Blog

What is Blended Learning? Benefits, Types, Examples & More

These days, corporate training has improved tremendously over the years thanks to advanced technology. Blended learning is one of the ways to combine both traditional classroom learning and online learning. 

With blended learning, employees can access training materials and participate in interactive activities through various online platforms while still having the opportunity to receive face-to-face training from experts in the field. Below, we dive into the world of blending learning and how it can help take corporate training to the next level.

What is Blended Learning?

Blended learning is a kind of learning in which learners study using electronic and internet media as well as traditional face-to-face instruction. Blended learning is a fundamental change in education and corporate design by utilizing a combination of digital learning objects and active learning methods to improve learning outcomes. 

Blended learning is highly popular, especially post-pandemic, when global citizens start to realize the efficiency and possibility of combining face-to-face and online learning experiences.

Benefits of Blended Learning

Breaking down conventional teaching barriers with technology, blended learning certainly has a lot of benefits. Let’s look at some of the benefits of blended learning.

  • Learners have greater control over their learning

The usage of online instructional materials enhances the learner's capacity to create suitable learning goals and take responsibility for their own learning, which builds a skill that can be used for any topic. Learners in a blended learning approach can participate in the online component of class and review the materials from anywhere - as long as they have internet access. This allows them to work from any location.

  • Educators or instructors will be able to use their time wisely

The benefits of blended learning are not only for the learners. Blended learning also offers numerous benefits for educators and instructors. Typical face-to-face classes require teachers or instructors to devote time outside of class for administrative activities such as printing handouts and uploading attendance data. Many of those tasks can be automated by using technology offered in blended learning.

Blended learning allows instructors to spend more time helping students or employees absorb content and develop their abilities, as well as gaining more knowledge to design great classes.

  • Cost-effective

Blended learning lowers instructor fees and training materials that enable worldwide distance learning. You may reduce training expenses and increase the return on investment by utilizing blended learning. You can mix classroom training with pre-registered courses and organize online live training so that your learners are always up to date!

Types of Blended Learning

There are a few types of different models for promoting blended learning. Below, we discuss the five most frequent types of blended learning models:

  • The Flipped Classroom Model

As the name suggests, flipped classroom model is a learning model where the original learning framework is inverted into the flipped classroom blended learning model. Learners study new subjects at home before class, and in-class time is devoted to active learning and practicing newly gained skills.

Discussions, case studies, or project work can all be used to accomplish this. The instructor's role is to advise students by answering questions and assisting them in applying course topics.

  • Online Driver Model

This blended learning model is not difficult to comprehend and apply as its main component is online training. In this age of remote work, this model is becoming increasingly common. The Online Driver model mixes synchronous and asynchronous training. This technique enhances remote learning by allowing learner-instructor interaction via online platforms.

  • Face-to-Face Driver Model

The face-to-face driver blended learning approach is the most similar to traditional classroom training since the majority of the instruction takes place in a classroom environment under the supervision of an instructor. This method provides learners with customized, personalized assistance if they are having difficulty grasping new ideas or falling behind in the training program.

  • Rotation Model

The rotation model is a blended learning model that entails splitting a group of learners into smaller units to accomplish different sorts of activities at different stages in succession. It also involves an online and face-to-face learning approach that enables learners with various learning styles to get the most out of the instruction.

  • Flex Model

As its name suggests, this blended learning model provides learners with a flexible and personalized learning experience that is adapted to their unique requirements. Online and offline activities are both possible. 

Teachers or instructors are constantly on-site to teach and assist students as needed. Learners can customize the pathways and timetables they follow throughout the learning process with the flex model.

  • Individual Rotation Model

Learners proceed from one station to the next in the individual rotation model. But an individual path is determined by the teacher, instructor or a particular algorithm. 

Independent study, small groups, cooperation, teacher-led classes and individualized interventions are all examples of learning possibilities. Fixed timetables can be implemented whenever necessary in place of customized learning trips, and stations can be performed online or in person. Students and staff are only required to visit the stations on their agenda.

Source: https://edynamiclearning.com/5-effective-blended-learning-strategies/

 

Blended Learning in Corporate Training

The blended learning technique combines online autonomous study with virtual instructor-led learning. This technique will enable a business to provide online training more efficiently and cost-effectively than traditional single-method employee training.

Blended Learning Strategies in Corporate Training:

1. Formal training must be supplemented with online training

The online component of blended courses must improve the efficacy of on-the-job training. Blended learning allows you to repurpose existing training and information. This helps to embed the material in the trainees' minds for long-term retention.

2. Employees' feedback must be taken into account

It is critical to provide trainees with the chance to offer feedback on the success of a course as well as problems they experienced while finishing the course. Employee retention is shown by periodic online assessments, quizzes, and projects. Surveys are an excellent method to obtain feedback and enhance staff performance.

3. Organizations must plan the learners' path

Organizations should maintain short-term and long-term goals for their trainees' journeys in mind and sketch them out to keep them on top of their game. They must be realistic about the expected outcomes for blended learning students. This may be accomplished by developing a series of milestones that trainees must meet during the course and at the end.

Blended Learning in Education 

The increasing use of blended educational approaches has had an influence on education and brought to light a new teaching method. This teaching technique offers a distinct set of opportunities for students. The goal of its use is to make learning easier and more successful by providing students with an integrated learning experience that provides genuine value and meets their requirements.

Blended Learning Strategies in Education:

1. Apply the blended learning models

We have established the importance and the effectiveness of blended learning in the previous portion of this article, and applying those methods is the primary strategy of blended learning in Education. Let’s say you want to try applying The Flipped Classroom Model as it is popular among teachers and students. 

You will have to apply this model by 'flipping' the typical purpose of each learning area. As a result, students use their personal study time to examine course content and learn new topics. Then, they utilize class time to explore this knowledge, conduct exercises with the help of their teacher, and participate in group work and discussion.

2. Set up peer tutoring

Peer tutoring, a classic blended learning method, is an effective teaching practice in the correct classroom setting. Furthermore, teachers must deliberately pair students based on a variety of essential criteria such as personality, proficiency level, and readiness to engage and contribute.

Conclusion

Are you looking to implement blended learning in your corporate training? Gnowbe is the perfect platform that can provide what you’re looking for as it is a platform to build interactive microlearning course services easily!

Related Posts

Join our Community Newletter
Stay in the "Gnow" with upcoming events, feature updates, best practices and tips and tricks from experts in the industry.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.