Blended learning methods: Combining eLearning with other approaches

Since its inception, back in the 1990s, eLearning has changed the shape of how we teach and learn. Not only has it become one of the most embraced learning modalities; but it has also increased learning engagement, improved knowledge retention and transference, and enhanced L&D team effectiveness. However, eLearning, as a stand-alone learning intervention, isn’t ideal for all learning needs. Often, a blend of learning approaches, together with eLearning, is a more effective learning solution.

What is Blended Learning

Often, you’ll hear the terms “blended learning” and “hybrid learning” used interchangeably. While this substituted use is “technically” understandable, there is a difference – they are different (though somewhat similar) learning modalities. Hybrid learning allows learners to attend their courses in person, while also enabling them to learn remotely via eLearning. So, if a learner does not wish to participate in today’s lecture in person, he/she may stay at home, log on to a designated online resource, and attend the session along with other cohorts – albeit virtually. In addition, experiential learning may also factor into the hybrid learning experience.

Blended learning, on the other hand, incorporates the best of face-to-face learning and eLearning. It combines an array of learning approaches found in both those learning dimensions, comprising of eLearning and traditional teaching modalities, to deliver a fuller (compared to hybrid) range of learning experiences to participant learners. 

Because hybrid may not always fit every learner’s needs, blended learning, therefore, is a way to enhance the eLearning experience. And it does so by blending various (other) learning approaches, to create a continuum of highly effective learning modalities.

Understanding the Blended Learning Continuum

In understanding various methods and modalities used in blended learning, it’s important to focus on what “blended” means. In the context of this type of learning, the “blend” is a continuum of learning methods and approaches that, when combined, deliver an ideal mix of learning experiences to the learner. That mix might include:

• Fully online interactions, with no in-person, face-to-face learning
• Fully online learning, with optional face-to-face segments interwoven into the curriculum
• Significantly online delivery, with some mandated in-person interactions
• In-person learning only, using online lessons and labs
• Instructor-led delivery, with additional non-instructor-led online components
• Significantly face-to-face delivery, with some digital content delivered off-line (no online interactions required)

At its simplest, therefore, blended learning is the convergence of online (eLearning) and in-person (face-to-face) learning, through a continuum of other learning approaches. The blend of approaches depends on several factors, including the complexity of the learning matter, convenience of learners and instructors, accessibility of in-person infrastructure, and availability (affordability) of technologies to support that blend.

For instance, technology challenges may force a greater share of learning to occur offline, while lack of availability of in-person facilities might limit face-to-face sessions while delivering the bulk of learning via virtual, eLearning delivery methods. The complex subject matter, requiring hands-on labs and practical exercises might, on the other hand, split the continuum evenly between eLearning and in-person, instructor-led sessions. 

Why Choose Blended Learning?

Sometimes, in-person, face-to-face learning isn’t viable – for instance if learners can’t travel, or there are health/safety concerns. While a hybrid approach does offer an alternative – online/remote learning – it doesn’t offer the range of benefits that accrue to blended learners. Some of the reasons that organizations and employees choose blended learning include:

• Better Engagement: Because of the richer mix of teaching modalities, and a wider array of learning approaches that are blended together, learners tend to better engage with their learning environment and content
• Optimizes Instructor Time: Because of the varied delivery methods woven together into the curriculum, a blended learning session may proceed without significant instructor intervention. Teachers, trainers, and instructors may, therefore, spend their limited availability doing other productive work, like preparing for a new lesson or grading assessments
• Allows Self-paced Learning: Unlike a hybrid session, where learning occurs in tandem, both online and in-person, blended approaches make self-paced eLearning a reality. Learners may choose to learn at their own pace

These, and several other advantages, make blended learning more attractive than other learning modalities. And, for geographically dispersed corporate learners, or those located across multiple time zones, blended learning is the ideal choice.

Blended Learning Models to Consider

As noted previously, it is a blend of approaches used that gives blended learning its appeal. So, what types of popular blended learning models are there? Realistically, L&D teams can combine a range of approaches together, from among the list presented below, along with core eLearning, to build the model that works best for their audience:

• Face-to-Face: This is the traditional Instructor-led training (ILT) approach
• Rotation: Trainers segment the span of the course, and rotate the learning using various approaches, including face-to-face, the popular flipped classroom approach, in-person and/or online group collaboration
• Flex: In this approach, learners build personalized learning paths, and choose how and when they wish to learn
• Gamification: This approach combines eLearning with gameplay elements, such as levels, badges, points, and leaderboards
• Online Labs:  This component of a blended course can be consumed entirely online, and is ideal for mLearning or learning on the go
• Self-Blend: Trainers use supplemental content for self-learners – including videos, white papers, blogs, and PowerPoint presentations
• Online Driver: This approach envisions fully self-directed learning, with virtual instructor-led training (VILT) support offered via chats, email, or message boards

As we can see, this blend of learning approaches, when judiciously combined, extends the power of eLearning beyond most other learning models available today.

Blended Learning Best Practices

The art of combining eLearning, with other supporting learning approaches, isn’t about using technology to simply simultaneously deliver the same content online, as that which you deliver in person. Here are some best practices to consider when determining that “perfect blend” of teaching:

• Use a broader array of instructional materials
• Leverage technology to support your delivery
• Strengthen, don’t discard, traditional training approaches
• Consider a differentiated instruction approach – varying learning content based on a learner’s unique needs
• Vary tests, quizzes, and assessments so as not to make blended learning overly predictable
• Leverage social learning to blend peer learning into your training
• Follow responsive design, build for multiple OS/devices
• Foster (and mandate) group collaboration (e.g., projects outside the ‘regular’ learning sessions)

When knitted into a well-designed learning package, these best practices will make blended learning more engaging and deliver better learning outcomes.

Parting Thoughts

eLearning has indeed been a boom for learners and L&D professionals alike. However, relying on a purely-eLearning approach, to deliver learning content, isn’t a smart learning strategy. Some subject matter is extremely complex and requires other teaching methods to achieve knowledge transference. On the other hand, as we’ve seen during the recent health crisis, face-to-face learning might not always be possible.

L&D teams can use eLearning, in combination with several blended learning approaches, to develop powerful learning interventions. Not only does blended learning lend itself to delivering complex subject matter, but the array of teaching approaches available to instructors and trainers is far superior than those offered by other learning models. 

In my Instructional Design for ELearning program, I show you how to incorporate engaging activities and create instructionally sound blended learning solution for your learners.