Blended Learning Solution of The Century
Blended Learning Solution of The Century
Abstract: The real condition of the world today is in a phenomenon that brings governments to make a
policy in the world of education. The distance learning policy (PJJ) during the COVID-19 pandemic, for
example, turned out to be a new problem for education. The implementation of education and learning
has undergone drastic changes. Learning is no longer using conventional face-to-face meetings, but is
starting to be integrated with online learning. This paper aims to describe learning during a pandemic.
This paper also shows that good collaboration between teachers, students, and parents can overcome
problems in adapting blended learning methods during a pandemic. The application of the blended
learning method in learning requires teachers to be creative in providing a learning platform. The
activeness of students in the learning process and parents accompanying students during online learning
greatly help the progress and creativity of students during the pandemic.
A. INTRODUCTION
The real conditions of the world today, such as the occurrence of a pandemic, require
us to find solutions that can enable citizens to obtain rights that are in line with regulations.
Government regulations on the implementation of distance learning are not fully enforced in
some areas. Areas that are included in the green zone are allowed to carry out face-to-face
meetings even though the time is limited and continue to prioritize health protocols (BCC
News, 2020). This is what requires principals and teachers in the green zone to demonstrate
learning innovation. One of the innovations carried out by the school is to apply Blended
Learning-based learning. Blended Learning refers to learning that combines or mixes face-to-
face learning and internet-based learning (online) (Idris, 2018; Wardani et al., 2018).
Blended Learning is a type of learning that combines classical teaching (face to face)
with online teaching. Blended Learning combines aspects of web/internet-based learning,
video streaming, synchronous and asynchronous audio communication with traditional 'face-
to-face' learning (Sjukur, 2013). The blended learning method is a method that uses two
approaches at once. In a sense, this method uses an online system as well as face-to-face virtual
via video conferencing. So, even though students and teachers are learning remotely, they can
still interact with each other. Panambaian (2020) explained that the thing that is no less
important in the blended learning program is to increase the interaction between teachers and
students. This is due to the distance factor which does not allow the teacher and students to
meet directly in the classroom. So, when learning occurs online, a teacher should liven up the
atmosphere during the COVID-19 pandemic. It does not even rule out the possibility to
communicate between students in the class with regard to discussing the tasks that have been
determined by the teacher. Through Blended Learning, students are required to be more active.
With involvement and participation in the learning process, Blended Learning can increase
students' sense of responsibility. In addition, the interaction in the Blended Learning model
creates a motive for students to compete in learning.
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Since the beginning of 2000 blended learning has been one of the most popular
pedagogical concepts. Historically, blended learning was predominantly found in corporation
and higher education context but now it is increasingly found in K-12 education. In general,
blended learning defines as a combination of physical classroom learning and virtual
atmosphere. Blended learning came to serve as a connection between traditional learning and
E-learning, hence having merits that outweigh the advantages of both conventional learning
and E-learning if they are taken separately, as is not restricted to the boundaries of the
classroom, however it keeps in touch with its students even after the end of the classroom
lessons to accomplish nonstop viability even with the presence of enormous number of students
(Rao, 2019).
Thus, blended learning is a combination between face-to-face and e-learning using
electronic media in which the advantages that exist in traditional classes can be combined with
those in e-learning classes. It is not intended to supersede, one of these individual approaches,
rather to build from each to create a new, more effective learning experience for students. Due
to its great prospects to maximize the advantages of both online learning and face to-face
learning, blended learning has been growing as one of the most important educational advances
of the 21st century. Moreover, since the global crisis of Coronavirus Disease – 2019
phenomenon, applying blended learning was not again an option but more as a necessity.
Blended learning was considered as a viable answer to bridge the need of students to keep
learning within the limits of face-to-face contact. Hence, it is crucial to look at the fact about
how teacher implements blended learning in their class.
B. LITERATURE REVIEW
1. Face-to-Face Learning
In traditional education in which face to face classroom used, some teachers are better
in building up classroom atmosphere through humour, but the rest are better in applying skill
using technology and transferring knowledge in a simple way. Meanwhile, some students are
confidence to ask and discuss the topic with teacher or other friends, some of them prefer to be
quiet, but productive in writing, and the rest just become a good listener. Face to face learning
facilitates teachers to be able to adapt to unpredictable changes that occur in class. The positive
relationship built between teacher and student during the learning process is more important
than the student and technology (Kieschnick, 2016). Technology has the potential to enhance
and transform teaching, however it can also be utilized improperly or in ways that actually
interfere with learning.
