Blended and Online Distance Learning Courses | Arden University (2023)

FAQs

Does blended learning and distance learning mean the same? ›

According to Smith and Brame (n.d.), what differentiates a distance or “online” course from a blended/hybrid course is the amount of online learning that takes place relative to face-to-face meeting: “Online courses are those in which at least 80 percent of course content is delivered online,” whereas blended/hybrid ...

While e-learning is great for learning theory, it isn't ideal when it comes to putting this knowledge into practice. Blended learning is better suited to this, as it's more immersive and interactive.

Blended learning is a combination of offline (face-to-face, traditional learning) and online learning in a way that the one compliments the other. It provides individuals with the opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds.

The pass mark on undergraduate modules is 40% and for postgraduate 50%.

What is blended learning? Blended learning is a combination of learning at a distance and the traditional on-campus learning (in a classroom). Basically, you will have a (more or less) fixed schedule where you will have to attend a part of the classes on campus.

Some significant challenges to blended learning models include the expense of technology, inadequate training, technological issues, the need to adapt content for blended learning, decreased motivation, and weakened relationships between students and teachers.

Biggest benefits: The key advantages of face to face training come from being synchronous. Synchronous learning occurs when a group is engaged in learning at the same time and location. Face to face interaction with an instructor and other participants enables more effective non-verbal communication.

The main difference between e-learning and distance learning is location. With e-learning, students can be together in a classroom while going through their digital lessons and assessments. Distance learning, on the other hand, can be done online and from the student's home.

The key difference between e-learning and blended learning is that e-learning is conducted completely with the use of the internet, while blended learning uses both face-to-face classroom sessions and online learning methods.

Results of the study revealed that the blended mode combining online learning with f2f learning was preferred by 58.8% of the total respondents. Comparatively, 33.4% of the participants liked f2f learning more and very few students (6.1%) favored online learning alone.

Does online observation apply to blended learning? ›

A: Yes. Online observation applies to teachers adopting online synchronous learning regardless of the number of classes and learners. Q: Does online observation apply to blended learning? A: Yes, as long as online synchronous learning is one of your modalities in blended learning.

A Pass = E (40%-45%) A Fail = below 40%

The normal grading range is from 55 to 100. The number grades correspond to letter grades as reflected in the chart below. The minimum passing grade is 70 (C). Any grades between 55 and 69 (D and F) are considered failing grades for which unit credit is not earned.

C+, C, C- indicates satisfactory performance. D+, D, D- indicates less than satisfactory performance. F indicates unsatisfactory performance (no credit: always include last date of attendance). P indicates Pass (A-, B and C will automatically be replaced by "P" when the Pass/No Pass option has been requested.

By making in-person and online learning complementary, blended learning creates a truly integrated classroom where the needs of all types of learners can be met. Keeping students engaged, stimulated, and motivated also helps teachers to be more effective and make greater gains with their students.

“Blended learning, also known as hybrid learning, is an approach to education that combines online educational materials and opportunities for interaction online with traditional place-based classroom methods.”

Blended learning lets students progress at their own pace. Students can refer to course concepts and material as needed and can advance when they feel ready. An LMS makes it easy for students to look back on earlier materials and to move through coursework at their own pace.

They are: direct connection, materials and protocols, and strategic follow-up. Before I discuss the three elements, I present a working definition of blended learning.

What challenges do students face in blended learning? ›

The challenges they faced in blended learning are (1) conflict in schedule, (2) heavy academic workload, (3) non-attendance in synchronous classes and (4) the lack of technological resources.

These challenges can be overcome with a quality Learning Management System (LMS), one that is both intuitive and easily accessible via any smart device. This will make life much easier for teachers to adapt to a blended learning approach.

Advantages of In-Person Classes

Distractions like the internet, TV, phones and even family members can make it hard to study. In-person classes can be a chance to step away from these distractions and focus solely on learning. The routine of attending a class at the same time each week can be a helpful way to learn.

Online courses require you to spend time learning from virtual teaching software, watching video instruction, or attending in-person classes as well as independent time completing coursework. Virtual learning is more effective for most students than in-person instruction.

You have more control over your schedule

While some programs may require participation in online lectures at certain times, those same lectures are generally archived for later reference. Because online learning is more flexible than classroom-based learning, students can work through material at their own pace.

Type of Learning Content

Face-to-face learning methods usually only involve traditional learning materials such as textbooks and lecture notes. An online learning session is more interactive in comparison, with many different types of training.

A blended learning course combines on-site classroom instruction with an online learning component that is conducted via Canvas and other out-of-class activities.

Blended learning programs provide a safer learning environment. By having students complete much of their coursework at home and only requiring in-person attendance a few times per week, institutions can create a learning environment to keep staff and students safe.

