Blended learning is a method that combines technology and digital media with traditional instructor-led classroom activities, allowing students to personalize their learning experiences. 

What Is Blended Learning?

Due to the importance of computers and other sophisticated devices in today’s commerce and communication, integrating technology into education helps prepare students for success in the workplace. At its core, blended learning is a method that combines both in and out-class activities for better learning and teaching outcomes. Students who learn in a mixed learning environment grasp the studied subject and technology usage.

The blended learning strategy is not complete without in-person instructions. For students’ improvement, listening skills must be developed in addition to their visual and kinesthetic abilities.

Advantages of Blended Learning

Both students and instructors gain from blended learning. Because students live in a technologically advanced society, blended learning benefits them in several ways. However, this method ont only affects students but also helps teaching staff to stay more organized and enhancing engagement with their students in more meaningful ways.

Personalized learning

The student-to-teacher ratio in the United States is not one of the best. With big class numbers, it might be impossible to personalize lessons or recognize each student’s unique requirements. Blended learning has the potential to change this.

Individualizing learning modules based on competency is easier with blended learning. Students in the same classroom can progress at different speeds, and teachers can observe whether students are more interested in a specific subject or want additional attention in a particular subject.

Use of online and offline technologies

The implementation of blended learning provides professors and students with the best of both worlds. Students have the opportunity to try out new software and hardware through blended learning. Getting familiar with such technology will come in handy in their future projects and pursuits. 

Lower costs

Blended learning can be a good choice when educational institutions explore methods to give their students a personalized learning experience without increasing expenses.

Blended learning requires professors, but it takes less of their time, saving money on travel fees and training materials. Online schools typically offer lower costs. That’s because most materials are virtually accessible, and buildings require no maintenance fees. Textbook expenses are also reduced since online resources are sufficient to meet students’ academic demands.

Interactive experience

Interactive online modules can allow students to learn at their own pace prior to class, while also allowing teachers to provide more individualized instruction in person. Thanks to interactive online modules, professors can be much more deliberate about what they want students to study before class and how to best use class time to reinforce what they have learned.

More flexibility

The flexibility that blended learning offers comes in terms of availability. The blended learning method allows students to access the necessary materials anytime and anywhere while enjoying the benefits of in-person lectures. Additionally, it gives access to information and resources on a global scale that fit the student’s interests and levels of knowledge.

Blended learning enables fast learners to grow more quickly. At the same time, struggling students can move at their own pace and get customized support where they’re stuck. 

Boost of digital intelligence

Blended learning offers students more flexibility in their studies by improving their learning environment, which raises student achievement. Allowing students to deepen their comprehension through independent topic inquiry enhances the learning experience. 

Stimultanuesly, students are pushed to use technology, and by the continuous use of different tools, they boost their digital skills. Because blended learning is scalable, instruction remains effective at every step, setting students up for tremendous success as they acquire the 21st-century skills they need to shine.

Disadvantages of Blended Learning

While the blended learning approach benefits students in various ways, some drawbacks should not be overlooked. We can more effectively overcome the disadvantages of blended learning by being aware of them to guarantee better student results.

Need to acquire technological skills

The technology devices used in blended learning must have efficient and easy usage. IT literacy can be, in most cases, a bigger problem for teachers than for students. Inadequate training programs for the teaching staff can lead to ineffective lessons. On the other hand, students who don’t primarily have technological skills will have to do more work to catch up with the rest of their peers; otherwise, they will be left behind. 

Lack of motivation and plagiarism 

Another drawback is that, depending on how blended learning is set up, it can make participants less motivated. A blended learning strategy may not be appropriate for every individual, task, or subject. Unmotivated students would lead to another problem, plagiarism. In the world of e-learning, plagiarism is a well-known problem. 

Online students might find it difficult to resist the urge to use a computer or smartphone to search for something when they are not motivated to study. In such cases, professors should be extra careful when assigning tasks and checking the homework assignments’ credibility. 

Blended Learning Models

The implementation of blended learning methods can take many different forms but typically involves one or more of the following models.

Face-to-face

As its name suggests, the face-to-face blended learning method emphasizes active student-teacher interaction. It is appropriate for students of all ages, from elementary students to those in higher education. The majority, though not the only form of delivery, is through classroom instruction, where students will be present in person. 

