ICT AND BLENDED LEARNING

ICT AND BLENDED LEARNING

INTRODUCTION

We live in an era of Information dominated by Digital Technology. The whole world has shrunk into a Global village. Information is communicated within a fraction of a second. Everyone is compelled to equip himself to suit the needs and demands of the society. In the recent times, technology has a great impact on the life – style of the people. People have accustomed to the rapid changes in the society. There is a dire need to restructure the curriculum to face the challenges in society.

Education as confined to the literary terms, originated in the ancient times with the Guru Kula system. Down the ages, there has been a steady growth from the Guru Kula system to the present teaching pedagogy. New methods of teaching have to be introduced in apt with the growing trends. Teachers are on the constant vigil to improve their quality of teaching. They used teaching aids, like charts, models etc. In accordance with the digital technology, there is a need to accommodate ICT in their teaching module. This paper discusses on the need to implement ICT and blended learning to initiate effective learning among the students.

ICT

Information technology

According to Smith & Cambell (1982), a mosaic of technologies, products and techniques have combined to provide new electronic dimensions to information management. This mosaic is known by the name of Information Technology.

Information Technology is the technology involved with the transmission of stored information, the development and communication of information using computers. The development of Information Technology has led to the development of websites. Government, Corporate sector, educational institutions have started uploading the information on their websites. It facilitates information communication through Chat, e-mail, surfing etc. Earlier, people used only the print material for searching information. With the onset of IT, knowledge is only a click away.

Communication Technology

Communication Technology is the communication between individuals or groups who are not physically present at the same location. Eg. Telephones, telex, fax, radio, television and videos. Thus, ICT is the culmination of Information Technology and Communication Technology. Innovative trends like online learning, e-learning, virtual university, e-coaching, e-education and e-journal are being introduced to enhance better learning. ICT facilitates the maximum use of the senses to impart information. As the Chinese proverb goes,

“Tell me and I forget,

Teach me and I remember,

Involve me and I learn.”

BLENDED LEARNING

Blended Learning is the learning process which combines various methods of teaching namely, face to face learning, distance learning, video – conferencing and e- learning. In the modern society, there has been a tremendous influence of the electronic media on the lives of the adolescents. Educational Institutions all over the world, are turning to blended learning to cater to the constructive learning of the students. New technologies formed by combining e-learning and distance learning are brought into the class room. It initiates learning opportunities outside the class room. It breaks the monotony in the class room and gives room for interaction. Researches prove that Blended Learning can produce effective learning and overcome the shortcomings of any single mode of teaching and learning.

ICT AND BLENDED LEARNING

The growing use of ICT and Blended Learning has changed the face of teaching and learning process because of the onset of technological innovations. ICT provides rich material for the students and the teachers in the libraries and class rooms. This opens new opportunities for blended learning because they share experiences and technologies. Blended learning bridges the gap between Pedagogy and technology. It is a mix of the appropriate techniques and technology to enhance effective learning. Blended learning is the collaborative method and is the means to better understanding.

Videoconferencing is an example. In spite of being in different time zones and linked at different local times, all participants are connected to the Video conferencing at the same time and communicate in real time. Internet chat and online instant message are other methods of ICT. Interactivity is another important feature of Communication technology. It is described as one-way or two-way communication. One cannot ask a question or respond to an opinion in radio or TV broadcasting. They are examples of one-way technology, especially when they are pre-recorded. But by integrating telephone and email with live audio or TV broadcasting, two-way communication can be achieved. Videoconferencing is a two-way communication.

Sometimes, a message is sent out at one time, a response is given later. Postal mail, e-mail and online discussion forums are all examples of asynchronous communication. Synchronous communication refers to the class room situation where the interaction takes place in real time along with the use of computers and recorded programme.

Blended Learning is multiple learning and guiding methods, where the face – to – face classes include on-line teaching modules also. ICT concentrates on real differentiation in content and learning methods. The Virtual class rooms and chat rooms provide a lot of room for interaction unlike the traditional class room. Earlier, the teacher used to take the teaching aids along with her to her class room. With the onset of ICT, the teacher makes use of the Internet, online newspapers, web casts, etc. Students learn to listen, read, write, speak and react to a conversation using ICT as a result of Blended Learning. The students are open to novel ideas. No doubt, it promotes divergent and didactic thinking.