What is the success rate of online classes? ›

Success rates tend to be higher in face-to-face classes. In Fall 15, face-to-face classes had a success rate of 69% versus only 60% in online classes, a gap of 9%. However, this gap has been decreasing, with only a 3% gap in success rates in Fall 19 (70% in face-to-face versus 67% online).

More than three-fourths of the teachers preferred online teaching during the pandemic, and most preferred both physical and mixed teaching in the post-pandemic era.

We found that during the transition to remote learning, 67% of students experienced struggle. The most reported struggles included: shifts in class format, effective study habits, time management, and increased external commitments.

The average completion rate for online courses teeters around 15% and the dropout rates are astronomical.

The study confirmed that blended learning positively impacts students' academic achievement in the experimental class compared with the control class (Sig (2-tailed) = 0.001 and SMD = 0.6717), as demonstrated by the outcomes of the independent t-test analysis of the two groups in the post-test phase.

While e-learning is great for learning theory, it isn't ideal when it comes to putting this knowledge into practice. Blended learning is better suited to this, as it's more immersive and interactive.

Blended learning enables employees to study online, as quickly as they can manage, instead of having the pace set by the fastest or slowest learner in the group. They can skip ahead past familiar information or pause, rewatch and seek additional resources.

Similarly, here are the following grade points for honour classes: First class honours (70+) = 4.0 GPA. Upper Second Class honours (65-69) = 3.7 GPA. Upper Second class honours (60-64) = 3.3 GPA.

When you start at university, any mark over 50% is a great grade. Getting a mark over 50% means that you are beginning to understand the difficult work of your degree. Getting over 60% is excellent because it means you have demonstrated a deep knowledge of your subject to the marker.

First Class Honours - Weighted GPA of 3.60 and above. Upper Second Class Honours - Weighted GPA of 3.00 - 3.59. Lower Second Class Honours - Weighted GPA of 2.50 - 2.99. Pass - Weighted GPA of 2.00 - 2.49.

What is a passing GPA in college? ›

The grade-point-average system in U.S. colleges designates an A with four points, a B with 3 points, a C with two points, and a D as one point and an F is equivalent to zero. Undergraduate students need to have a minimum of 2.0 GPA while graduate students need a 3.0 GPA.

D - this is still a passing grade, and it's between 59% and 69% F - this is a failing grade.

At most schools, a D is the lowest passing grade. That means students who earn a D or higher receive credit for the course. However, some schools set special policies around D grades.

Technically, a 2.0 GPA is unofficially the lowest grade point average that qualifies for acceptance into a standard college, but a 2.1 is still too low to clear the bar for admission at most schools.

A grade of C or better is required to earn a Passed; a C- or below will earn a Not Passed grade. A grade of C- may satisfy many requirements (e.g., General Education, elective) but a Not Passed grade will not earn any credit or satisfy requirements.

Is a 2.3 GPA Good? In a by-the-textbook definition, a 2.3 GPA is considered “below-average.” Even though it's considered a passing grade, a 2.3 GPA, or a C-grade average, isn't ideal for getting accepted into college.

With online learning (sometimes called eLearning), students can be together in the classroom with an instructor while working through their digital lessons and assessments. When using distance learning, students work online at home while the teacher assigns work and checks in digitally.

The main difference between e-learning and distance learning is location. With e-learning, students can be together in a classroom while going through their digital lessons and assessments. Distance learning, on the other hand, can be done online and from the student's home.

The terms "blended learning", "hybrid learning", "technology-mediated instruction", "web-enhanced instruction", and "mixed-mode instruction" are often used interchangeably in research literature.

Blended learning is an educational strategy that combines conventional education with online learning. For example, someone could take an online course to learn the basics of a topic but then attend an in-person seminar to engage with experts and up their skills directly.

What is considered blended learning? ›

Blended courses include a mix of both face-to-face, instructor-led learning, and online or digital course components that give students some control over path and pace. Blended learning is not a completely online course or a lecture course that is broadcast online.

As for the strengths of a distance learning course, the following come to mind. They: Provide easier access to course resources. Offer greater convenience for the teacher and learner, and offer flexibility in scheduling.

Distance Learning Teaches Time Management

While some students may find distance learning difficult, it gives them the chance to develop time management skills. These essential skills will help maintain a work-life balance and offer students an opportunity to complete projects before deadlines.

Also called distance education, e-learning .

Type of Learning Content

Face-to-face learning methods usually only involve traditional learning materials such as textbooks and lecture notes. An online learning session is more interactive in comparison, with many different types of training.

A blended learning course combines on-site classroom instruction with an online learning component that is conducted via Canvas and other out-of-class activities.

“Blended Online Learning” or “Hybrid Online Learning” are phrases used to describe courses in which some traditional face-to-face "seat time" has been replaced or supplemented by online learning activities. The purpose is to take advantage of the best features of both face-to-face and online learning.