With the increase and availability of technology, many instructors have adopted blended learning into their everyday teaching. Essentially, blended learning combines face-to-face learning with online learning.  It requires the presence of both teacher and student; however, unlike the traditional classroom, the student has some control over aspects such as time, pace, and place.

Many models of blended learning exist including the Flipped Classroom model and the Enriched Virtual model. These two blended learning models facilitate learning in the classroom and at home. In the Flipped Classroom model, students are introduced to new concepts while at home and come together in the classroom to work collaboratively, solve problems, or learn more advanced information.  The Enriched Virtual model is similar to the Flipped Classroom except students may not attend face-to-face sessions daily. Picciano, Dziuban and Graham (2013) explain that the Enriched Virtual model is a “full school experience, not a course-by-course model” (p. 295). For many educators, transitioning to blended learning happened organically since technology is easily accessible to both teachers and students. 

With the easy accessibility, many instructors have been integrating technology with traditional face-to-face instruction for several years. Because devices are ubiquitous, students expect to use them as part of their daily learning. Smart phones, iPads, Chromebooks, and laptops are in the hands of most students. It is how they communicate and socialize, so it is only natural for teachers to meet them where they are and take advantage of the available technology for learning (Kwan, 2016).

For students to be successful in the future, they need to develop 21st century skills, so they can compete with others from around the world. The use of technology in the classroom promotes these skills which include communication, collaboration, problem solving, and critical thinking. An education program that emphasizes blended learning is rich in technology, an essential component of preparing students for their future. In addition to 21st century skills, blended learning increases student engagement, interaction, and motivation (Roach, 2014). It also affords teachers and students more flexibility with planning, pace, and place.

As educators, our responsibility is to prepare students to be successful in whatever future they choose for themselves. We teach them 21st century skills so they can thrive in college, career, and beyond. To be successful in teaching these skills, students must be exposed to technology as part of their learning. Students rely on technology as part of their daily lives, so a classroom that does not take advantage of this only hinders students’ growth. Imagine a classroom without technology, and you will find a community of learners who is unable to function in the real world.

Blended learning encourages the use of technology. While at home students may learn a new concept from watching a video coupled with a reading. When they return to the classroom, small groups of students can then use the information to create their own video or slideshow to share with others (Martínez-Jiménez, Rocío, and M. Carmen Ruiz-Jiménez, 2020). From using YouTube, screencasting, and digital technologies to creating slideshows and sharing GoogleDocs, technology engages students in learning and generates an atmosphere where students are motivated to learn more. And, although these technologies have become an essential part of learning, there are barriers to consider.

Yes, technology and devices are everywhere; however, not all students have equal access.  Schools must consider cost and how to reach all students when creating a technology rich environment. WiFi speeds, age of devices, and location are just some of the problems associated with access to technology. Some programs require high speed internet as well as the most up-to-date devices. If students live in rural areas, they often do not have access to WiFi, and many cannot afford the cost of high-speed internet. 

To address students’ needs, schools must provide access to hotspots and devices to ensure equity for all. If the budget does not allow for this fix, teachers must know which students do not have access to WiFi and/or devices. With this knowledge, teachers can create alternative assignments and paper copies. But, unfortunately, this inequity places the students at a grave disadvantage to their more affluent peers. Depending on the number of students in need, blended learning can be difficult to accomplish.

Along with access, learning the technology as well as teaching it becomes a burden for teachers. Schools may invest in new technologies and learning management systems, yet the users (mostly teachers) must understand how to use them. Teachers need adequate training and practice with the new technology. If teachers do not see a benefit to the technology or are not comfortable using it, they will not adopt it (Kwan, 2016). Yet, administrators expect the technology to be utilized, and they often expect results. When teachers are fully trained, they then must instruct their students on how to use the technology. So, along with teaching math or history, teachers also create lessons on how to apply the new technology before allowing students to interact with content. Eventually, the understanding of the new technology benefits both teachers and students, yet how much time is taken from teaching the curriculum? And, how long is this technology used until the next app becomes the latest and greatest?

