What Is Blended Learning?
Blended learning combines traditional in-person teaching with online learning to create a unique, modern learning experience.
The best thing about blended learning is that it allows both a structured environment while also allowing a learner to take control of their path. This means a person still gets formalized learning in some type of classroom situation. But, that person also completes an eLearning portion of their training on their own.
However, blended learning and online learning are different. While blended learning contains an online learning component, what makes it “blended” is that some sort of interpersonal interaction exists along with eLearning.
So if you think about it, you get the best of both worlds. Blended learning is effective because it shows learners information in a variety of forms. This makes it easier for learners to engage with the material. And when learners are engaged with the material, they find things easier to remember. This can be through infographics, videos, or audio pieces. That range of material helps reach a wide range of learner types, too.
Learners need to have a sense of ownership with eLearning material.
Learners need the ability to dictate things like when and where they take the course. Some people work better in a coffee shop than a classroom. Creating an online portion of a course helps learners because they can go at their own pace. And they can do it in their comfort zone.
Blended learning helps on the administrative side, too. Online assessments mean face-to-face time is focused on working through and applying concepts. Administrators can update online material quickly and easily for every learner all at once.
With a learning management system (LMS) you can pull reports and find out how learners progress through courses and material. You can even get a sense of what type of content resonates with learners, and further refine your content library and learning and development strategy.
