The globalization of markets and digitalization of all processes require constant adaptation to new developments; It is essential for universities to offer flexible and effective teaching plans to stay competitive and internationalize. Is the education sector going to change by offering blended learning at university?

How do you see the future with online training?

Cambridge University was the first institution to announce virtual teaching for the upcoming academic year. This is a big step for the University, which many others are also following (University of Manchester, University of East Anglia), due to the COVID situation. However, we hear some students are concerned about missing out on “social life”.

The answer to striking a perfect balance between the students’ social needs and the need for security will be blended learning. This type of education will soon be a perfect combination of the best of having online content and attending small group classes. In the long run, you will get all the good things from face-to-face learning and, of course, from online learning.

Why is it necessary to include blended learning at university?

After establishing the importance of training, the biggest obstacle that this poses for students is compatibility with their schedules and the COVID situation. It is therefore vital to opt for e-learning due to flexible scheduling, multi-device access and the ability to offer each student a class pace that suits their needs.

The main reasons for choosing online courses are:

#1 Innovation & Flexibility

E-learning gives students access to innovative blended learning at university. The students can attend some face-to-face lessons and also have virtual classes. This allows very flexible schedules where the students themselves plan their commitment to the course depending on their availability.

#2 Attract talent

To appeal to new students, it is important for the university to offer training plans that can complement the students’ curriculum. Offering different online classes in parallel programs or schools (online/blended) can make a difference when choosing one university over another; it is undoubtedly a motivator for the student if they can expand their skills within the same institution.

By offering online training as a part of your services, your school can attract more students with different learning styles. Moreover, research has found that students who have online training even as a part of their course show better academic results. Consequently, implementing online training solutions in your language school helps you provide a better service, a better learning experience, and a better educational outcome.

#3 Profitability

There’s evidence, like this study by the Mid Sweden University, to say that online learning helps to cut educational costs such as textbooks, stationery and other learning consumables. This is good as it means schools can free up more of their budget to spend on longer lasting resources for students. E-learning is much cheaper than traditional learning and offers many more possibilities so that the students who are truly interested can progress to the limit of their possibilities, setting their own pace.

Furthermore, online courses can help expand access to education to people who might not otherwise be able to go. This already happens in the USA, where online education is more established.

#4 Custom courses

E-learning courses contain features that make it possible to create tailor-made courses without costly investments. Thanks to authoring tools and LCMS, universities can customize their students’ learning by adapting content to their school’s needs (change images, modify exercises, rearrange the agenda, introduce new videos, select readings…).

You can choose ready to go courses, already structured and developed, or you can opt for a combination of structured courses with personalized content.

#5 Lab performance

Universities can get more out of their computer labs and library computers by implementing language lab software. With courses like Dexway language classrooms (with internet or local connection), these classes can be used to offer students physical access to their e-learning courses, making it easier for them to study. That way, many more students can be included with less effort.

The traditional learning environment is very limited given that it barely lets students practice the language. According to experts (DESI, 2006), in a traditional language classroom, the amount of time dedicated to practicing a language is of 10 minutes, and this time decreases as the number of students in the classroom increases. Hence, in a conventional classroom of 30 students the time dedicated to practice per student is equivalent to 21 seconds.

Introducing a language laboratory in a higher education institution is a great solution. Not only is it easier for the teachers to create a more attractive and interactive 3.0 environment for the student, but it also allows hours of language practice while tutors save time and effort in the preparation of the classes.

CAE has more than 39 years of experience in the e-learning sector and offers the best e-learning solutions for the education sector. Dexway courses and their LMS platforms combat dropouts and keep students motivated from the beginning to the end. the courses utilize a gamification system with scores, achievements and leaderboards and include access to an online community where students can interact and practice with each other.

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Blended learning at university