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online mode for learning may not be on with learning. Selim (2007) has listed
able to understand such content in real three main factors that affect blended
context; hence, there is a need to depend learning i.e. effectiveness of instructor,
on other modes of learning too. In this technology and students’ characteristics.
context, the role of a teacher cannot Hence, every student may not be able
be ignored. Teachers have to provide to use technology in an appropriate
a learning platform where various manner for appropriate results. The
activity-oriented learning environment teacher’s characteristics include
could be created as well as ample teacher’s knowledge, understanding and
time for assessment and feedback use of ICT skills, how well the teachers
can be provided to know the learning can integrate technology in classroom
growth of the learners. The teacher’s teaching-learning, along with having
role is to provide hands-on experience ICT skills, Teachers’ characteristics also
in order to comprehend content so include their technological, pedagogical
that the contextualized knowledge and content Knowledge (TPCK). These
and understanding could be gained all factors or proficiencies play an
by students. All the learning has to be important role in determining their
contextualized for meaningful learning attitude towards using ICT. The teacher’s
and students should gain sensory knowledge on the recent developments
experiences to make learning real and in technology can help them to use
contextual. Moreover, there are many blended learning in their classroom
process skills that can be developed teaching. The learners who participate
only through direct experience and in blended learning should also be
hands-on activity. It is in this juncture aware of using different technology for
that the technology alone fails to learning but not to be totally dependent
contextualize any content and also fails on technology alone. The students’
in developing subject specific skills, needs to be motivated to learn from
especially the process skills. Hence, the the real environment through different
role of a teacher cannot be disregarded perceptual performing activities and
if any learning has to be meaningful. The gaining real life experiences in order to
concept of ‘Blended Learning’ brings develop various subject specific skills.
together the advantages of both online Hence, Blending of Online and face- to-
as well as face-to-face learning. face mode of learning can be a more
useful pedagogical approach in the 21st
Blended learning can be applied at
various levels of learning in school century where every teacher has to be
education, higher education and in trained in using blended learning in
professional courses etc. where a blend their classroom.
of online and face-to-face learning Need and Significance of Study
can be used in a meaningful manner.
Learners are important partners in From last one year we have seen a drastic
any learning process and therefore, paradigm shift in teaching learning from
their backgrounds and characteristics offline to online mode of education
affect their ability to effectively carry due to COVID-19 pandemic conditions.

58 Indian Journal of Educational Technology
Volume 3, Issue 2, July 2021