Differences Between Learning Environments in the 21st Century

Differences Between Learning Environments in the 21st Century

         There are three main learning environments in today’s educational system and workforce.  Online Learning, Blended Learning, and Flipped Learning are prevalent ways in which students and trainees can be successful in their learning.  While these three learning environments use technology in some way, they are very different in terms of in-person or virtual learning.  One way to view these learning environments is to understand the percentage of in-person vs. virtual learning taking place.  Another component to keep in mind is the motivation needed for the learner to be successful.  While technology is an asset in reaching as many learners as possible, there are still some challenges that arise with the use of technology in learning.

Online Learning

Online Learning is a way of life for some people.  Natural learners are drawn to the ability to learn information on their own with very little to no guidance.  Online Learning is for the intrinsically motivated learner who wants to take ownership in their learning.  They are the ones who are choosing to learn the content.  There is no one insisting or trying to help them get through the work.  The learners as well as the instructor need to have good time-management skills to be successful in an Online Learning environment.  The learner must set aside time to work on their exploration and assignments.  The instructor must also have good time-management skills in order to plan out the resources needed for the learner to be successful.  Online Learning is a learning environment for those learners who choose to learn that way to be successful.

Blended Learning

         Blended Learning is a combination of virtual and in-person learning.  According to American College of Education (2023), blended learning occurs when learners are interacting with both digital and in-person learning formats to acquire digital skills as well as having traditional in-person class time that they are used to.  Learners are still interacting with their content, instructor, and peers on a regular basis.  There are five different models for Blended Learning, but each one has some in-person instruction as well as some virtual learning.  This learning environment allows learners to take ownership of their learning while having less face-to-face interaction.  Learners can work on their own during their virtual learning times, and they can ask questions and interact with the instructor and peers during their in-person times.  This learning environment creates success for most learners.  It is an ideal learning environment for high school students who will eventually go to college or the workforce.  This teaches students responsibility for their own learning.  They will not always have an instructor telling them what they should be working on or what to do next.  They will need to learn how to set their own timelines for deadlines to complete work on time.

Flipped Learning

         Flipped Learning is a gateway to Blended Learning.  In a Flipped Learning environment, learners are expected to do independent work and reading outside of class time.  That way, when learners meet for their in-person class, they can work on collaborative activities and participate in other active learning.  These learners need to have good time-management skills to be able to have the readings done for their in-person class time.  They also need to have good study skills to be able to read and understand the text on their own.  While a Flipped Learning environment does not necessarily have to have any virtual component to it, providing readings and activities virtually gives learners the opportunity to obtain the materials wherever they are.  In this respect, Flipped Learning is similar to Blended Learning since learners are expected to do some type of work on their own time outside of the classroom.

Conclusion

         Even though there are different types of learning environments in the 21st century, learners are exposed to various levels of virtual and in-person learning.  Each learning environment provides learners with the content, but the way in which the learner interacts with the content is different.  When deciding which learning environment works best for the learner, the instructor should take into consideration the motivation of the learners.  Learners with stronger motivation will perform better without a traditional learning environment.  Flipped Learning provides the most face-to-face interaction, Blended Learning gives learners some flexibility in their learning, and Online Learning provides all of the resources needed without any in-person instruction.