Instructor: Meghan Hayes

Research Report

Name: Damian Hall Date: 2021-12-13_

Is a blended delivery model the best environment for students in post-secondary? Throughout my
experience with blended delivery models of education, there have been many more cons than
pros regarding it. Firstly, attention can become an issue when remotely learning, secondly,
communication can become less often and more difficult to carry out. Lastly student burnout has
become more often when learning from home. The blended delivery model that has been
recently adapted by schools in New Brunswick has proven itself to be a less than ideal learning
environment for many post-secondary students.

Attentiveness

A very important aspect of learning is attentiveness, if a student isn’t paying attention to the
material given, very little will be retained. Regarding the blended delivery model, paying
attention has grown to be difficult when not in a school environment for many. This model is
much more lax, there is no teaching enforcement while at home watching lectures. This can lead
to students having issues paying attention because of the lack of discipline. Some students need
to be pushed harder than others, during the at home portion of learning it is nearly impossible to
do this because of the lack of enforcement.

Communication Issues

Before the blended delivery model, students could communicate easily with their instructors by
doing it face to face, during or after class. Nowadays it has become more complex, students are
not always in the classroom. In this case they must email or message their instructors. This is
very different from face-to-face interaction. Messages and emails can be misread or delayed,
easily causing miscommunication and confusion for both parties. These methods of
communication are also more time-consuming. Instead of an instant reply during an in-person
conversation, long periods of time can pass before a digital reply is received. In many cases this
is seen as inconvenient and irritating.

Lack of Motivation

Lastly, motivation is key for a healthy learning environment. Even in a completely in person
delivery model, finding motivation can be a struggle for many post-secondary students. With the
introduction of the blended model, many students must complete schoolwork in their homes,
surrounded by distractions. “Students receiving in-person instruction have fewer distractions,
increased concentration, and can receive more direct, personalized learning experiences that keep
them from falling behind” (Randi, 3 Big Reasons Why In-Person Learning is Best for Scholars)
In a very non-traditional learning environment, it can be hard to find the proper motivation
throughout the school year.

Conclusion

The blended model has proven to be a challenge for many post-secondary students. As Kipp
Texas states, “research shows that students learn more when they are in-person at school”. Many
components go into the everyday learning experience, such as easy communication, being able to
pay good attention, and being motivated. All these aspects are effortlessly given with an in-
person learning model. This is why fully in person learning is superior.

References

Randi Berkovsky. "3 Big Reasons Why In-Person Learning is Best for Scholars." IDEA, 31
March. 2021, ideapublicschools.org/blog/3-big-reasons-why-in-person-learning-is-best-
for-scholars/ Accessed 13 Dec. 2021. 

“Four Benefits of In-Person Learning” Kipp Texas, 17 August. 2021, kipptexas.org/4-benefits-of-

in-person-learning/. Accessed 13 December 2021.