Although the pandemic has forced schools to adopt some form of blended learning, the results for student progress will not be known for years. Yet, we have seen the results from the traditional face-to-face school, so we know many children have slipped through the cracks. Perhaps blended learning will prove to be a new model for schools. Students would not have to attend class everyday for several hours. Schools could become places for children to collaborate and problem solve. 

Technology has transformed how teachers teach and learners learn. Yet, with most transformations, barriers arise and must be solved. Blended learning will continue to evolve as more educators adopt the various models and meet the needs of their students. And, students will continue to expect to use the latest technology on the most up-to-date devices.

References

Kwan, James. (2016) “Is Blended Learning Well Blended? A comparative study of students and educators’ perspectives on introducing blended learning in MBA program.”  CERI2016Proceedings, doi:10.21125/iceri.2016.0923.

Martínez-Jiménez, Rocío, and M. Carmen Ruiz-Jiménez. (2020) “Improving Students’ Satisfaction and Learning Performance Using Flipped Classroom.” The International Journal of Management Education, Elsevier, 31 July 2020, http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1472811719302022.

Picciano, Anthony G., et al. Blended Learning: Research Perspectives. Routledge, 2013.

Roach, Travis. (2014). “Student Perceptions toward Flipped Learning: New Methods to Increase Interaction and Active Learning in Economics.” International Review of Economics Education, Elsevier, http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1477388014000280.

Attaining an MBA is your path to a fulfilling future. With an MBA you will find yourself not only growing within your business but also as an individual. An MBA allows you to manage a business, develop a strong professional network, earn a high salary, or become your own boss. Yes, all of this sounds great, but with your already overbooked schedule, how can you possibly add this kind of commitment to an already overbooked schedule?

Yet, thousands of young professionals are able to attain an MBA and stay on top of their schedules and commitments. They are able to do it because an online MBA makes it possible and that is why it has become so popular.

Flexibility

Everyone needs some flexibility in their life, especially those with careers and family.  The online MBA allows you to work anytime anywhere, so you can still meet your job requirements and not miss a beat. With an asynchronous format, you log on when you are able to work, so you can create a schedule that works around work and family life.

Also, many online MBA programs will allow you to take a longer time to fulfill degree requirements than traditional programs. So, if it’s not feasible to take class full time and complete the degree within the standard 24 months, you can create a schedule that meets your needs. Also, rather than leaving your job and salary to complete the degree, an online program allows you to continue working where your employer may help you with tuition. You may even be able to waive the GMAT requirement.

A Diverse Network

One of the best characteristics of an online MBA program is the diverse student body. Students from all walks of life seek an MBA. You will encounter people of various cultures, ages, and careers. This type of networking will assist you in your profession for years to come. Whether you want to seek advice or a new position, the students taking the program with you understand what you are experiencing. They can be emotional support as well as mentors in the industry.

Group work and collaboration are important aspects of MBA programs. You will still have plenty of opportunities to work with others; the only difference is in an online program you will work with people from around the world in many different industries. Since international students often enroll in online MBA programs, you will have the opportunity to learn about other industries as well as other countries. This opportunity just doesn’t occur in a traditional face-to-face program. You will have the chance to gain real international business experience. All you need to do is figure out when to meet virtually since one person is in California, someone else in Mumbai, and a third in London.

Improved Technology Skills

When you are part of an online program, you encounter the latest technology in the field. This knowledge gives you an edge over other professionals. Since all content is online, your ability and knowledge of technology becomes second nature. Even if you never felt secure with technology, you will conquer it with an online program. And, if you struggle with any aspect of the technology, you just need to reach out to your fellow students for assistance. It will take you out of your comfort zone as you explore new technology and create new projects with the most up-to-date text tools.

Application

With an online MBA, you can apply your knowledge in real time. Since you are still in the workplace while attending school, you can easily apply what you’ve learned. In fact, it is encouraged to use the skills you’re learning through the program with your colleagues and clients. What better way to improve your skills than to apply them in real world situations? You have the opportunity to improve your leadership, discover more about yourself and build skills as you learn.