In short, no matter how sophisticated the technology, it can never replace teachers’ role.
Technology plays a supporting role but teachers bring a change that technology cannot always
do. Technology can never come close to the knowledge and life experience that a teacher
brings. Technology cannot inspire and help students through their struggles, help them to feel
confidence with themselves, stand up and fight back when they are getting down, but a teacher
can be either a positive influence or inspiration to set and achieve goals for them. The trust and
bond between teachers and students are able to create a perfect learning environment that can
never be achieved if only through technology and students alone. Indeed, a teacher motivates,
leads, guides, facilitates and mentors a student. Teacher is a role model who sets an example
to students and drive them towards a brighter future.
2. E-Learning
According (Goswami et al., 2020) e-learning is a modern way of learning, which
includes electronic media in the field of education. E-learning makes users able to access course
material everywhere and every time as long as they have an internet connection. E-learning
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implicates the use of electronic devices such as computer, smartphone, tablet and many more
in some ways to provide learning purpose. It means e-learning can’t be existed without
technology. Indeed, it proves the integration between technology and education. Basically, E-
learning is divided into two types; synchronous and asynchronous. The primary advantage of
synchronous is to empower students in abstaining from feeling protected in speaking with
others during learning process, however not flexible in terms of time. Students should set to
the side their chance to attend the online session live and real-time.
On the contrary, asynchronous e-learning makes students able to follow the curriculum
with their own desire without worrying about schedule. This type of e-learning is appropriate
for students who like to arrange schedule of learning by themselves in which they may choose
where and when they can continue their learning. In e-learning, students can use the forums to
talk about any issue that they wish to pursue. Simply, e-learning is learning which utilizes
electronic technologies to access educational curriculum outside traditional classroom and it
refers to learning that delivered in an online. Even though do online but this type of delivery
promises various benefit to the users for example building a collaborative and communicative
environment in learning, raises a variety of perspectives on the topic being taught and ease
access without limited space and time. However, technology is important but it depends on
how it utilized properly by the users, firstly the instructional design should be prioritized over
a technology itself.
4. Blended Learning
The rise of new technologies is increasingly rapid, being the background of the birth of
the learning model of blended learning as a new innovation in reacting to the challenges of the
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times. The implementation allows the use of online learning resources, especially those based
on web, without leaving face to face learning. Blended learning is noted as a model to course
design that meaningfully brings together the best of both face-to-face & online learning.
Current studies have revealed that blended learning is very potential to help address students’
diverse need and learning style, advance students’ learning experience by developing their
engagement, motivation, and capacity for reflection, and provide learners with direct
experience with technology-supported skills essential for 21st century success style.
However, there are common threads and preparation before teacher considering the use
of Blended Learning (Kjaergaard, 2017). The common threads of Blended Learning are: (1)
Combination of teaching strategies, (2) Combination of delivery media, (3) Combination of
online and face-to-face instruction, and (4) Combination of student activities online and in class
While, the preparation to use Blended Learning is drawn under the following fifth
preparation, (1) How to facilitate & manage online interaction, (2) How to assess students’
online work, (3) How to integrate online and face-to-face teaching, (4) How to use the
technology and (5) Get started early. Redesign requires more time than is often anticipated.
It is simply to announce that blended learning uses the online technology to not just a
supplement but transform and improve the learning process for both in-class and e-class.
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interest and motivation to learn the English language have increased for the reason the course
was tailored to suit the learners’ needs., and (6) Watching the video has developed listening
skills.
The recent discovery on blended learning from (Hensley, 2020) had founded out the
advantages of it as follows, (1) Increase student engagement and motivation, (2) Development
of 21st century skills and competencies, (3) Improve learning outcomes for student at all
academic levels, (5) Ongoing opportunities for connecting, collaborating, and learning and (6)
Changes in pedagogical practice.