The goal behind the face-to-face model of blended learning is to employ online resources to educate and train people who might need extra help on particular topics. The face-to-face model’s other key feature is that it will frequently be utilized to push high achievers beyond the teacher’s usual learning objectives.

Rotation

The rotation model uses online and in-person instruction, frequently given in classrooms, as other blended learning models do. The rotation model differs from other blended learning models in that it has a set timetable for the two different ways education is delivered. In other words, students will have a schedule for online learning that is just as clearly organized as their time in the classroom.

Flex

The entire teaching students receive under the flex blended learning model is given to them via a computer. Usually, as students enter a classroom, computers are available for each student. They are free to come and go as they wish to do their work because there are no defined periods when a lesson or lecture will start. In other words, the computer hardware and any instructional software offered to students enable them to design their learning. Notably, this will imply that learning proceeds at each student’s own pace even when they are frequently in the same physical place as their classmates.

Online driver

The online driver is a type of blended learning in which students learn remotely and most of the content is supplied online. This blended learning style is appropriate for students who require more independence and flexibility in their daily schedules. Even though in-person check-ins are optional, students can typically ask teachers questions online via chat.

Conclusion

Blended learning produces an integrated classroom where the requirements of all types of learners will meet by combining in-person and online learning. Additionally, keeping students interested, excited, and motivated helps professors be more productive and achieve more with their students.

If students have a pleasant experience with learning during their former years, they may be more likely to seek further education.

It sure can be challenging to alter conventional teaching methods. However, the new blended learning environment has some very advantageous features that are worth the effort. 

Here are a few study tips to help you overcome the challenges online education brings, be productive, and stay at home worry-free.

How to Be Successful in Online Classes

Knowing how online classes work can help you get ahead and easily manage your studying time. Although many of the standard rules applied in traditional classes apply to online classes, sometimes it can be hard to keep the same enthusiasm.

That being said, to make the best out of online learning, you will need to take it seriously. Remember that online classes should serve as a guide to what you will be studying on your own later.

Take notes

Much like in a traditional classroom, it’s important to listen to online lectures carefully. However, it’s impossible to remember all the information you hear in lectures. That’s where note-taking can prove very helpful, especially when you start to study the material.

Notes can help you remember what you need to highlight during your studying. It can be hard to learn the material on your own, but having some guidelines and points of focus can go a long way during a study session.

Ask questions

Don’t be afraid to ask what you don’t understand. If you have classes online in real-time video format, then asking questions shouldn’t be hard. You can wait for your professor to finish the lecture and ask them about what wasn’t clear to you.

However, even if your lectures are pre-recorded, don’t hesitate to reach out to your professor via email or ask one of your classmates for help. Remember to do so respectfully and following the online etiquette guidelines.��

You should know that you can also contact the instructor to ask for an extension if you find yourself distracted or overwhelmed to finish your assignments and turn them in on time. They’ll surely be understanding. Most of the teachers are trying to be as sympathetic to their students as possible during this health crisis.

Never assume online coursework is easier than traditional coursework

Competition in online education is just as fierce as traditional education. Each school wants a high success rate, and that means including challenging and comprehensive courses to prepare you for the workplace. Just because you aren’t in the instructor’s direct line of sight doesn’t mean you can slack off.

Online education demands participation, original insight, and completed coursework. Make sure you are mentally prepared.

Study Tips for Online Students

It may take time to adjust to the idea of being home all the time and having to study there. It may also seem challenging at first. However, this shouldn’t discourage you.

If you have trouble finding the motivation and willpower to get on with your studying as before, there are a few tricks that you can use to make the process easier.

Create a schedule & commit to your learning

Having a schedule can prove invaluable when you’re studying from home. It’s a good way to keep track of how much time you spend learning, and it can help you create a routine. Therefore, you won’t have to overthink about organizing your day because you already have a set time for when you have to take time to study.

However, having a schedule is not enough on its own. You will have to cultivate a commitment to your learning by taking notes, repeating the material to yourself, and taking online quizzes to test your knowledge. By doing this, you will have a clearer idea of how much you’ve learned.

