At the university level, I have had very good success in combining both digital and traditional methods of instruction. The lectures allow depth and understanding of the materials. The digital aspects have proven very useful for students in allowing them access to study and research materials that are needed for class.

Yes. It works better. Whenever there is a synergistic approach to learning, where the strengths of both traditional and digital instructional approaches are harnessed, better results are achieved in terms of learning outcomes.

The gradual marrying of both digital technologies and traditional forms of learning makes it easy for a larger section of the class to benefit from the teaching and learning processes.

No, it does not, I am afraid. For traditional classes. (elementary school, high school), it has been found many times that the use of computers etc does not improve learning.

Yes, as long as you take a learner centered approach and use it to extend the confines/limitations of classroom learning keeping in mind that you can incorporate aspects of e-learning that are asynchronous and transgeographic. A blended approach can be used to facilitate discussions, simulations, additional collaborative work, and etcetera... This is all very very well documented in the literature. Some excellent journals where you can find numerous articles on this topic include the Interdisciplinary Journal of E-Learning and Learning Objects, Educause Quarterly, JOLT, and Online Learning.

Mix of both is perfect

Blended learning is undoubtedly very contemporary approach in today's digital era. However it would be more fruitful if the traditional and digital learning can be integrated based on the context of the modules and the field of disciplines. For example in business filed there are lets say marketing module. there are lots of digital marketing tools nowadays used by various companies. hence if the theoretical concepts of marketing can be integrated with the online marketing tools such as websites, social networking tools then it will help the learners to instill the practical experiences through learning.

Take a best portions from both of these approaches; overcome perceived barriers effectively, and implement them efficiently, to have better outcomes in terms of learning. In present era, no single approach (teaching methodology) could fulfill the purpose of learning in its full potential.In essence, mixing of as many approaches as possible, while keeping in mind the learners' preferences is crucial to make learning happen.

Shamima makes an important and key point - blended learning is successful when the context is considered and when used appropriately in specific fields. I do not agree with Henri, because I have found that combining traditional and digital tools to support learning within the context of electronics concepts is a very powerful approach. Digital tools allow learners to model and simulate concepts, which are drawn from traditional diagrammatic representations. The transition between the two, and facility to model, test and revise on-screen is a substantial aid to learning not present in such an accessible way using other non-digital means.

My research showed that transitions between traditional representations and computer programmed methods of representing electronics concepts does improve learning and interested parties can find the details here: Article Modelling and Simulating Electronics Knowledge: Conceptual U...

At the university level, I have had very good success in combining both digital and traditional methods of instruction. The lectures allow depth and understanding of the materials. The digital aspects have proven very useful for students in allowing them access to study and research materials that are needed for class.

Hi Dennis,

I believe it would be fine. I've both taken and taught courses involving blended learning and digital tools. Mostly, the courses used the Blackboard and Canvas systems. Readings and exams were both available online, but the discussion portion occurred in person periodically.

Have a great day!

--Adrian

The blend is better

The learners are exposed to what they see everyday, examples found around them and methods they are used to

Yes, blending traditional learning and digital tools does work. At the very least you can use the tools to take some of the tedium out of teaching. You can put announcements and materials in one place and have students submit stuff in one place. You can also have students work together in ways which would otherwise be difficult when using bits of paper. As an example, I have students peer grade short answers to questions anonymously in "ICT Sustainability". http://www.tomw.net.au/ict_sustainability/assessment.shtml

Yes, it works in my Digital Marketing courses. The use of personal devices during lectures helps us to deliver a more engaging workshop experience.

Syed is right. Students learn in different ways. I have no problem with students using their laptops during my lectures. Some students find this a ore effective way to take notes on the presentation. Some follow along on the slides on Blackboard.I have caught one or two quietly watching a movie and not paying attention (Hey, they paid for the class. Just don't ask me for any favors at grade time). Phones are more problematical. If they are recording the lecture OK (I would prefer they tell me, but OK). If they are texting their friends it is a waste of class time, but it usually doesn't bother other students. (If it does, it has to be dealt with promptly). If they accessing the powerpoints in Blackboard to cheat on a quiz or test that is another problem. (It is also why I make all students turn off their cell phones and physically put them away during a quiz or test.)

There is a lot of research, and a number of journals, focused on this topic. Thus far, I cannot recall a discipline where blended learning had not been shown effective.

Yes, you can blending traditional learning methods and digital tools in any class.

Best Regards @ Dennis Atsu Dake

We need some equipment to make useful.