What Is Blended Learning?

Examples, Types, and More

What Is Blended Learning?

Blended learning is a learning approach that combines instructor-led
brick-and-mortar classroom training and online learning activities.

This strategy doesn’t overlook the benefits of face-to-face training with a teacher;
rather, it incorporates digital tools to enhance the learning experience and topic
comprehension.
Picture a scenario in which a teacher sends out a video link for students to watch at
home, and then students email their reviews to that teacher, setting the stage for an
engaging classroom discussion. This is just one example of how it works. Now let’s
look at some other examples.
Examples of blended learning

Some examples of how to blend

Activity Face-to-face approach To make it blended…
Learners use channels in messengers, online
Learners meet in a communities, and task managers to plan their work
classroom to collaborate and control the flow. They also use file-sharing
rs work on projects in and contribute to the services (e.g., Google Docs) to collaborate and
. project. share feedback on the project.
Learners are divided into
Learners practice foreign groups during a lesson In addition to classroom discussions, learners use
language conversation in and discuss a particular online services for text and voice chat (e.g.,
pairs or small groups. topic. Discord).
Learners write essays and Learners’ progress is evaluated by their activity
take mid-term and final statistics; they take online quizzes and tests, submit
Assessment. exams. digital items, and take part in peer reviews.

What Is the Difference Between Hybrid and Blended Learning?

In addition to blended learning, there is also hybrid learning. These two educational
approaches are frequently confused as being interchangeable. While they both
involve a blend of methods, there is a significant difference between them.
In hybrid learning, an instructor provides educational materials to students, some of
whom are physically present in the classroom, while the rest participate remotely.
With this approach, the educator simultaneously teaches both on-site and remote
students using video conferencing technologies and software.
As it comes from the definition of blended learning, this approach, in contrast,
merges traditional in-person instruction with online educational strategies. It allows
students to attend a lecture in a classroom setting and then complete an online quiz,
either on-site or at home.
Think of a hybrid car and a blender. A hybrid car combines two types of fuel, just as
hybrid learning combines two types of learning environments. A blender, on the
other hand, mixes together whatever you put in it, and similarly, blended learning
combines multiple types of learning content.

Benefits of Blended Learning

Now that you’re familiar with the meaning of blended learning, it’s crucial to
understand its potential benefits. Below, we explore the numerous advantages it
offers to both learners (students or employees) and organizations (schools,
universities, or businesses):

● Safer learning setting

● Engaging educational experience
● Self-guided learning
● Enhanced learner engagement
● Stronger comprehension
● Comprehensive analytics

Let’s take a closer look at each of them in turn.

Benefits of blended learning for learners
Safer learning setting. If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that gathering in one place
with lots of people can have its complications, and only interacting with them
through a screen can be pretty tough. The blended learning method makes things
safer by reducing the time we spend together in person, yet it still gives us the
chance to communicate live.
Engaging educational experience. Theoretical content can be tough to get through,
and let’s be honest, sometimes it’s extremely boring. Sitting and listening to a lecture
for hours is one thing, but learning the same material through interactive clicks,
engaging in simulated conversations, or playing through game-like courses is a
completely different experience. Gaining new knowledge can be fun, and blended
learning provides lots of tools to make it so.
Self-guided learning. Having the flexibility to tailor and manage one’s own learning
journey is crucial, particularly for adult learners. After all, learning is just one aspect
of a person’s life, and often not the most critical one. Between work, family, hobbies,
and social life, people juggle numerous responsibilities, and education should
facilitate, not hinder, this balance. Blended learning offers a solution by providing
round-the-clock access to courses, so learners can engage with materials whenever
they want to and have space in their schedule.
Benefits of blended learning for organizations
Enhanced learner engagement. No business or institution wants to force its
employees or students to learn, because it’s not effective. To truly enhance learning
outcomes, it’s essential to actively involve learners in the educational process. A
study conducted in 2019 supports this, demonstrating that blended learning boosts
learner engagement significantly. This approach offers varied opportunities and uses
digital tools, making the learning experience more dynamic and accessible.
Stronger comprehension. One of the most popular blended learning models, called
the “flipped classroom”, helps students understand and retain the material better. In
this model, students study all theoretical materials alone at their own pace, then use
class time to practice what they’ve learned with hands-on activities. This allows them
to get the most out of their learning experience.
Comprehensive analytics. How long did it take a learner to complete a quiz? How
many attempts did they make? Do they have any expiring tasks? You might be able to
answer these questions in a traditional classroom setting, but think about the time
and effort required to gather this data for each student or employee. With blended
learning, this isn’t a concern. You won’t spend a single minute on it because
a learning management system handles all the tracking for you. Based on learner
progress and results, you’ll be able to see their strengths and areas for improvement,
whether they’re ready to advance, if they need to review certain materials, and
much more.
Disadvantages of Blended Learning
Now that we’ve explored the reasons to embrace blended learning, it’s important to
consider the other side too. Let’s dive into the drawbacks of this training method:

● New skill set for teachers/instructors

● Plagiarism
● Increased expenses

Let’s look at each of these aspects more closely.

