New advances in the internet based technology have
brought challenges and opportunities as well to education and training, in
particular through online instruction.
The learning environments where instructional
materials are transferred electronically or through the Internet or through
course software with the help of computer technologies in teaching and learning
environments and where the teacher and the learner are in different physical
environments are known as e-learning. E-learning is also defined both as a kind
of learning which occurs through the Internet, a network or only a computer and
as audible, visual and interactive synchronous or asynchronous educational
activities.
The most significant characteristics of e-learning
are that the teacher and the learner are in different physical environments and
that the communication throughout the teaching/learning process is carried out
via e-mail, forums, etc. through the Internet.
E-learning is a common method since it is able to
present the content of the course in a longer period of time compared to
classroom environment and other methods; it allows education for seven days and
twenty four hours; it reaches more number of learners; and it ensures a
learning environment which is independent of time and place particularly for
adult learners. However, elearning environments pose such disadvantages as
hindrance of the socialization process of individuals, lack of sufficient
recognition between the teacher and the learner and limitations concerning the
communication among learners. These disadvantages have evoked a search for new
environments which combine the advantages of elearning and traditional learning
environments. This new environment is known as “blended learning”.
Blended learning environment integrates the
advantages of e-learning method with some advantageous aspects of traditional
method, such as face-to-face interaction. Blended learning brings traditional
physical classes with elements of virtual education together.
The integration of e-learning environment and
traditional learning environment may combine ideally the useful aspects of both
methods. E-learning environments ensure the flexibility and efficacy which
cannot be found in a classroom environment whereas face-to-face learning
environment provides the social interaction which is required for learning.
While definitions vary from one institution to another, blended learning is
defined in this article essentially as a combination of face-to-face and web
based environment.
However, it is important to construct equilibrium between e-learning and face to face environments, in view of the advantages of both methods, during the process of designing a blended learning environment.
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