Blended Learning, an alternative to E-learning: an educational model

Abstract

The use of information and communication technology in higher education poses significant changes and new options in the effort to improve the teaching-learning process. However, distance learning using information and communication technology and traditional learning methods (face to face) both have their own strengths and weaknesses which have led to the emergence of new educational methodologies (Singh&Reed, 2001).

A modern learning method is the Blended Learning method (a learning process which combines classroom-based learning, with virtual learning) which has emerged as an alternative to e-Leaming, due to the difficulties found by students who follow completely virtual vocational and self-training courses. For example, high drop-out rates among students and the isolation that comes with purely virtual learning environments demonstrate that new technology cannot reproduce the same intensity and quality of the face-to-face learning process.