In the digital era like today, all activities carried out by each individual already involve technology and internet networks. Likewise with learning in Indonesia, where many educators have designed and developed digital-based learning, such as online learning. But unfortunately online learning cannot help the student’s learning process optimally, because students still need direct guidance and require two-way communication with the teacher.

 

Therefore, education experts combine two learning models that have a greater effect in helping students’ learning processes, namely blended learning. On this occasion, blended learning is a solution for today’s world of education, where we are still not able to fully engage in outdoor activities because the situation and environmental conditions are still not improving.

 

The notion of blended learning is a learning that combines two learning models, namely offline learning and online learning. Based on several studies, it is said that blended learning has a more effective impact when compared to online learning which can be seen from student learning outcomes. For its application, blended learning can be applied with a combination of fifty-fifty (50/50) teaching in which 50% of offline learning is carried out and 50% of online learning is carried out.

 

This learning method is suitable to be applied in the current student learning process, where students and educators cannot do activities too long outside the room. Although the current situation in Indonesia has begun to improve, it does not rule out the possibility that there will be victims if the student learning process is implemented normally.

 

There are several requirements that must be complied with by schools, educators, as well as parents and students if learning is carried out offline, namely learning time does not fully run normally, there is an agreed time limit and must implement strict health protocols. Thus, teachers and students can carry out the learning process safely, comfortably, and learning objectives can be achieved.

 

The objectives of the blended learning model in the process of student learning activities include:

  1. The blended learning model can help students to develop in their learning process.
  2. Blended learning can provide opportunities for teachers and students to do independent learning, where independent learning by students and teachers can help them understand their potential, so that they know what to develop and what they need.
  3. Blended learning has flexible time in learning, so that teachers and students can use their time well to design the process of learning activities.
  4. When blended learning is applied, the teacher can maximize each student’s learning process. For example, when offline learning is applied, the teacher can emphasize active learning where the learning process will involve a lot of interaction between students. Meanwhile, when online learning is applied, the teacher will provide new knowledge to students regarding learning media content that can help them in learning, for example, such as using learning applications and learning media used online.
  5. Blended learning can increase students’ learning motivation, because the learning carried out is more varied.

 

There are several advantages of blended learning in the student learning process. Some of these advantages can be used as reasons why blended learning is a solution for the world of education today. The following are some of the advantages of blended learning, including:

  1. Flexible
  2. Save Cost and Time
  3. More Interactive Learning Materials

 

The learning material presented by the teacher when learning is done online becomes more interactive and detailed, so that students can easily understand what the teacher is explaining. In addition, on this occasion the teacher began to learn to create interactive and modern learning materials and media.

 

In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic that has not yet fully recovered, the blended learning model is the right learning model for educators to apply. With blended learning, students’ learning motivation will increase and their academic abilities will develop. Based on the explanation above regarding the purpose of blended learning and the advantages of blended learning in student learning activities, it can be seen that blended learning is the right solution for now.

 

If you want to apply blended learning in the process of your learning activities, then you must pay attention to several steps that must be taken if you want to apply the blended learning model, including:

  1. Define Learning Materials

The first thing that must be prepared before implementing blended learning in Teaching and Learning Activities is to determine learning materials. In this case, the teacher must really understand what teaching materials are relevant for Distance Learning which part of the learning will be done offline and online.

  1. Make a Study Plan

In addition, you also have to make a study plan. The design made must be in accordance with the situation and conditions of the students. You should also pay attention to the learning system and how the material will be received by students. If the material you are going to explain tends to be difficult, then you must maximize student learning activities when learning is offline, and vice versa.

  1. Create an Online Learning Format

Although online learning is more flexible, you also have to create a format for how online learning takes place.

  1. Testing the Design That Has Been Made

When you have made a study plan, then you have to test whether the method you are going to apply can be well received by students. On this occasion, the teacher will also validate the practice questions that will be given to students.

  1. Make an Evaluation

The next step for each teacher will be to make an evaluation of student learning related to the assessment of student abilities, such as knowledge assessment, attitude assessment, and skills assessment.

 

In the application of blended learning, teachers must ensure that all students already have the facilities and infrastructure that support their online learning. In this way, the learning process of students can run optimally. Therefore, it can be concluded that blended learning is a solution for today’s education world.