This blog article was written prior to LEO Learning becoming part of GP Strategies.
Blended learning has become widespread in successful organizations. In fact, Training Magazine’s 2023 Training Industry Report revealed that the companies surveyed delivered 32% of their total training hours using blended learning techniques.
But what exactly do we mean when we say blended learning? And what are the unique benefits of a blended learning approach? In this guide, we’ll introduce the basics of blended learning and discuss what organizations may have to gain by combining face-to-face training with eLearning.
What is Blended Learning?
At its core, blended learning is an approach to training that combines both traditional face-to-face instruction with eLearning methods. The aim of a blended learning strategy, then, is to leverage the strengths of both digital and in-person methods of instruction to deliver a more diversified and effective learning or training experience.
Blended Learning vs. eLearning: Understanding the Differences
eLearning is often used interchangeably with online learning, which is not entirely accurate. While most eLearning today is delivered online, it can be an offline experience too. Typically, eLearning is delivered through computers, tablets, or smartphones. eLearning is one component of a blended learning strategy, which is made up of a mixture of face-to-face and eLearning methods.
The Components of a Blended Learning Course
With their mix of offline and online formats, blended learning courses typically offer a series of self-study and guided learning activities. A typical blend might include the following types of blended learning activities:
- eLearning
- Video demonstrations
- Animated process overviews
- Face-to-face workshops
- Scenarios (digital or offline)
- Workbooks (digital or offline)
- Podcasts
- Simulations
- Online forums
Key Benefits of a Blended Learning Approach
The Strengths of Face-to-Face Training
Face-to-face training, with its emphasis on human interaction, offers some clear advantages:
- It allows learners to raise queries in the moment.
- It enables learners to spend time with peers.
- Learners can actively practice, collaborate, or compete while receiving guidance from an experienced facilitator.
However, one significant downside to face-to-face learning is the cost of delivering it: venue booking, the costs for a trainer, food and drink, plus, the need for a person or persons to administer the course. Because of these challenges, classroom learning tends to consist of occasional, one-off events, which can be long and risk presenting learners with too much to take in and retain.
To make matters worse, when learners don’t use their new skills for a while, they are likely to forget them before being able to apply them. This is known as the Forgetting Curve. Learners often come away from workshops with notes, but in many cases need more guidance and support to help maintain and apply their learning.
The Benefits of Introducing eLearning
Supplementing face-to-face training with eLearning methods can help offset the downsides of face-to-face learning, while providing additional benefits such as:
- Efficient information delivery – in a well-designed blend, initial underpinning information can be more efficiently delivered via eLearning, which can incorporate highly engaging formats such as video and animation.
- That underpinning information can be delivered in a way which is “bite-sized” (also known as microlearning) which makes it easier for people to fit it into their working day.
- Learners can move at their own pace, rather than the pace of the group and they can decide when and where to engage with online activities.
- Learners are also given a structure, pathway, and some deadlines, so they aren’t left to plan and design their own learning.
- Rewinding and repeating content can clarify anything not immediately understood, which also helps to combat the Forgetting Curve.
- Increased interaction – online forums and virtual classrooms allow for more interaction between people who cannot meet face-to-face.
- New technologies and approaches – new ways of interacting, such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and learning games can allow learners to gain experience and practice in new ways. A good example of this is practicing for rare situations and events in realistic environments.
Why Blended Learning Offers the Best of Both Worlds
When it comes to sustained learning programs—those that take place over time—a blended learning strategy can offer several benefits, such as:
- Learning that is both cost-effective and more effective at reaching larger numbers of learners in remote areas.
- Learning that supports shorter, structured practice that takes place over a longer period of time.
- A balance between combining a clear structure and pathway with flexibility about where and when to engage with many of the individual learning activities.
- Interaction with subject matter experts (SMEs); asking questions or discussing new concepts is often a key factor in mastering a subject.
- Increased interaction with peers, which enables people to learn through collaboration and discussion.
Blended Learning Meets the Needs of Both the Learner and the Organization
Blended learning effectively integrates the best aspects of face-to-face training and eLearning, creating a balanced approach that leverages the strengths of both methods. By combining the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of digital learning with the interactive and personalized nature of in-person instruction, organizations can offer a comprehensive learning experience that enhances retention, engagement, and practical application.
Find out how to apply a blended learning strategy to drive more effective learning in your organization.
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