The Blended Learning In Higher Education

Abstract

In the article, the author defines the possibility of integrating modern learning technologies in the conditions of digitalization of higher education. Blended learning in the preparation of university students includes a combination of mobile learning, e-learning, distance learning, and mass open courses. The prospects of implementing the most common models of blended learning are considered. The use of digital learning technologies with the inclusion of modern approaches in training: project training, team building, case studies allows you to get a synergistic effect in the preparation of a modern specialist. In the Russian Federation, the process of digitalization of education is being activated as part of the implementation of the state program "development of education". Teachers of the higher education system of Russian universities are actively involved in the process of integrating e-learning technologies in courses of disciplines. The article presents the experience of implementing models of blended learning in the electronic educational environment of higher education institutions. There is an increase in the involvement and motivation of students during the course of the discipline using a blended approach to learning. The advantages, difficulties and key performance criteria of each blended learning model presented in the study are identified. The role of mobile learning for the modern generation of university students and teachers is defined, the advantages of mobile learning in the implementation of blended models in the electronic educational environment of universities are presented.

Keywords: Blended learning electronic educational environmentmobile learningmass open online coursesproject learningteam building

Introduction

In modern conditions of spreading negative consequences of globalization, educational institutions are faced with the problem of activating e-learning resources. As Zinina et al. (2020) mentioned: “At the present stage, the leading countries of the world attach special importance to education in the formation and accumulation of human capital” (p. 102). All levels of the educational system in Russia have switched to distance learning. This forced measure has set serious challenges for every teacher who is faced with the need to implement the educational process in remote mode. Most institutions involved in the process of education digitalization in the framework of the state program in the Russian Federation "Development of education", approved by decree of the Russian Federation government from December 26, 2017 № 1642 "About approval of the state program in the Russian Federation "Development of education" and the order implementation form the Ministry of education in the Russian Federation of December 2, 2019 № 649 “About target model approval of a digital educational environment”. The modern educational environment is being transformed into an electronic educational environment and promotes unlimited access to knowledge, its use and accumulation ( Belyakova et al., 2019).

Teachers of the higher education system develop and implement digital learning technologies - LMS Moodle, MOOC, m-learning - in the educational process. As Zinina et al. (2020) concluded: “Innovations in an educational institution based on distance learning technologies are a key mechanism that allows creating advantages in a competitive environment” (p. 55). When preparing e-courses of disciplines, teachers adhere to the established rules for the using e-learning, distance learning technologies by organizations engaged in educational activities in the implementation of basic educational programs and / or additional educational programs. As Kapsargina and Olentsova ( 2020) think: “The introduction of information and communication technologies (ICT), including those implemented on the basis of electronic platforms, in the field of education has allowed teachers to change qualitatively the content, methods and organizational forms of education, to intensify and individualize the training of students” (p. 89).

Problem Statement

The modern generation of students and teachers is ready to use the electronic learning model, because as Kapsargina et al. ( 2019a) mentioned: “Progressive development of the Internet as a system of shared access gives new opportunities of acquiring knowledge” (p. 361). This makes it possible to optimize and reach a larger number of students, expand access to information, and activate students to participate in communications. There is still a controversy between the three points of view:

• Teachers who support e-learning and find the advantages of this approach in education. As Khudoley and Olentsova ( 2018) think: “Students can take part in online discussions and chat sessions with teachers or students, instead of having to attend courses in traditional lecture halls” (p. 225).

• Teachers who consider the traditional learning model to be the most effective.

• Teachers who share a point of view about the possibility of an effective combination of digital learning technologies and traditional teaching methods, because as Kapsargina and Olentsova (2019c) think: “Electronic testing has replaced traditional forms of control, which corresponds to the modern concept of modernization and informatization of the Russian educational system” (p. 237).

Research Questions

The presented research raises questions related to the possibility and necessity of implementing blended learning in the training of specialists at the university.

What technologies are most often used in teaching students?

How can we expand the possibilities of using different approaches in training?

What models of blended learning are implemented by university teachers?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of blended learning models?

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of the study is to compare models of blended learning, determine their advantages and disadvantages, and present recommendations and models for integrating mobile learning, distance learning, mass open lectures, project learning, team building, and case studies in an electronic environment.

Research Methods

Findings

Blended training on the model 2, 4, 5 allows you to more effectively implement the technology of team building. When training in a team, special attention is paid to "group goals" and the success of the entire group. This can only be achieved as a result of the independent work of each member from the group in constant interaction with other members of the same group when working on a topic / problem / question. The whole group is interested in learning the training information of each member, since the success of the team depends on the contribution of each, as well as in the joint solution of the problem set for the group ( Stepanova, 2019).

The possibilities of blended models with the use of mobile learning in higher education are almost unlimited. Mobile devices provide always the access to connect with students. With this connection, you can instantly send quick messages and notifications about new additions to mobile training materials and segments. You can use this link to send reminders to students, for example, about incomplete modules. Integration of digital learning technologies contributes to effective learning using case studies. Mobile devices also allow the student to easily respond to short surveys about the content of a particular course, as well as allow them to make suggestions or report any problems with the performance of the lesson platform ( Makarchuk et al., 2013).

Conclusion

The article defines the possibilities of using a blended approach to teaching university students. A significant problem for university teachers is the choice of a blended learning model that contributes to improving the quality of education, interest and motivation of students. Requirements for the content of the discipline and the level of using e-courses are increasing.

Blended learning leads to noticeable improvements in performance during the course of the discipline. University teachers note the increased involvement of students when using a comprehensive approach to learning. A comprehensive approach is to constantly improve the course of the discipline, in which subsequent implementations can be based on the successful experience of implementing various models of blended learning.

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