areas students are excelling or struggling with.
“And then with that data, there is visibility into student scores in each of those areas so there’s that insight into areas that require more support and teacher attention. Perhaps there is assistance needed in grammar activities or in listening activities.
“That will help the teacher pivot and even change their teaching method throughout the course, and so with a blended teaching approach you can have those focus areas, while maintaining the traditional classroom environment.”
What are the benefits of the blended learning approach?
The benefits are often tied around creating a framework for sustained engagement, and there are different ways to be mindful of that for the online component of a blended learning approach.
If we single out student focus, as an example, the blended approach helps with realignment if it has been identified as a problem area. There’s the in-class element that promotes a social and cooperative learning environment, and this allows for students and teachers to address questions and concerns that may not be effectively communicated online.
Kayo says that the blended approach is often favoured, as it does a robust job of emulating the modern testing environment.
“One of the things to note with the blended teaching approach is that it mimics the test taking experience, so as most tests are now provided online, it familiarises learners with that modern experience as a test taker.
“Face-to-face engagement is the key piece to blended teaching, where you can still achieve in-person group work and project work in person, with the homework element ticked off online, which for English language learning is invaluable.”
How does the approach to testing stack up for online and blending learning?
As there are a lot of factors involved in measuring the testing outcomes of online and blended teaching methods, teachers can set their cohort up for success by using technology that works to complement their method of teaching.
In order to do online or blended teaching well, teachers should invest in the right technology that supports their approach, and ultimately makes life easier.
If you're not harnessing technology, you might be relying too heavily on print workbooks. So, with the blended learning approach, you have that data readily available to iterate and pivot when required, and that’s key to enabling a successful blended learning environment. It also saves you a lot of time!
Ultimately, the more that learners are practising and completing their assigned tasks, it's going to have a positive impact on their learning journey. Kayo says that the blended approach allows teachers to run a more targeted approach that leaves nothing to chance.
“We have used the phrase at Pearson that’s centred around taking the guesswork out of the language learning journey, and by achieving that through modern teaching methods is a big plus. You're not just picking random things to learn, it’s a more targeted approach, and it makes better use of your time and establishes clearer steps to success in English language learning.”
Continue reading: PODCAST: Episode 2 — A portrait of a global school in Southeast Asia
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