You’re Part of the Future

As the world adjusts even more to the virtual business world, online MBA programs are becoming more prestigious. Employers now understand that completing an online program demonstrates your flexibility, knowledge of technology, and commitment to improvement. They also know that you have connected with people from around the world while in this program. Employers need people who are actively improving their skills and connecting to people from other cultures.

More Choice and Less Money

MBA online programs are everywhere. This allows you to research the programs and formats as well as the cost of hundreds of programs that meet your needs. With so many choices, you can find a program that coincides with your schedule as well as your pocketbook. You also save money since you don’t have to drive to campus. And, since online programs are typically cheaper for the college to offer them, the cost reduction can be extended to you.

We all imagine possible scenarios about what our life would look like if we achieved our dreams and goals. While plenty successfully reach their goals, many fail because they did not create a plan of action. Taking the necessary steps to reach goals require determination, persistence, desire, and a plan.

If you are interested in learning something new, increasing your skills, or just enhancing your life, you should develop a learning plan. Learning plans allow you to work towards goals according to your needs and schedule. Learning involves acquiring new knowledge, new skills and abilities. There is no one way to create a learning plan because it must fit your individual needs. Some plans are highly organized while others change according to your schedule and commitment.

The plan begins with answering, what dreams and goals do you want to reach?

The End Goal

To begin creating a plan, you must decide what you want to learn. Educators often use backwards design, where they begin with the main learning objective and then create a plan to meet that goal. You must also consider backwards design when you first begin to create your learning plan. What is your end goal?

If you are searching for a new profession, consider which career is your end goal. If you are looking to enhance your skills and want to learn a new language, picture yourself traveling to another country and using your skills. Envision the end goal first, and then begin creating the steps to reach your goal. Keep in mind that this vision is based on what you want. When you are thinking about all of the possibilities, consider getting out of your comfort zone and learning new skills rather than relying only on skills you already have.

Adopt a growth mindset. Some believe that they are born with a certain number or type of skills, so learning new skills that are outside of your comfort zone seems impossible. However, with a growth mindset, you accept challenges and embrace new experiences. You look at setbacks as a way to grow, and you reflect on ways to use your skills to help you improve your deficits. 

Consider why you want to learn a particular skill. Once you can answer why you want to learn it, you must be motivated to reach your goal. Sheer motivation will help you start and get you through some of the difficult times when acquiring a new skill. But, how to maintain your motivation requires research, attainable goals, commitment, and some help.

Conduct Research

Now that you have a vision of what you want to learn or do, you need to conduct research. Do you need to attain a degree? Are certifications required? Of course, the internet will provide a multitude of articles and blogs dedicated to your new skill or desired profession. But, along with reading, try to find someone who is doing exactly what you want to do. Mentors offer invaluable knowledge and expertise. They can give you advice on possible pitfalls to avoid and opportunities to pursue. Finding a mentor is not as difficult as you might imagine; talk to friends who may know someone or reach out through social media. Many people relish the idea of becoming a mentor. Afterall, it is the ultimate compliment to someone who is living your dream.

Small Steps and Small Goals

Now that you have more knowledge about how to achieve your learning goal, you can begin creating small steps that need to be taken in order to reach your desired outcome. These steps should be measurable. For example, if you are trying to learn a new skill, require yourself to work on it for twenty minutes each day. Or, tell yourself you will attend every class and participate fully. The first step may be as small as finding a course and then signing up for it. If you are a procrastinator, set a date. The easiest way to actually reach the goals you set is to keep them simple and write them down.

Showcase these steps in a place that you view each day. Keep them at your desk or on the refrigerator so you are reminded often of your goal and the steps needed to achieve it. Not everyone is a list maker but writing the steps and crossing off each one you accomplish can feel rewarding. Or, you can actually give yourself a small token as a reward for each step completed.

