English Education or often called PBI UMP has several activities or programs that are very useful for students and teachers. One of them is the Online Guest Lecture, which is a routine annual program organized by the English language education study program, like one held in April 17, 2021, On this occasion, Dr. A. Gumawang Jati, M.A. from Institut Teknologi Bandung, discussed about Creating a Transformative English Language Teaching with Blended Learning.
Dr. A. Gumawang Jati, M.A. explained in detail about Blended Learning. He said that learning was arguably a combination of direct learning (face-to-face) with online learning. It is a learning model that uses an effective combination of terms of delivery, teaching methods and different learning styles as well as establishing communication with those involved in learning. The difference between online learning and Blended Learning is that in Blended Learning there is a reciprocal relationship in the teaching and learning process in the form of direct interaction or direct discussion, while in online learning it doesn’t.
In using this method, teachers will encounter several challenges such as the need to master technology and develop a supporting learning model. The use of technology in learning must also consider its suitability with student learning objectives and understanding. There are many platforms available that can be used for learning, both educational-based platforms and even general ones. Examples of education-based platforms include Google Classroom, Schoology and Moodle. Meanwhile, platforms that are commonly used for online meetings are Google Meet, Zoom and MS Teams.
The development of education in the current era brings educational experiences that lead to how education brings humanism and personality. There are several benefits that can be obtained from Blended Learning, including interactions between students and teachers online and personally, learning materials that are easier to access anytime and anywhere and can make students explore more in the learning process. With the application of Blended Learning, it is hope that students’ skills and personalities will be better.