Another form of digitalized lectures is e – content. The competent teachers can develop e – content in their own areas of specialization. This has lots of potentiality to bring quality in teacher education. Instructional material and e-content are developed through ICT. Instructional materials in different subjects benefit the diverse users.

The teachers who are well versed in their subjects digitalize the instructional material. Their lectures are digitalized and made available to all the users. It enhances the quality of instruction in the classrooms. The teacher uses them in the classrooms and organizes discussion among the students. The new points can be added both by the teacher as well as students. It will make the teaching effective, participatory and enjoyable. The use of a variety of media, including print and electronic; two-way communications allows the students and teachers to interact in a tangible manner.

NEED FOR ICT LEARNING

The present day students live in a world, totally different from their parents. The electronic media emerged as a prominent influence on the modern society. The rise of science and technology has created a force whose educational functions challenge the traditional teaching and learning process. New technologies can stimulate the development of language skills, especially in Language learning. It spurs the spontaneous interest of the students when compared to the traditional modes of teaching. Students who use new technologies concentrate more than students in traditional settings.

The impetus for constructivism is based on child – centered learning. The learner is given importance in relation to learning. Various methods are used to ensure that the student has understood that particular topic. The student is not considered as an empty vessel, rather learning is integrated with that of the prior knowledge. Experience enables individuals to build mental models, which in turn provide meaning and organization. Blended learning do not reduce costs but it improves the quality of education with innovative strategies.

SIGNIFICANCE OF ICT AND BLENDED LEARNING

No teacher can give up to date and complete information in his own subject. ICT and Blended Learning tries to fill this gap of imparting knowledge to the intrinsic detail. It develops understanding and application of concepts with varied illustrations and examples. Students and teachers can share their views and get clarification on any topic from experts. ICT provides variety in presentation content and initiates concentration and long retention of the knowledge. It also develops the power of expression and instills reasoning power. In comparison with the traditional teaching method, ICT emphasizes on improving the comprehension and the clarification of doubts are being done by the experts.

In a virtual class room, the students interact with the students from different places under the guidance of the teacher. We live in an era of science and technology, where the technology is exploited to its best. The students can work on any project with the students or experts from other countries. Students who are familiar with ICT can master content faster and are better problem-solvers. They are self-directed, and are good decision makers. Knowledge is grasped beyond the class room.

Teachers need to integrate their teaching along with the Internet or the online chat. They should know to challenge and respond to students. They should be prepared to facilitate Internet discussions. They should help the students, how to work the medium, how to communicate, and how to cooperate with their peers. Blended learning favours information transmission, and a reorientation in their knowledge construction.

Beyond the classroom, ICT literacy is essential for being productive citizens in a knowledge-driven society. Employers want their employees to have these skills. As a result, college and university administrators are beginning to require them as competencies for graduation.

A CRITICAL REVIEW OF ICT AND BLENDED LEARNING

Blended learning solutions can be an appropriate approach to increasing access to higher education in India. The whole teaching – learning process have to be revamped, if ICT has to be introduced. ICT do not require any special setting or arrangement. The only requirement is computer systems and software. The student can use it even from home if made available on school website. They do not need any special assistance from teacher. Unlike the paper-pencil test, it does not require paper setting and paper correction on the part of the teacher. It saves time on the part of the teacher and students. The feedback is given immediately after the test is over, which gives an intrinsic reinforcement to the student. Blended learning is an integrated curriculum, which creates opportunities for learning that are not found in a traditional, face to face classroom model within a specific discipline. It promotes cognitive and meta cognitive skills. It enhances the self – reliance of the students. It imparts scientific and technological knowledge to the learners.

CONCLUSION

ICT is used only as an informational resource and facilitates its integration in a daily learning practice. The blended learning is a balance between the face to face and the online teaching. It provides multiple accessibility options to provide content delivery over TV, radio, Internet, and video conference-based communications. Blended learning access multiple methods for content development and presentation, teacher student interaction, and e-assessment. Blended learning is relatively cost effective, and can provide quality education to distant students. The pedagogy for ICT should be initiated to provide proficiency for teachers, so that they are empowered with the ICT skills.

REFERENCES:

1. Nagarajan. K., & Srinivasan .R., Innovations in Education and Educational Technology, Ram Publishers, Chennai, 2006.

2. Sekar Arul. J.M., & Thiyagu. K., Information and Communication technology in Education, Prophet Publishers, Tiruchirapalli, 2007. 
3. Sharma. A.R., Information and Communication Technology in teaching, Surya Publications, Meerut, 2008.