Further, (Sorbie, 2015) pointed out blended learning advantages into five categories
below, (1) Student-centred environment and individualization, (2) Organization and
usefulness. (Paperless), (3) Communication and collaboration, (4) Formative e-assessment and
self-regulation, and (5) Provide real-world relevance
Meanwhile, (Saeed, 2020) defined that the advantages of Blended learning lay on
personalized learning, effective classroom strategy and instructional resources that enhanced
for students in the classroom. Through blended learning the teachers’ role shifts from teacher-
centred to student-centred allowing teachers to facilitate the learning process (Ignatova et al.,
2015). In short, blended learning has many advantages to all academics and institution started
from limitation space and time to teach and learn, various learning resources, easy access to
improving and increasing students’ performance, create collaborative teaching and learning,
until offering more economic education. Since blended learning could be a bridge to integrate
learning traditionally and e-learning, it becomes one of alternative teaching and learning
method in 21st century.
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for all curricula. Inadequate skill also occurs as another problem due to the desire to
implement this method.
c. Demand on time.
The time required by teachers who implement blended courses will increase because
they must develop digital content and moderate online learning. In this case,
transforming traditional course in teaching into blended learning will require more
teachers time because of the necessity of redesigning the course. Moreover, teachers
and students typically incur an increase in the time they spend on learning new
techniques and skills, and on interacting with each other in blended learning
environments. This means the duty to both teachers and students multiply many times.
Teachers will have to adjust their schedules to accommodate more frequent interaction
with students who generally expect more frequent feedback in online classroom than in
face-to-face classroom interaction. Several studies have shown that many students feel
that they have missed the opportunity to communicate with the teacher compared to
face-to-face learning. By this situation the time to understand the core material is much
more because students tend to be slower to understand online literature than when they
get direct explanations from the teacher.
Rasheed, Kamsin, & Abdullah (2020) identified drawbacks in the online component of
blended learning among students, teachers and educational institutions perspectives into three
categories. They are students’ challenges involve self-regulation and use of technology for
studying, teachers are reluctant to include technology into face-to-face teaching, and
educational institutions challenge lies in provision of suitable technology. Those perspectives
showed that the appropriate and skill in using and integrating the technology was dominantly
a blended learning drawback for all academics and institution.
Buran & Evseeva (2015) found out that there are still some drawbacks to four months
blended learning implementation especially for online. They are, (1) Students should be more
disciplined to succeed in online courses, (2) Low retention rates in online courses, (3) Problems
with eyesight, (4) The unwillingness of some students to learn English online, as online courses
increase students’ mental and physical workload, (5) Lack of acceptance of online education
by potential employers.
Sorbie (2015) has clearly exposed drawbacks of blended learning as follows, (1)
Disengagement, in which students reported distractions, included social media and playing
games, (2) Device and infrastructure concerns, in which the participants commented about
devices being broken or maintaining a charge throughout the day and problems with
intermittent Wi-Fi access, (3) The lack of time for collaboration. Teachers reported positive
attitudes regarding erudition if they were provided opportunities to share because through
shared experiences, teachers were able to grow and learn. Therefore, there should be a chance
for teacher to have a time for collaboration.
Through the research findings on blended learning recently, the drawbacks of
blended learning were pointed out into three categories: 1) Additional time, for instance to
plan, to learn technology, and to make assessment (Hensley, 2020); 2) Internet connectivity;
and 3) Lack of instructional technology professional development (Saeed, 2020).
Based on the research findings above, it is clear that the drawbacks has been exited
along the high numbers of advantages offered by blended learning. The drawbacks vary started
from the student, teacher, institution or school management, technology and other supporting
systems including the support and autonomy in decision making.
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7. E-Learning Platforms
Teachers utilizing blended learning create an environment where learning is enhanced
through the application of technological tools that students are accustomed to using outside of
the classroom. This is where teachers use their professional expertise and experiences of what
works combined with the appropriate technologies to strategically plan instruction to address
the needs of all learners (Kieschnick, 2016). In teaching and learning environment the
application of technological tools are called online platform. The selection of the right digital
tool and / or combination of tools to enhance the specific instructional strategy is essential to
be effective and efficient in meeting the desired outcomes.
