Blended Learning vs. E-Learning

It has been really exciting learning about the advantages and disadvantages of both Blended Learning and e-Learning. There are many definitions for e-learning. Nearly every article you read has a slightly different one. I am talking about e-learning that is totally web-based, just like the course we are doing. Blended learning is also described in a variety of ways. I am thinking about a blended learning environment that draws on the strengths of both a traditional style learning and e-learning.

I started out thinking that e-Learning had some advantages but that my assignment would also highlight lots of disadvantages. I was wrong! Most of the readings I have read highlight lots of strengths which I wouldn’t have thought of such as the reduced costs to the institution and how it gives students the chance to work at their own pace.

None the less, I still believe that Blended Learning is a more favourable approach. Research strongly indicates that face-to-face interaction between a student and an expert or co-learners remains critical to learning and has a significant impact on it. If a blended learning programme is design well, it can draw on the strengths of both e-learning and traditional learning.