Focus and Commitment

With the plan in place, you must create a lifestyle that allows you to focus on your plan. If part of your plan requires you to set aside time each day to learn something new, then you must create a schedule that encourages this new behavior. If you need to wake up 15 minutes earlier to work on your learning, make this part of your schedule. You must change your behavior to match your learning plan.

Changing behavior requires commitment and a motivation to succeed. You know yourself, so if you need to write down reminders and place them throughout your living place, do it. If you need to reward yourself as you reach specific milestones, then do it. Whatever it takes to encourage you to remain committed and focused will help you stay the course.

Stay on Top of It

Along with reminders and rewards, enlist family and friends to help you with your learning plan. Holding yourself accountable can be difficult, but if you enlist a friend or family member to help you stick with your plan, you will feel obligated to complete the task and guilty if you don’t.  In fact, the more people you tell, the more likely you will be asked about your progress. These simple inquiries may be just what you need to stay on top of your plan. Sticking to a learning plan and reaching your goals will only benefit you; however, getting through the rough patches, when you don’t feel like committing or working, is the hardest part.

Use What You Learn

True learning involves changing behavior. With each new skill you learn, use it. If you are learning a new language, find opportunities to practice your new skill. The more you practice and put your new skill to use, the more likely you own it. Find ways to share your knowledge; use it at work, create a digital portfolio, write a blog, or teach someone else.

Creating a learning plan is essential when you truly want to reach a goal. Remember, the plan and the dream are yours to create. Set yourself up for success and create a personal learning plan that works for you and meets your individual needs.

A multitude of online professional courses are available for anyone who wishes to increase knowledge, enhance professional skills, or improve their quality of life. Yet, many question their ability to be successful in an online course. Some may fear the amount of time needed to complete a course, or if they possess the necessary technology skills. Others question their overall ability, so they ask themselves, “Can I even do this?”

Are these just excuses, or is it something else?

Self-efficacy is the belief in one’s own abilities. It is the confidence needed to accomplish whatever tasks you choose to do. When self-efficacy is low, people are unwilling to try new tasks, which in-turn affects their ability to grow and develop. A low self-efficacy alters your ability to persist and overcome challenges, so it influences the choices you make.

With the easy access to online courses, choosing from the multitudes of options only requires the desire to learn and the belief that you can successfully complete it. Professional online courses provide added skills, increased knowledge, personal development as well as the necessary certificates to improve your chances for promotion or landing a new job. Yet, before beginning a new course, it is important to take stock of your current schedule and responsibilities. It is also necessary to research the course you want to take. Since there are many options, you can determine which type of course best meets your learning style.

Adult Learners

Everyone has a preferred method of learning. Some respond more favorably to visual learning, and others prefer to take notes while reading or listening to content. Adult learners have their own unique needs that differ from college students. Adults come to a course with more experience, so experiential content works best. Case studies and hands-on learning provide opportunities for adult learners to utilize their life experiences. So, look for courses designed with an adult learner in mind for optimal learning to occur.

Courses that provide engaging activities help adults learn and acquire new skills. No one wants to take a boring course where the student is passive, just a receptacle of information. Although people have different ideas of what is boring, a course that builds community and offers a variety of learning activities helps to combat boredom.

Adults look for meaning with what they are learning. They want to combine their own experiences, the course content, and their personal/professional goals to achieve optimal learning.  Adults also want to connect with the course material, so they can use it in practical ways. Therefore, practical activities that include discussions and problem-solving are the best methods for reaching learning goals.

Adults also have more success with online courses when they are designed with opportunities for building community. If instructors and course materials provide activities where adults can work together in small groups, learners begin to feel more connected to the class. They have a sense that “We’re all in this together.” The community helps those who are struggling, so if someone is uncomfortable with the technology, another student can offer assistance.

Tips for Taking Courses

If you doubt your ability to complete the course due to your low self-efficacy, try to find someone to take it with you. Or, if that is impossible, begin the course and reach out to another student. You are not the only one who feels insecure about taking a course, so working with another student helps to relieve the anxiety. Often, online professional courses will provide previous students’ comments about the course. Before signing up for a course, read the comments and ratings. These will help you understand that others have been successful in this course, which in turn helps you know that you can do the same. 