Strategic planning enables teachers to understand why strategies and tools work or fail
in achieving the learning goal at class. As the learning goals change, strategies and tools are
adjusted to best meet the learning needs of all students (Kieschnick, 2016). Technology is a
powerful tool for teachers, but those whose pedagogical practices align with student learning
goals, rather than the technology itself, are seeing improvements in student learning outcomes
( Kieschnick, 2016). The most important part of learning process, teachers are using technology
to create scalable learning environments to support students in taking more control of their
learning (Alijani et al., 2014).
Various kinds of online platform spread out in the midst of pandemic. One of the most
popular is Google Classroom. It is a foyer of blended learning applications that use for free.
Within Google Classroom teachers can create their own classes and share the class code or
invite students. Google Classroom is intended to help students find or overcome learning
difficulties, share lessons, and create assignments without having to attend a face-to-face
classroom. The primary purpose of Google Classroom is to streamline the process of file
sharing between teachers and students. Google Classroom has copious facilities which are
beneficial for its users. A few of them are user friendly, cost free, cell phone friendly, and time
saving. Based on Janzen "Google Classroom’s design purposefully simplifies the instructional
interface and options will use for delivering and tracking assignments; communication with the
entire course or individuals is also simplified through announcements, email, and push
notifications". In addition, Google Classroom integrates other Google apps, like, Docs, Slides,
Drive and Spreadsheets in one click. Nevertheless, the whole process of administering
assignments, grading, formative assessment, and feedback is simplified and streamlined.
Another famous e-learning platform use amidst the pandemic is WhatsApp. In spite of
any weaknesses about the feature, this kind of platform still exist and inundated users because
this is the simplest one. Historically, WhatsApp was founded on February 24th, 2009.
WhatsApp is a messaging app for smartphones with basic similar to BlackBerry Messenger
which was being popular last few years passed. WhatsApp allows teacher and students to
exchange messages without the cost of SMS, because WhatsApp Messenger uses the same
internet data plan for email, web browsing, and more. Many advantages offered by WhatsApp.
For instance, chatting online, share files, sound, video, exchange photos and more. The best
feature offers by WhatsApp is WhatsApp Web. By this, teachers and students can easily use
the Apps in a computer. Moreover, even when the teachers or students’ smartphone left home,
they can continue chatting by using WhatsApp Web in the computer as long as the smartphone
data is on and WhatsApp Web on Computer does not log out yet. In addition, by activating
this feature teacher and student can works multiple activities in one computer without
hesitating to miss the chat room while typing.
Apart from those online platforms above, there are many other types of platforms that
can also be used as online media in implementing blended learning, for example, Moddle,
Edmodo, Schoology, telegram, and Messenger. In addition to the online platform which
facilitates material for students, along with chat rooms, blended learning can also be combined
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with video conferencing, for example through zoom, google meet, skype and many more. In
short, online platform is dominantly popular amidst Coronavirus outbreak to support the
teaching and learning process from home.
Related to the implementation one of the study done by Risma Fitria Uki. Her study
employed qualitative research design with phenomenology approach to explore and more
clearly describe the perspective of school community members about blended learning. 23
school community members from four vocational high schools that implemented blended
learning in East Kolaka have been interviewed for about 30 minutes to one hour in a place
which was comfortable to each participant. Other instruments of this study were observation
(face-to-face class), documents and audio-visual aids. The document was the teacher journals
and / or reports meanwhile the audio - visual consist of audio recorded during interview,
pictures in classroom meeting and learning activities screenshotted from the online apps used.
The data was analysed by using coding process (Creswell, 2014). Her study finds that In
Indonesia, most of vocational high schools were first implemented blended learning as an
alternative choice to maintain teaching and learning activities due to the outbreak of
Coronavirus disease 2019. Further, this kind of blended learning is potential to continuously
used as a learning model for vocational high school since it offers to help both teacher and
students to be focused on practice during face-to-face class. Moreover, it successfully to keep
the bond between teacher and student who are joining the internship Industrial program
(Praktek Kerja Industri) using online. Regarding those backgrounds, then, the question was
drawn below: “How is blended learning implemented by teacher in their teaching activities?”
The implementation of blended learning at vocational high school is related to the
common definition of blended learning which combines online and offline class as shown in
the following table.
