Blended Learning
What Is Blended Learning?
"blended learning" was initially vague; wide variety of
technologies and pedagogical methods in varying combinations
In 2006, the term became more concrete with the publication of the
first Handbook of Blended Learning by Bonk and Graham.
combines best of– traditional face-to-face learning and eLearning –
to meet the evolving needs of modern learners.
takes learning outside the walls of the classroom, making it
possible to access resources both online and offline.
helps engage all types of learners
both those who learn better in a traditional classroom environment
as well as those who work best with semi-autonomous, computer-
based training
classroom learning opportunity for immediate face-to-face
interaction
online learning self-paced learning + interactive media (games,
videos, tutorials, quizzes) via learning management system (LMS)
The definition of blended learning is a formal education program
in which a student learns:
at least in part through online learning, with some element of
student control over time, place, path, and/or pace;
at least in part in a supervised brick-and-mortar location away from
home;
and the modalities along each student’s learning path within a
course or subject are connected to provide an integrated learning
experience.
The 4 Key Elements of Blended
Learning
Face to Digital Student Integrated
Face Learning Control Learning
• Part of the • Part of the • Pace • face to face +
learning must learning must • Place digital lessons
be face to be online or • Path > aligned to
face digital (video • Time of their common
text website learning learning goals
audio) > connected
and
interdependen
t
Types of Blended Learning Models
1. Flipped model
traditional classroom instruction is inverted
Learners first encounter the instructional content outside of class,
typically through video lectures, readings, or online modules
Then, in-class time is dedicated to active learning activities,
discussions, group projects, and exercises that reinforce and apply
the pre-learned material
The flipped model allows for more personalized and interactive
learning during face-to-face sessions and provides students with
the flexibility to learn at their own pace
Benefits and drawbacks
requires more instructor time and energy than some of the other
models
but it can be extremely effective for learners who need more
extrinsic motivation, or are earlier in their specific roles/career
model mirrors a traditional classroom in many ways, it can also be
a good option for those who are less technically adept
2. Face-to-face driver model
closest to traditional classroom training, as most of the training
takes place in a classroom setting under the guidance of an
instructor
offers individual, personalized support to learners who are
struggling to grab the new concepts or are falling behind the
training curriculum
Benefits and drawbacks
The flipped model is another option for a learning cohort that
would benefit from active, live classroom instruction, and thus it
also requires more instructor time and energy. What proponents of
the flipped model appreciate, however, is that it has the potential to
increase the level of preparedness and interaction among learners.
3. Rotational model
learners rotate between different learning modalities, such as face-
to-face instruction, online activities, small-group discussions, and
independent study
rotations can be on a fixed schedule (e.g., daily or weekly) or
based on learners’ progress
offers flexibility and caters to various learning styles, allowing
learners to work in the way that best suits their needs at a particular
time
Benefits and drawbacks
can be highly effective for learners that prefer different learning
experiences
they get a combination of self-guided and instructor-led learning
will be able to make the most of their preferred method of
instruction
rotation model can be demanding
4. Flex model
provides learners with significant autonomy and control over their
learning path
combines online learning with in-person support as needed
learners have the flexibility to choose when and where they access
online content and resources, making it suitable for self-paced
learning
Instructors are available to assist learners when required, helping
them navigate through the material and address any challenges
Benefits and drawbacks
great for self-motivated learners who understand (or are willing to
experiment with) how different instructional methods impact their
learning
downside: instructors must be “on call”
unmotivated learners may simply stick with the method of
instruction that is most familiar to them, or seems the easiest or
fastest, rather than embracing the personalization this learning
model offers.
5. Enriched virtual model
primarily an online learning experience with periodic face-to-face
sessions
Most of the learning occurs in a virtual environment, but learners
attend physical classes, or workshops at designated times for
hands-on activities, assessments, or collaborative projects
combines the flexibility of online learning with the benefits of in-
person interaction, ensuring learners receive both individualized
instruction and opportunities for group engagement.
Benefits and drawbacks
can be great for self-motivated learners that appreciate autonomous
learning
option to interface with the instructor, they enjoy the balance
between feeling supported, without feeling hindered by mandatory
live instruction at a set date and time
Blended-Learning Models
Whole
Statio
- Hybrid
n Playlis
Group Cours
Rotati ts
Rotati es
on
on
Whole-Group Rotation
entire class rotates between face-to-face and online learning at the
same time
students might all participate in a full-class, face-to-face activity
together, and when the class is finished, be directed to
simultaneously take out their digital devices and log in to an
eLearning website.
Station Rotation
students rotate in small groups through a series of stations
commonly facilitated within a physical classroom by having some
stations feature online learning and some offline learning
one station is a meeting with the teacher
Playlists
an individualized checklist of tasks or activities to complete
Within this checklist, students can make choices to personalize the
learning in some way
Sometimes, the teacher customizes the playlist for individual
students, and students may sometimes choose from options that are
offered
Hybrid Courses
usually happen at the institutional level, rather than the individual-
classroom level
students attend school in the physical classroom on some days, and
then learn remotely on other days
Benefits of blended Learning
Great for the non-technology fans
Some people in the education sector are not big fans of technology,
even though they recognize its benefits. Also, some employees and
customers might not like it either, mostly when they are already
used to face-to-face training.
Learners get a personal experience
using quizzes and tests online, trainers can see who is struggling
and who is performing well
a collaborative environment, and opens the door for greater
participation.
Benefits of blended Learning
In class, they can focus their attention more on learners’ needs,
strengths, and weaknesses
The time in class is better utilized, can foster
Increases engagement
takes advantage of various types of learning materials:
infographics, pictures, videos, tables, graphs, and more
makes it easier to focus, absorb, and internalize the information we
learn more easily
Improves experiences
Benefits of blended Learning
Learning is fun
combines traditional learning and interactive materials
allows providing learners with interactive material wherever,
whatever the topic they are learning about
learners are empowered and don’t just have more fun
have more control as well!
Benefits of blended Learning
Online training and LMS play a big role in blended learning
If one learner is behind the rest of the group, the teacher can take
action to prevent them from slipping too far behind
Teachers can reach learners privately and give suggestions on how
to improve
If necessary, they can arrange one-to-one sessions learner is up to
speed.
Benefits of blended Learning
Learners can access content anytime, anywhere
gives learners access to learning content anytime, anywhere
Learners can access content on their own digital devices via
interactive teaching tools
can complete assignments, interact with teachers and receive
helpful feedback all from the comfort of their own homes.
Benefits of blended Learning
easier for teachers to see how learners are doing
great for learners + teachers
give teachers greater insight into how their learners are doing
offer real-time tracking options to see whether students are
engaging with the content and keeping on track with learning goals
see what’s working, so they can offer a more effective learning
experience
Benefits of blended Learning
Well-suited for large groups
helps to reach a larger audience in a shorter time
Better preparation and feedback
There is more time for useful discussions
blended learning makes traditional training more valuable
can come to class with the same knowledge level
more time for useful discussions and to practice what they have
learned
Benefits of blended Learning
Benefits of both in-person and virtual learning
Facilitates training feedback
Allows learners to learn at their own pace
Cuts costs and improves ROI
Disadvantages of blended learning
Temporary increase in the workload (transition phase)
Lack of motivation
Basic technology knowledge
Plagiarism and credibility problem
Thanks a
Lot!
