What is Blended Teaching and Learning Environment

The use of educational technology at university and college campuses has grown and changed substantially in the last decades. The province of computer and other forms of technology are now being used for multiple functions in diverse educational settings. At many universities, the lecturer uses the software available to organize lecture notes and e-mail and electronic forums to communicate with their students. Inside the classroom, computer projection systems are replacing traditional overhead transparencies, making it possible to harness the interactive and visual capabilities of the computer for lecture and group activities. The problem faced by any university ‘is how to structure itself so that it’s central academic activity is facilitated, not undermined by technological development’ (Laurillard & Margetson, 1997). Even though universities appear to be more comfortable with traditional forms of teaching and learning, it appears that a shift toward a blended approach is taking place by universities that are trying several different forms of educational technologies to find the right fit. Students often do not want to lose the unique attributes of face-to-face teaching, but they do wish for the benefits of educational technology such as edutainment learning.