Keep in touch with your classmates & professors

With classes taking place online, the contact with your professors and classmates might not be the same. Still,  you can keep in touch with them virtually.

It’s advisable to form virtual study groups with your peers, as this can help you stay on track and see what everyone else is doing. There are several platforms on which you can hold your meeting, discuss ideas, analyze the material, and share study tips. Staying in touch can make online learning seem more effortless.

It’s also good to keep in touch with your professors, so you can stay up-to-date with reading lists and ensure that you have the right lecture slides and notes. You can also contact them if you’re having trouble with a certain area of the subject.

Create a comfortable study space

If you are not used to studying at home, then creating a study space to fit your needs is essential. Creating a space where you can focus will help you get into a study mindset and make progress easier.

You should identify an area within your house where it’s comfortable for you to study. Make sure you have a desk where you can fit your laptop and notebooks. You can then adjust the space in a way that makes you feel most motivated. That can be with flowers, motivational quotes, good lighting, etc. Additionally, it would be good to have all the things you may need nearby so you won’t have to get up and search for them now and then.

Take breaks

When you are studying in your living space, taking breaks is just as important as putting the time in. You may have heard this advice time and time again, but keep in mind that studying without breaks won’t be as qualitative as you may think. The more you put your brain to work, the more tired it gets, and the harder it becomes for you to process what you’re reading.

Creating small breaks around your schedule can help keep your mind fresh and make it easier for you to focus on your reading. Take some time away from studying every hour or so to do any indoor activities that you enjoy. This will help brighten your mood and keep you fresh when you return to your studies. However, be careful not to get carried away and extend your break time.

Use online resources & ask for help

Having trouble with a particular area of the subject is normal. Thus seeking help should be a part of your studying process.

Although you don’t have real-life contact with your peers, you should contact them if you’re having trouble with the material. The same goes for your professors, as you shouldn’t hesitate to send them an email and ask them to clarify anything you might find it confusing.

Apart from your professor and classmates, you can also seek online help from various tools and platforms available. There are many YouTube channels and with field-specific videos that have in-depth explanations on certain subjects. Additionally, you can turn to homework applications if you’re having trouble with your assignments.

Don’t underestimate yourself

This is no longer the age where online education is the easy way out. This is the time for education in any capacity. You chose this route because you know you deserve the best. You’re ready to tackle education even though you are already managing a busy schedule, so don’t ever sell yourself short.

Education, in all forms, is a step in the right direction, and you deserve to expand your potential. Enroll, work hard, and reap the benefits!

How To Be Productive at Home

To make the most out of the time you spend studying at home, you need to stay physically active. However, that can prove to be hard when you’re conditioned to spend most of your time at the same place. Nevertheless, when you are trying to get into an active mindset, there are some things to keep in mind that will help you do so.

Clear the clutter

Sometimes when you are in a ‘study zone,’ something as small as a chore can take your mind off and make you lose focus. Taking unplanned breaks during your studying time can be very distracting and throw you off the course. The mess, on the other hand, can be equally distracting. It’s been proven that . That’s why it would be best if you cleared up the room and the desk where you study so that you won’t get distracted and will be able to process all that you learn. In this way, you won’t take unplanned breaks, won’t let the mess affect you and your studying process and will keep your house clean.

Exercise

It goes without saying that exercise can make you feel more energetic and ready to take on the day. This is because physical activity releases hormones that help you feel relaxed and focused, allowing you to be more productive during the day.

Even if you can’t put in one hour of intense exercise, as you would at a gym, you can always opt for at-home workouts. There are many Youtube channels and various online sources to help you with this. It doesn’t need to be a long session, you can do a 10-minute workout, and it will help with your overall productivity level.

Avoid your bed

It may seem like a good idea to try to study on your bed, but more times than not, it turns out to be counterproductive. The same goes for most afternoon naps after a morning study session. Often, it turns into a long nap, and you realize you’ve slept for hours. Take it as a general rule to avoid your bed while you’re studying. It’s best to have a chair and a desk, so you can sit up and pay attention to the material without feeling groggy.

You should also avoid staying in pajamas all day, as it can create a sense of laziness and put you in a mood where you don’t want to do any studying. Instead, try to dress as you would when attending a traditional classroom or library. This can help create a frame of mind for taking your studies more seriously.

