Experts Seek More Investment in Digital Infrastructure to Promote Blended Learning

Governments at the state and federal levels and other education stakeholders have been advised to invest huge resources in digital infrastructure to deepen the adoption of a blended learning approach in various educational institutions.

Blended learning or hybrid learning is an approach to education that combines traditional in-class instructor-led teaching with e-learning content to create a more flexible learning experience. 

This was one of the major takeouts at the just concluded November edition of Edtech Mondays Fireside Chat by the Co-Creation Hub (CCHUB) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation’s Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning in ICT.

The November edition, ‘Monitoring and Evaluation of Blended Learning Models’, was moderated by Chinyelu Akpa, the Practice Lead, Education CCHUB. It featured edtech experts like the founder of Learners Corner Education Tech Hub, Julius Ilori; Principal of Alpha Choice Innovative Academy, Senbanjo Olufemi; and Director of Academics, NewGlobe, Nduka Akujobi.

Speaking during the panel session, Akujobi noted that Nigeria’s education landscape is growing fast in adopting and implementing blended learning models since the advent of COVID-19.

Akujobi said that the company was at the forefront of collaborating with state governments by leveraging technology to transform learning and improve literacy, which would have a consequential impact on the economy. He cited examples of Lagos, Bayelsa, Edo, and Kwara, where such models have been implemented, resulting in positive outcomes.

He stated that the ultimate goal of deploying blended learning was to ensure that learning deprivation is considerably reduced in line with global benchmarks.

Olufemi noted that adopting blended learning models became necessary due to the COVID-19 lockdown and the quest for innovation within a collaborative learning environment.

While admitting the challenges faced in co-opting parents and pupils for blended learning, Olufemi explained that the future of learning lies in deploying technology through a blended approach.

He charged educational institutions to implement a blended learning approach by ensuring an enabling environment, good internet access, and the necessary digital infrastructure and tools.

Ilori, who emphasised the need for the government to invest in technology and the provision of digital infrastructure, stated that making such a bold move would go a long way to scale accessibility in learning, especially for disadvantaged kids. He stressed the need for educational stakeholders and policymakers to consider bringing culture or language into the learning space to aid or drive the adoption of a blended learning approach for pupils.