13th Knowlwdge Globalozation Conference 2016

Blended learning is an emerging culture in higher education. Innovation fuels the engine of this culture and supports globalization. Blended learning transforms the brick and mortar classroom to meet the needs and aspirations of the new generation of learners and educators. Blended learning approaches depend on the ingredients, processes, and desired outcome. Blended learning strategies create integrated environment for instructors and students to produce their desired results. Blending is a process of linking the instructors, the learners, teaching tools, techniques, technologies, and arts and artifacts. The blending activity may happen at any stages of the process. Which means blending is not restricted at the delivery-end which resides in the hands of the instructors; it may also happen at the receiving end which lands in the hands of the learners. There are as many models as there are approaches to deliver education and learning. We have examined 200 models from the Google search (link). A few differentiating characteristics have emerged from examining these models. These differentiations were based on the central focus, dynamics, emphasis on different variables, and the nature of the mix. Though many of these models are incomplete or less meaningful, the ultimate goal of any of these models is to offer effective learning. We concluded that any one model will not satisfy all needs or support all situations. We attempted to propose a flexible model to accommodate varying situational needs and organizational goals which may provide a framework for creating blended learning for the future.