One of the significant challenges in teaching is ensuring that students remain sufficiently engaged. This challenge exists in both in-class and online learning, but online environments often amplify it, as online learning is often accompanied by feelings of isolation, fewer opportunities to connect with others, and delays in receiving feedback. On the other hand, online learning increases ease of access to education and flexibility to accommodate different schedules.

In this topic, I learned more about the power of blended learning, which combines synchronous and asynchronous approaches. Blended learning enhances learning quality through personalized instruction, enhanced student engagement, and technology integration (1). This requires the teacher to carefully design which parts of the course can be best delivered face-to-face (traditional teaching) and which are suitable for online (asynchronous) learning, allowing students to interact with the course content in diverse and more personalised ways. To strengthen learning, student engagement is necessary.

But how do we encourage student engagement? It begins with intrinsic motivation, their own will to learn, further supported by a clear understanding of goals, a conducive learning environment, and creative, meaningful activities to do. Blended learning enables varied activities and meaningful learning experiences, leading to enjoyable tasks, different modes of consuming content, and deeper engagement. But true motivation (the will to learn) rests with the individual. Online and blended learning require leveraging technology. Many different tools are now available that can be used in various ways to support education and provide flexibility.

Amongst these technologies, generative AI is rapidly becoming embedded in education, helping with creative ways to plan lessons and generate content quickly, and improving understanding. It is becoming an undeniable part of blended learning. However, GenAI presents both advantages and challenges, requiring educators to rethink and redesign teaching and assessments to align with these developments. It is fascinating to see how some approach AI in education with extreme caution and restriction, while others embrace and use it so liberally. As a final note, I’d say we have quite some way to go, and we should avoid taking either extreme mindset, but genuinely explore and find ways to incorporate AI without negatively impacting education, both now and in the long term.