Staying productive and achieving success in online classes can seem like a hard task to tackle. Although sometimes you may lose motivation and feel tired, there are many things you can do daily to prevent that. Whether it is taking notes, sticking to your schedule, or avoiding your bed, it’s important to stay healthy and try to do your best during this time. We wish you luck with your online learning!

Updated April 9, 2020

Summary of Higher Education Provisions in H.R. 748, The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act as it pertains to University of the Potomac

Sec. 3503. Campus-based aid waivers – Waives the requirements that institutions match federal funds and waives the limits on transferring funds between programs in the SEOG and FWS

Sec. 3504. Use of supplemental educational opportunity grants for emergency aid – Allows institutions broad flexibility to disburse SEOG funding as emergency grant aid to students.

• This is a good opportunity; however, it is limited in its funding. University of the ̽����ѡhas been allocated $32,000 for the upcoming award year.
• This provision allows University of the ̽����ѡto re-allocate Federal Work-study funds to the FSEOG program.

Sec. 3505. Federal work-study during a qualifying emergency – Allows institutions to make FWS payments for students for a period of up to one year, even if the student is unable to perform the required work due to campus closures.

Sec. 3506. Adjustment of subsidized loan usage limits – Excludes loans borrowed from counting towards annual or cumulative limits if a borrower is unable to complete the term due to a qualifying emergency.

• This is a great benefit to any students who become unable to complete the term.�� The loan borrowed for the term will not count against the students’ aggregate limit for lifetime loan eligibility.

Sec. 3507. Exclusion from Federal Pell Grant duration limit – Excludes Pell Grants awarded from counting towards annual or cumulative limits if a Pell recipient is unable to complete the term due to a qualifying emergency.

• Much in the same way the loans will not count against the lifetime aggregate limit, the Pell grant will not as well

Sec. 3508. Institutional refunds and Federal student loan flexibility – suspends an institution’s obligation to return Title IV funds if a student withdraws during a payment period due to a qualifying emergency. Suspends a student’s obligation to return Title IV aid they have received if they withdraw during a payment period due to a qualifying emergency. Relieves

borrowers of the obligation to repay loans that were taken out if they withdraw due to a qualifying emergency during the payment period those loans were borrowed for. Allows for institutions to allow students to take a leave of absence without needing to return in the same semester.

• University of the ̽����ѡwill track all relevant student situations in which a refund would have occurred, University of the ̽����ѡhas been averaging around $8-10k in refunds per week.
• Students will not have to repay loans that are taken out in a period in which they withdraw due to the current public health situation
• The LOA provision is useful for students who need to take leave because of the current public health situation

Sec. 3509. Satisfactory academic progress – Allows institutions to exclude terms impacted by a qualifying emergency in the calculation of a student SAP.

• Student Finance and Academics will work together to put a process in place to meet this provision that will keep any covid-19 related issues from affecting a student’s academic progress

Sec. 3510. Continuing education at affected foreign institutions – Allows for otherwise eligible programs at foreign institutions to be eligible for Title IV aid for distance education

• N/A to University of the Potomac

Sec. 3512. HBCU Capital financing – Requires the Secretary to make principal and interest payments on these loans during a deferment period in which the institutions are not obligated to make any payments.

• N/A to University of the Potomac

Sec. 3513. Temporary relief for federal student loan borrowers – Suspends borrowers’ obligation to make payments on their federal Direct Loans through September 2020; suspends interest on the payments; counts the suspended payments towards payment requirements for forgiveness provisions; suspends garnishment of wages, Social Security and tax refunds, among other measures, for borrowers in default during this period.

• This provision has frozen student loan payment obligations until the end of the current FY2018 reporting period. This could lead to an early close to FY2018 cohort. We will continue to monitor this closely

Sec. 3517. Waiver authority and reporting requirement for institutional aid – Authorizes the Secretary to waive certain statutory provisions regarding the distribution and uses of grant funding for minority-serving institutions, including graduate programs at HBCUs.

• N/A to University of the Potomac

Sec. 3518. Authorized uses and other modifications for grants – Allows the Secretary to waive requirements regarding the allowable uses of grant funding and requirements on matching grants at the request of the institution.

• N/A to University of the Potomac