Times have changed: Why blended learning?

The Emerging Gaps Between Education and Employment

In the past, teachers were the only source of information for students. Lessons centred around textbooks and blackboards, with teachers as the holders of knowledge. Students were passive recipients of their instruction. This mirrored how jobs at the time functioned - with strict hierarchies and top-down flow of information.

Let's take a look below to see how schools and workplaces have changed

What do you think? Interesting right? The modern workforce has undergone significant transformation due to digital technology. Jobs now demand new skill sets, including self-directed work, strong digital literacy, critical thinking, and effective team collaboration.

However, it seems that classrooms haven't changed so much - a lot of them remain centred on a passive learning model where teachers instruct and students are passive recipients of instruction. This disconnection leaves many students underprepared for the demands they will face in their careers.

Blended Learning is bridging the skills gap

Blended learning aims to bridge the growing gap mentioned above. Blended learning allows the integration of online resources, multimedia tools, and collaborative projects in the classroom. The online materials are curated, and customised to meet diverse needs. Face-to-face guidance builds communication, provides motivation, and gives essential feedback. This leads students to take greater ownership of their learning process and develop necessary skills for the current and future workplace.

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire"
WB Yeats

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According to survey findings, around 66.5% of employees have noticed a shift in organisational hiring practices. This shift involves moving away from prioritising full-time degrees and placing greater importance on skills-based qualifications. According to the World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Survey 2023 Links to an external site., the top five skills on the rise that companies are considered increasing in importance are:

Blended learning is the model that can adapt to the needs of today's students. It acknowledges changes in the professional world and encourages independent learning while keeping the human element intact. Blended learning aligns closely with the skills students need to thrive in the modern workforce. Combining online and in-person education mirrors how many companies now operate.

Education 4.0 - How do we adapt to change?

You've probably heard about Industry 4.0 but do you know about Education 4.0? As industries modernise, education has also evolved quickly to adapt.

Read more in the following article about Education 4.0 to understand what it is, and why adapting our education models is crucial for preparing students and workers for future career success.

Click on the thumbnails below to access the full article. As you read, select the best answer and click to create a summary of key points.

Blended learning offers skills and experiences that are well aligned with The World Economic Forum’s Education 4.0 Framework Links to an external site.

See if you can drag the blended learning experiences and skills into their descriptions below.

How did you do? Don't forget here you have the option to "retry" as many times as you need to learn and get it right!

On the following page, we will discuss and debunk common "myths" about blended learning, and explore how students can maximise their learning through blended learning models.

Times have changed: Why blended learning?