Under the patronage of Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, Dean, the E-Learning Unit at the Faculty of Languages and Translation organized a presentation on “The Concept of Blended Learning in English Language Teaching.” Dr. Mohamed Amin Mekheimer delivered a detailed presentation on the topic.
Describing the term ‘Blended Learning,' Dr. Mohamed Amin Mekheimer said: “The term blended learning originated in the business world in connection with corporate training, then it was used in higher education, and lastly, it appeared in language teaching and learning.” He further added that blended learning in English Language Teaching combines a face-to-face (F2F) classroom component with an appropriate use of technology. On the question of the need for the adaptation of blended learning approach, Dr. Mohamed Amin Mekheimer said that learners nowadays expect technology to be integrated into their language classes. Towards that end, blended learning can meet the learners’ expectations since it provides the ability to match learning styles and individually tailored solutions. It improves the learning rate, and it increases access/flexibility and cost effectiveness.
To make blended learning useful in ELT, Dr. Mohamed Amin Mekheimer suggested that the instructor should keep into considerations the following five tenets that build up a principled learning model: the role of live interaction; the role of learner choice and self-regulation; models for support and training; balance between innovation and production and cultural adaptation. He also said that educators should separate the role of the teacher from that of technology, as these functions are not interchangeable, but they are complementary. Teachers should adopt a principled approach that best suits the learners’ needs. Technology should be used to complement and enhance F2F teaching.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Abdulkhaleq Al Qahtani, Vice Dean of Academic Development & Quality, applauded the presentation and stressed the need for the proper use of the technology. He also said that technology is a useful tool for enhancing the quality of education. Mr. Mohsin Raza Khan, Supervisor of the E-Learning Unit, related that the purpose of the presentation was to discuss the actual concept of blended learning in English language teaching and best practices around the world.
Mr. Abdullah Al-Zubain, E-Learning Specialist, Dr. Khaled Mohanna, E-Learning Team Manager, Mr. Jabir Al-Thebi, Dr. Mohammad Asif, Mr. Faisal, Mr. Jawed Ahmed and Mr. Salahuddin Abdulrab provided holistic support to make the function a success.
Date: Fall 2014
Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation
Multimedia Contribution: MD Sirajul Islam