THE CHALLENGES OF BLENDED LEARNING

Jomar L. Tungol

The stakeholders of education were caught in the middle of two opposing poles because of the pandemic.

As a response, a new education system was introduced to balance safety and continuance of learning. Accordingly, new challenges in education arise simultaneously with the convenience of distance learning such as the uncertainty about the efficiency of new learning platforms, and the possibility of mentally and physically straining students to learn nothing.

Even though distance learning allows opportunities for time flexibility and diversity of learning modalities, it also has its limitations.

The most commonly cited blended learning problems for learners were the lack of expert guidance and supervision, financial restriction, poor or no internet connectivity.

Other challenges unique to distance learning were short attention span, lack of conducive learning environment, poor time management skills, language and comprehension barriers, and lack of fundamental computer/ digital skills including the ability to navigate various educational platforms and devices.

Each has an impact on the quality of distance learning as a system as a whole. All these issues concern the others in many ways.

In cases where eye contact and proximity are limited, students can be affirmed or discerned through eye contact and body language.

This absence of physical interaction can lead to problems when disagreement exists and cannot be deduced from non-verbal indications and is misinterpreted as a verbal attack.

Such miscommunication may cause conflicts within the community as the class continues.

The lack of organization and leadership might cause students to respond with apathy and absenteeism.

The future of blended learning seems bright, despite the necessity for improvement.

Despite the financial weight, coordination, and training that must be integrated with the program, it has great potential to deliver and receive educational programs without compromising the health and safety of the public.

In summary, the challenge is to design cost-effective and educationally effective system that is geared towards the holistic growth and development of students.

--oOo-The author is Teacher III at Matamo Elementary School Arayat East District.