New skill set for teachers/instructors. Blended learning requires specific tech skills,
as instructors need to develop online modules, distribute them to learners, track
their progress, and so much more. The complexity of some digital tools can be
daunting, and not every educator may be eager or available to dedicate the time and
effort needed to become proficient with new tech.
Besides, this shift to digital means teachers who aren’t used to online platforms
might assign too much work, thinking, “It’s not a lot, and students have more free
time at home without classroom restrictions.” This mindset can cause students to
feel overwhelmed.
Plagiarism. The more eLearning content you create, the greater the risk of
plagiarism. For example, an instructor might unknowingly use a copyrighted image to
illustrate a point in their course. If this occurs, it’s the institution or company that
might face legal consequences.
Increased expenses. Adopting eLearning involves investing in eLearning software.
Traditional classroom settings demand expenditures for utilities such as lighting and
heating, as well as for necessary equipment. When switching to a blended learning
approach, you’re combining these costs.
However, these disadvantages will not become an issue if you use these tips:

1. Select user-friendly eLearning platforms.

2. Clarify the nuances of digital learning to your teachers or instructors.
3. Identify your learning needs, budget accordingly, and choose tools that
address both aspects.
Blended Learning Models
One of the most challenging aspects of implementing blended learning is that the
technique is extremely flexible. The variety of strategies, tools, and the need to
balance everything can leave even seasoned learning professionals feeling
overwhelmed and perplexed.
We would like to highlight six principal blended learning models here:
1. Face-to-face driver model
This model blends traditional classroom teaching with online learning tools. It’s like
having a regular class where the teacher is the central figure, but digital tools are
employed as supplementary resources to deepen understanding, provide additional
practice, or introduce innovative instructional methods.
The seamless integration of technology not only supports a range of learning styles
but also prepares students for the digital literacy required in the modern world.

2. Online driver model

This model is the opposite of brick-and-mortar studying, as it relies entirely on digital
delivery of the training. It combines both synchronous training (live webinars,
peer-to-peer training sessions, etc.) and asynchronous training (self-paced study of
eCourses). With the online driver model, there’s usually no need for live face-to-face
meetings, but they can be arranged if necessary.
In this approach, students primarily engage with their courses through online
platforms, accessing lessons, assignments, and resources from anywhere that has an
internet connection. The physical classroom and teacher take on a supportive role,
stepping in to provide additional help or clarification as needed.

3. Rotation model
This model is a dynamic approach that allows students to rotate through different
learning stations on a set schedule. These stations can include a variety of learning
methods, such as direct instruction from a teacher, group projects, individual online
learning, and hands-on activities.
The rotation model offers a structured yet flexible way of learning, catering to the
diverse needs and learning styles of students within the same classroom. It combines
the benefits of face-to-face teaching with the personalized and engaging aspects of
digital learning effectively.

4. Flipped classroom
This model reimagines the traditional educational structure by reversing the roles of
classroom and home learning activities. In this innovative approach, students are first
introduced to new content at home, typically through video lectures or reading
assignments. In this way, they free up classroom time for interactive activities such as
discussions, projects, and hands-on exercises. This shift allows for a deeper, more
practical engagement with the material during school hours, as students apply what
they’ve learned under the guidance of their teacher.

5. Flex model
The flex model represents a learner-centered approach, where instruction is
primarily delivered online, allowing students to control the pace and path of their
learning. This model is characterized by a flexible learning environment in which
students typically work on customized online platforms, with face-to-face support
available from teachers as needed. Teachers act more as coaches, providing guidance
and support rather than direct instruction.

6. Individual rotation model

Unlike the more generalized rotation models that move all students through a fixed
set of learning stations or activities, the individual rotation model allows students to
rotate through stations or activities according to a personalized schedule set by a
teacher. This schedule is based on the student’s learning progress, needs, and
preferences, ensuring that each student engages only with the material that is
relevant to them.

What is the best model?

Choosing the “best” blended learning model is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. For
example, the Rotation model might be ideal for younger learners or subjects that
benefit from hands-on activities, as it caters to various learning styles and keeps
students engaged by way of variety. On the other hand, the Flex model might be
better suited for older students or environments that aim to develop self-directed
learning and critical thinking skills.
Besides, the effectiveness of a model can be influenced by technological
infrastructure, teacher readiness, and student accessibility. For instance, in areas
with limited internet access, models that employ a lot of online components might
not be as effective as those that mostly involve in-person instruction. Similarly, the
success of any blended learning model depends on the teachers’ ability to integrate
technology into their teaching.
Ultimately, the “better” model is one that aligns with the learning goals, meets
learners’ needs, and is supported by the resources and infrastructure that are
available.
How to Launch Blended Learning in 5 Steps
Step 1: Set blended learning goals
Determine what goals and objectives you hope to fulfill through blended learning.
For example, you might want learners to become more involved and independent in
their education. Or you might wish to provide more collaborative opportunities for
students or employees to develop their social skills.
Step 2: Choose a blended learning model
Based on the goals you set, choose the learning model that aligns most closely with
your needs. You can opt for several types of blended learning, but be ready to
maintain each one over time. Note that different models might require various tools
and classroom designs.

Step 3: Get the right tools to create and deliver content

To launch the online part of blended learning, you’ll need special software. While
every company and academic institution has unique requirements, two tools will be
necessary for any of them: an authoring tool for creating online content and a
learning management system for distributing this content and tracking learner
progress and results.

Step 4: Redesign your learning environment

Depending on the blended learning model you choose, you might need to redesign
your classroom. Besides, make sure that the overall classroom design will motivate
students to engage in learning and keep them positive.
Step 5: Launch blended learning and be patient
Let your learners in – you’re ready! Now, your task is to organize and maintain the
learning process. And be patient. It will take at least a few weeks for blended learning
to show some results.