Not sure if there is a formal difference. Education is full of jargons, with lack of clarity on their scope and definition. Blended is usually meant to denote a mix of 'traditional' and e-learning. For example, traditional lectures supplemented by online videos/assignments/learning resources. In a number of places, hybrid learning is used as synonym for blended learning.

I would agree. Sometimes a distinction is made whether the e-learning part is separated from f2f (hybrid) or if it is integrated (blended) but this is rather arbitrary. Regarding future or not, I think it is just something we get so used to we might even not explicitly noticing anymore. Bottom line like it always was, it will depend on the quality of teaching and how it is set up as something that offers an added value to the traditional learning experience.

I think so. Why? Because it is a growing demand in our universities and because the technology already allows it. The future is not written but if there are indications of how the presente can influence it.

I think so as well. There are different terms that we might use: hybrid learning, flipped classrooms, blended learning, etc. and I suppose we could make fine distinctions between them (flipped classrooms e.g. have a more specific definition) but they all amount to increased use of technology inside and outside of the classroom. There will undoubtedly be some classes in the future which do not use technology, but the majority will use technology in ever-increasing ways.

I believe that's the future of higher education. The claims that online classes will take over higher education and render bricks-and-mortar classes obsolete are IMO a lot of hot air, snake-oil salesmanship. Online classes will continue to grow in importance, but they will not replace bricks-and-mortar classes. The future of classes is hybrid, not online.

I think so as well, because it is changing the preferences in education, not only of Universities, students also see in virtual education solution to problems such as the access to higher education.

I think that education is an education. Regardless of how one chooses to attend a course, education is becoming so readily available that most of what one can pay money for can now be accessed for free over the internet. Will the options of the world wide Web soon replace the traditional form of in class lecture?

Good question Courtney, but my answer is 'no'. The internet is a tool that can assist with education but can't replace it. There is a fundamental soullessness about the virtual world that means we will always need real-life f2f interaction. Even Skype lacks the personal touch that human engagement gives. There is a place for technology in education which means that hybrid learning is PART of the future of education but it is not the ENTIRE future.

I partly agree with Erik. The distance universities have existed for quite some time. But usually always have a f2f learning space. Why?

The information itself is not education.

I think the presence (not presentiality) of educators and students is needed. Of course, also the understanding between them.

Francisco, I am going to have your words printed on a t-shirt:

"Information itself is not education"

Brilliant!

I think the blended learning is not the future, it is the PRESENT. Now, I can not conceive the teaching and learning of my academic subjects or courses without use forums, digital resources, multimedia, email, video conferences, online activities, tests, etc. It is not to replace, it is to integrate all these new tools in the teaching-learning process. Our children are surrounded by tablets, digital games, mobile, small software applications, the Internet is at home, at work, in the parks.... are there, are present, why not use it? Of course, a good use.

Erik, I agree that nothing can really replace the necessity of face-to-face interaction. Being an individual who strives off of face-to-face interaction, I understand the importance of the learning one gets inside the walls of a classroom, and the difference that kind of knowledge takes when learning online. Taking online courses currently, I can't help but think how things might be different. Don't get me wrong, I think online learning is amazing! Our society is demanding so much more from us all, and keeping a steady income while attending college is tough, and having that online option assists those who are trying to accomplish more than education, but also a family. Do you think there will ever be an online institution that somehow incorporates the importance of that face-to-face interaction, or do you think there is a fine line between online learning and actually sitting inside a classroom?

Yes, looking at the scenario today, hybrid learning seems to be the future of higher education ! I too, like Courtney, am a strong believer in the face to face interaction, which cannot be replaced by anything ! But, its necessary to imbibe the advent of Information Technology in our education today! As rightly pointed out, getting information is not education, but, once upon a time, getting information too was difficult ! Today, that has become easy, everything available at the click of a mouse ! And, using it, incorporating it, imbibing it, implementing it, is "getting educated".