Blended Learning: The Pathway to Higher Education in Post-Pandemic Era

Abstract

Today, teaching-learning process is no longer focused on students putting pen to paper and memorising facts. Instead, it is centred on using technology enabled tools and platforms to assist traditional pedagogical practices. In this new teaching environment, teaching and learning practices are continually changing to fit the expectations, learning styles and interests of students. Technology has been at the core of the most recent innovations, altering the traditional classroom. This has resulted in the emergence of blended learning, where students and teachers are no longer solely constrained to interact face-to-face; instead, they now have a plenty of tools and technologies readily available at their fingertips. COVID-19 Pandemic has caused many unexpected and profound changes in the Education Sector around the world. Due to the closures of educational institutions, India has also witnessed a large number of students suffering from huge learning gaps. Educational institutions worldwide positively responded to the pandemic by going online. With the current priority of reopening the schools and colleges and bringing the students back to the classrooms in a safe manner, blended learning is seen as a fundamental part of the future of education. Blended learning is a way of learning combining traditional and modern learning models, with the help of digital learning platforms and tools. The power of blended learning methods lies in their ability to improve the learning experience for both the teachers and the students. Blended learning combines the flexibility and accessibility of technology with the in-person interaction and support of a teacher.