Benefits of Blended Learning

The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and other universities have asked students what they thought about blended courses. Students overwhelmingly have reported that they prefer and enjoy the blended course format. More specifically, here are the main reasons that students prefer blended:

• Students have greater time flexibility, freedom, and convenience by working part of the time online from home due to decreased commuting and parking hassles.
• Students are likely to interact more with the instructor and fellow students since there are numerous opportunities to do so both in class and online.
• Students have access to unlimited up-to-date resources available via the Web.
• Students often develop or enhance skills in time management, critical thinking, and problem solving.
• Students enjoy increased success as measured by fewer course withdrawals and somewhat higher grades.
• Students can participate more in class discussions since they can choose environment — online or face-to-face — in which they feel more comfortable.
• Students have more time to reflect and refer to relevant course and other research materials when working and writing online than when responding in class.
• Students typically have 24/7 access to online course materials.
• Students usually receive more feedback, and more frequent feedback, from their instructors.
• Students can acquire useful skills from using the Internet and computer technology.