What is blended learning?

The concept of "blended learning" (German: "mixed learning") has been around for several decades, but it has only gained traction in recent years. Blended learning concepts are now being used in schools, universities and workplaces around the world. But what is the official meaning of blended learning, what are the benefits of blended learning, and is it something you should incorporate into your business or your life?

What is blended learning?

Blended learning is part of a new wave of hybridization that combines traditional methods with a high-tech approach, earning it the alternative name "hybrid learning." It is perhaps best understood in the context of hybrid work, with which we have all become very familiar in recent years.
Just as hybrid working combines high-tech online systems (including the desk sharing software Flexopus) with a traditional workplace, blended learning gives employees access to interactive online systems without eliminating the traditional classroom setting.

Blended learning is often associated with school classes. A good example of this is courses in which students are taught using traditional methods while also having access to interactive tests, games and instructional videos via tablets and computers. However, the possible applications extend far beyond the classroom. Many companies use blended learning to train their employees and ensure they are familiar with the latest regulations and industry best practices.

Blended learning is...

• an education system that combines traditional learning and e-learning
• useful for schools, universities and companies
• characterized by different models
• increasingly popular as educators strive for greater efficiency
• beneficial for both the student and the teacher

4 Blended Learning Examples

There are actually more than 4 types of blended learning, but there are typically 4 that people focus on, including:

1. The Flipped Classroom Concept

As the name suggests, the flipped classroom concept reverses the traditional learning structure. The employees begin the learning process remotely by, among other things, Use online courses, webinars, video conferences and online discussions. They then take part in courses where they can discuss what they have learned and complete exercises to consolidate what they have learned.

2. The rotation model

The rotation model incorporates aspects of all blended learning concepts and combines them to provide a comprehensive learning experience. For example, you can start with in-person learning before moving to classroom learning and then to online courses. Rotation can be based on a specific schedule or on the development of the employees.

3. The face-to-face driver model

The face-to-face learning model is closest to traditional learning and connects employees directly with trainers, often through video conferencing software. Because it's an individualized approach, it's more demanding for instructors and more beneficial for employees, making it ideal for employees who are behind or who need the kind of crash courses that personalized learning can provide.

4. The flexible model

The Flex model takes a more flexible approach to blended learning by giving employees the opportunity to determine the schedule. You have access to online education systems and personal support and can use them as needed. If they prefer a single approach, whether because they find they learn more or simply because it is easier to fit it into their schedule, they can devote more of their time to that aspect. As a result, they learn faster and with less resistance.

Advantages and disadvantages of blended learning

What are the advantages of blended learning? Are there any disadvantages? Well, this question is not so easy to answer. It depends largely on whether you approach the issue from the perspective of an employee or an employer, as well as on the type of model you use.
Overall, these are the main advantages and disadvantages of blended learning:

Advantages:

• Combines the best of traditional learning and e-learning
• Considers the needs of employees who may struggle in a traditional learning environment
• It can be tailored to the needs of employees and adapted to the goals of the organization
• Combines various learning strategies (including visual and auditory) to improve knowledge retention
• Reduces the company's training costs
• Promotes feedback on training courses and thus facilitates course adaptation
• Allows employees to learn at their own pace
• Offers a degree of flexibility for all involved

Disadvantages:

• It can be more difficult to organize than traditional educational programs
• There may be technical problems that interrupt the progress of employees
• There is less social interaction, which can hinder the team's bonding .

How you as an employer can promote blended learning

There are clearly more advantages to blended learning than disadvantages. So, if you've decided it's a good fit for your company, how do you convince your employees to participate?
Here are some tips that can help you:

• Take a step-by-step approach and introduce them to the concept gradually.
• Provide them with e-learning and let them decide when they want to use it.
• Encourage employees who use e-learning to talk about their experiences.
• Listen to every criticism and use it to adapt your systems and overall concept.
• Support your employees in using the software and adhering to their schedules
• Offer IT support when needed.