Blended Learning - The New Normal in My Classroom

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about changes in various aspects of our lives as we were forced to adapt new practices that were once alien to us.  One of it is online teaching. A firm believer of traditional classroom, online teaching and learning never came across my mind until I was pushed into it without given a choice. Well, I am not someone who abhors technology; I use technology to create teaching tools for my lessons and use gadgets in my classroom when needed, but never have I felt that my classroom practices needed online approach.

However, things changed after 18 March 2020, when Malaysia went into Movement Control Order (MCO). It was a difficult period for most Malaysians as we were forced to stay at home. During this period, most teachers were pushed into the unknown abyss of online teaching and learning to crawl, grope and creep in darkness on their own. To be honest, having had a minor in Information Technology for my undergraduate degree did not help either as I went through the same struggling phase like others, but I did learn things much quicker compared to my counterparts who struggled for weeks if not throughout the entire MCO period. 

It was during these period that I ventured seriously into starting my own Youtube channel (English Vibes) where I  shared tips and ideas to write good essays. I also started doing online English language workshops for SPM students.  Most importantly, I learnt how to teach online. It was quite awkward at first, but knowing that I didn't have a choice, I had to make use what was available. However, I got used to the online teaching and learning environment sooner than I expected. Google Classroom application was one tool that I relied on during the pandemic to manage and facilitate teaching and learning. I assigned, checked, graded and returned my students' work online using this application. In order to make learning more appealing to my already bored students, I tried using other applications too such as Quizizz and Socrative to set online quizzes and tests. 

online workshops conducted during MCO period 

Soon, I realised that I was actually enjoying my online lessons but it was not a bed of roses as there were thorns in the forms of challenges. I had students who disappeared throughout the MCO period and did not respond to any of the tasks assigned online. My attempts to reach out to them was futile and parents were rather hostile and preferred to threat MCO as a holiday. However, these did not hinder my motivation and I stayed focused to help the larger group who were committed and eager and it was smooth sailing with them throughout the entire stay - at - home period accept a few days where we had problems with the internet connection.   

My online lessons

All was well until the reopening of schools was announced,  I realised that I was going to miss my online lessons. I was addicted to the after taste of online teaching and learning and was unable to let it go. I decided that I did not want to go back to the old ways but wanted to do something different. That was when I started googling about blended learning strategies. 

Blended learning is : 

a method of teaching that integrates technology and digital media with traditional instructor - led classroom activities, giving students more flexibility to customize their learning experiences. 

I realised that blended learning would be one possible approach that allow learning both in traditional classroom and also online platforms. I did a lot of research on it and was pretty much confident when I started it as soon as the school reopened. 

Using a blended learning approach allows me to be more informed about my students' learning as I can keep track of their learning in class and online. The tasks that I set online were related to what they had learnt in classroom and a reflection of their understandings of the subject - matter. 

How does this differ from the ' traditional homework' that we give, one may ask? Well, the paper - based homework we give traditionally, takes time for us to check and understand students' shortcomings, but with google classroom application, students work get checked instantly and we can set more assignments or practices to further strengthen their knowledge on the topic learnt. 

I also did not have any problem of students not doing the assigned tasks, as they were no longer at the comfort of their home and had to face me every day, so it was not an option for them to shy away.

The tasks assigned are all related to discussions and lessons that were done in classroom. For example, two weeks ago, I asked my students to write descriptive essays using words given in a chart. To help them with the writing task, I assigned activities on vocabulary and sentence construction related to the writing task on the online platform. These were the activities that I was unable to complete or discuss in an hour lesson. So I shifted them to online platform. Students were to complete all the activities assigned online before resuming their essay writing tasks. 

I have also been using my video recordings on YouTube as at - home tasks for my students. Students were given tasks to complete via online platform after watching the videos. I assess and grade all these tasks online as well. Students' achievement and grades for all the tasks are automatically recorded ( This is on Google Classroom application). 

I also used quizziz as formative assessment after having a lesson on the poem 'A Poison Tree' two weeks ago. After the lesson ended in the classroom, I gave them three sets of quizzes via Quizizz. How students' have understood the poem after the lesson was reflected through the quiz and I did not need to spend much time checking their work one by one. 

Blended learning provides me with a clearer path to meet and measure student learning outcomes. Student assessments are built in and these assessments allow me to have a clearer picture of my students' success. Through my on - going blended learning approach, I have come to realise that my students and I benefit equally. On one hand, students gain a richer learning experience through greater interaction, engagement and autonomy and on the other hand, the digital tools empower me to provide more customised learning experience that is responsive to the individual needs of my students.  

The blended learning approach is not a new approach, many teachers are already practicing this approach in their classroom. I am glad that I have explored the online resources and found a way to make learning more meaningful in my classroom. Well, I may have discovered it late but it is not too late to get started.