Online learning offers flexibility, a variety of courses, and the same rigor as traditional face-to-face courses. However, the responsibility of learning falls entirely on you. Consider how motivated you are to work on content. In contrast to traditional face-to-face courses with a set schedule, online classes offer the flexibility of working on content according to your discretion. So, if the morning is an optimal time to work, you can take advantage of an early schedule. As much as the flexibility is a benefit of online courses, you still must prioritize coursework over other responsibilities.

The flexibility is a positive aspect of online learning, so use it to your advantage. Before choosing to take an online course, consider the amount of time you have to dedicate to it as well as how you can manipulate your schedule. For best results, create a schedule that suits your learning preferences.  If you prefer late nights, after your other responsibilities are out of the way, create a quiet time and place to work. Communicate with your family or roommate about your need for quiet and uninterrupted time. You may choose to share homework time with your children or carve out time during the weekends. Create the schedule that works around your needs and preferences.

Typically, the readings, video lectures, and assignments are available from the beginning of the course, so you can view the entire course at one time. This availability allows you to create a schedule that coincides with your personal commitments and work responsibilities. However, you have the burden of making sense of the readings and lectures. The learning is solely your responsibility, so you essentially teach yourself. If questions arise, you must find alternatives for finding answers if an instructor is not available. Yet, this added burden is arguably a more enlightening learning experience because it requires extra effort.

The fear of not understanding the technology needed to complete the task is another hindrance to taking an online course. However, you can overcome any deficits with technology just by asking. Whether you ask a friend, co-worker or fellow student, you can find someone to help you figure out any of the technology glitches. At some point, everyone experiences a question about technology. With just a little bit of trial and error, you can find ways to overcome any fears about technology.

When faced with online opportunities to improve skills, increase knowledge, and advance in your career, what’s really preventing you from facing this challenge? Self-efficacy can be improved with planning and the desire to improve yourself.

Learning online can be both convenient, impactful, and engaging. The convenience of learning anytime and anywhere is appealing to both teachers and students. While the convenience of online learning is important and using gamification can entice students to learn, using too many games can achieve the opposite effect.

Can you think of the last class you took online? Do you remember it? If you do remember the course, consider why. It may have been high stakes or just plain fun. If you don’t remember the course, is it because you were a passive learner? Did you just click through the course skimming the text or absently watching videos?

All learners need courses that are relevant, but they also need to learn in a variety of ways. There is no one way for students to learn, so courses should be designed to appeal to multiple senses. Courses should also provide ample opportunity to learn by doing. When the learner experiences a course that is interactive, more learning takes place. So, whether you want to use gamification to keep your students engaged or just for a change of pace, you want to create interactive lessons.

When online courses utilize gamification elements, learners are more engaged because content is presented in a motivating way. What is gamification? It is when online learning utilizes game elements such as design and mechanics to promote learning, achieve goals, and solve problems. If you have taken a course that utilizes a point system, competition between users, or rules of play, you have encountered gamification.

Three basic principles of gamification include autonomy, value, and competence. For example, creating a storyline around what players are doing adds value to the course because it helps users care about what they are learning and doing. When the aesthetics of the course are eye-catching and pleasing, the user will more likely remain engaged. And, when users receive feedback or rewards about their progress, it shows how their actions are connected to their competence in achieving the learning goals.

When gamification is done correctly, it feels like you are playing a game and not taking a course. When courses include game elements such as providing a story line, immersion, feedback and rewards, users will more likely achieve the learning goals and be able to utilize the new skills or information taught in the course.

However, if gamification is overused, students may be more intent on “winning” or beating the game, and learning takes a backseat. Many online games used for learning (especially the free versions) have patterns that students eventually figure out. Students then focus more on getting to the next level and little to no information is retained. So, for teachers it is a delicate balance between assigning gamification and assigning the “normal” assignments.