Best Methods of Interacting with Learners on a Blended Learning Course

Blended learning communication is a topic which can have a host of connotations. This is mainly because as an instructor you can define every type of learning communication. For this to be a success the following things need to be considered

The National Survey of Student Engagement’s 2007 notes the importance of high impact activities where learners “interact with faculty and peers about substantive matters” (National Survey of Student Engagement, 2007, p. 7). My experience as a trainer agrees with this principal focussing on benefits: students learn from one another and they learn through questioning and answering other questions. Furthermore the more diverse the group the greater amount of experience and view-points are found. The key is for the instructor to channel the communication and use it in a productive way.

An apparent contradiction occurs with different learning theorists. Some of which state learning should be learner driven and others argue learners need instruction. The key to solving this contrast is to take each course and learner’s skill set into consideration. Furthermore during the planning stage the Instructor should take both arguments as truths and select which is most appropriate based on the skills acquired.

This is explained well by: Asbell-Clark et al. (2012) who state their explanation of game design which can be attributed to learning

In game design there is a constant tension between what is enough scaffolding to get players motivated and able to pursue the mystery and how much can be left open-ended for players to learn on their own. Too much scaffolding can easily feel “school-like” and procedural, taking away from players’ initiative to tinker around to discover things on their own. Too little scaffolding may leave players lost and disengaged.”

There are two main concerns with regards to leaving learning to individuals without any real supervision. They are: 1. How will they know what they need to learn, the other is do they have the ability to be able to 2.organise and structure fragmented knowledge and when they do try organise this knowledge who or what do they take as an authority.

Despite the above criticisms and concerns it is correct to say personal learning is effective although it may not lead to achieving the goals entirely.

Asynchronous learning is useful in blended learning, especially for activities that require learners to delve into subjects deeply. It allows students to understand the topic consider the learning objectives and focus on improving their knowledge thorough research joining discussion and collaborating learning with peers. This would be good especially for learners who are asked to consider the underlying effects within a specific case-study.

A really good method of encouraging student communication is to design assignments, activities, discussion forums that encourage their views. As an instructor think on the lines of (Who, How, What and Why) will students give their views, provide incentives and guidance on what is required.

Within a blended learning environment, students can achieve excellent communication between each other. I say this because they have the opportunity to meet within the face to face learning environment, these relationships can then develop via electronic means, (IM, e-mail, discussions, VOIP e.t.c)

With regards to Instructor-student communication the model can be set to favour either the theories: instructivism or constructivism. Furthermore I add that it will enhance the learners learning skills, by involving them in different learning medium. The key to developing effective communication lies in the instructor developing an effective online learning network based on network administrator theory (fisher 1997). In which an instructor develops a learning network for students to learn from. This will require the instructor to plan the relevant resources and places that will help develop the student’s skills. Furthermore I would add the Instructor should provide effective tasks that challenge students and develop specific learning skills.

Thank you for Reading!