Table 1. Blended Learning Implementation at Vocational High School
Teaching and Learning Activities Media Cognitive
In-class E-class Realm
Teacher Student Teacher Student
- Giving - Listening to - Post various - Taking notes Less rich C1-C6
motivation teacher’s kind of - Taking a quiz Media: WA,
- Quiz/brainstor explanation materials; - Fill the Telegram and
ming - Asking/respo Text, poem, attendance Messenger.
- Explaining and nding drama, video list
discussing the - Learn in tutorials - Online Media rich:
materials given practice - Check the discussion GC, (Google
in online - Fill the attendance related to the site, Google
- Practice based attendance list list. materials form, Google
on theory given - Submit - Quiz - Sending Meet), Mic
in online assignment - Giving assignment 365, Moddle,
- Check the example (role through Skype, and
attendance list model) using video, voice Zoom
- Check and voice notes or notes and the
assess the video screenshot of
assignments. performance note book.
- Giving - Giving - Role play
feedback feedback using voice
- Attitude - Asking and notes or video
assessments responding performance
about
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materials or - Attending
assignment. class
- Video conference
conference using Google
meet, Skype
or zoom)
Note: C1: knowledge, C2 comprehension, C3 application, C4 Analysis, C5 synthesis, and C6 evaluation
Commonly, teacher used face to face to explain the materials and assess the
assignments that have been given in online. Classroom activities became less student-centred
in which students were more passive in comparison to online class. They mostly listened to
teacher’s explanation and rarely asked a single question related to the material. Likewise,
teacher rarely utilized technology in face-to-face class as they did in online. What should be
changed is teacher should begin to utilized technology more often in face-to-face class for
experiencing more in learning using technology and building student-centred in classroom
activities.
Ignatova et al. (2015) revealed that technology allowed teachers to put the
responsibility of learning on their students. The use of technology fostered a student-centred
environment that encouraged independency. It seemed like adding the technology enables
student to be actively involved opposed to just sitting there listening to teacher. Making them
responsible in terms of what they were learning, how they were learning it, being active and
creative, and just putting some more responsibility on them as opposed to putting the
responsibility all on teacher. On the other hand, teachers improved their self-quality
independently through the use of technology.
Blended learning that offered an integration of technology in education is a necessary
since the modern education system recognizes the need for students to be more socially
adaptable as well as develop technological skills as they live in an increasingly digital world
that requires them to be culturally and socially competent. Blended learning imparts
indispensable and higher order thinking skills that can help vocational students adjust better to
their real work in interconnected and volatile world. It’s clear that blended learning is in line
with the constructivism theory, the recent curriculum and the demand of 21st century that
requires both students and teachers to be more technologically proficient and adapt with the
changing of times.
Online class was used to enhance students digital literacy by giving numerous
information resources from all over the world. In online, some teachers prefer to make their
own digital content that appropriate with the level, learning style and the needs of students.
But, not few who took a consideration to use ready-made materials due to the lack of motivation
and the lack of expertise in technology. Online classes could be continued even after the class
session has ended due to the flexibility of online class. It allows teacher to monitor students
more times in comparison to offline.
Instructional design was the essence in blended learning implementation. Teacher
should be able to produce effective and interactive digital content that easy understand for
students. Teachers are better focused on giving more opportunities for students to learn in
practice. Because vocational schools have a unique characteristic that it is focused on skill (life
skill). Learning in vocational school is almost like hands-on learning. Like whenever students
are learning how to assemble a motorcycle or competence in drawing with AutoCAD and
SketchUp if just seeing but they are not actually doing it, they are not going to really learn how.
Therefore, teacher must well prepared the right instructional design for both offline and online
class in order to balance the portion of the needs of mastering theory and learn in practice for
vocational schools student.
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Least but not last, the successful of blended learning implementation could only be
maximized by the role of parents as the only teacher collaboration partners to monitor the
progress and support student learning activities at home. The active participation of parents
became much more important contribution to future education. Online class at home would
work better when parents took an active role in their child’s education.
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D. CONCLUSION
Teacher utilized blended learning at their class to balance the portion of the needs of
mastering theory and learn in practice for vocational schools student. Online class mostly used
to give materials and assignment to students in the form of digital content. On the contrary,
face-to-face class was greatly utilized for explaining, discussing and practicing the materials
given in online. Blended learning can be used not only at the university or institute level, but
in all educational units, such as elementary schools, high schools and can even be used at
meetings in conditions that require it.
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