Blended learning: 4 examples to learn from!

Blended learning examples

Blended learning is ideal if you are already familiar with classroom-based, synchronous learning, but are also considering using e-learning. A blended design is the perfect mix of learning together in the classroom and learning independently outside of it. This combination gives you the opportunity to gradually transition to e-learning without having to go all-in right away.

In this blog, we will provide a number of blended learning examples that inspire us tremendously. To get the most out of this, it is important that you first fully understand what we mean by the term "blended learning."

Be sure to check out our latest free tool: the E-learning Needs Scan. Answer the questions in under 10 minutes and receive a personalized advice report, written by our own e-learning experts.

‍Blended learning definition

Blended learning means “a mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning methods, with the goal of creating an effective learning environment for students.”

In education, a distinction is often made between two different learning methods:

1. The traditional learning method (classroom education)
2. The revolutionary learning method (e-learning)

Both have pros and cons, which is why they reinforce each other. When you combine them, they bring out the best in one another. And that is exactly what happens with a blended learning design. Moreover, blended learning is a perfect stepping stone for anyone who wants to transition to a digital form of teaching. Sometimes trainers or educators are afraid that they will lose contact with their students as soon as they start using e-learning. In addition, many people lack confidence in their computer skills. By introducing blended learning, you can safely test whether these concerns are real—and whether they actually detract from the learning outcomes your students achieve. Or perhaps they don't! ;-)

Why blended learning?

The effectiveness of blended learning has become very clear in recent years. Blended learning has a number of positive effects on the learning process of participants or students. It would be a missed opportunity not to let 'the best of both worlds' merge together!

1. Variety leads to more engagement.

Not everyone enjoys reading a thick textbook endlessly. In that case, a video or a podcast can be a relief and provide new energy to keep going! A versatile learning path is always more interesting, isn't it?

2. Blended learning gives the student autonomy.

Everyone has a favorite way of learning, and for many, that is different. As an educator, you will surely recognize that. Blended learning gives students the ability to consult course material at any time, without being tied to a fixed schedule. Students can review the material beforehand and consult it again afterward. This makes time in the classroom much more effective.

3. Keeping a finger on the pulse.

Blended learning makes it easier to monitor the learning process of students. It is recommended to use the right blended learning software for this. It provides insight into how students are progressing and how active they are. In addition, blended learning offers the possibility to apply different ways of testing, such as a quiz or self-assessment. The trainer can change the course material in the meantime, for example, if the statistics show that adjustments are needed.

4. It is the solution when offline teaching is not possible.

Are offline learning methods simply not possible due to COVID-19? Blended learning offers the solution! It provides endless possibilities and creative solutions, especially when there is no option to teach offline. More and more trainers have started implementing more online interventions over the past year (out of necessity), and we are lucky that this possibility exists.

Plenty of reasons, then, to discuss a number of accessible examples in this blog that will allow you to apply blended learning yourself. This way, online learning can be introduced in small, manageable steps.

The fact that it is good to take small steps is also reflected in another form of learning, namely microlearning.

3 inspiring examples of blended learning

Blended learning sounds like a new, trendy concept. Mixing different learning methods may be completely new to you, but you might already be using it more often than you think. The situations below are already considered examples of blended learning. It is purely about the student learning through synchronous learning interventions, alternated with asynchronous learning interventions.

Do students read an article online before the start of a classroom session? Then the 'online' element has already snuck in. Does one of the participants write a blog about a presentation you gave? Then this participant has (perhaps unconsciously) applied a blended learning technique.

Example #1 Adding variety to preparation

The first example of applying blended learning relates to lesson preparation. Have your students prepare for your classroom lesson online (or vice versa, of course).

For example, a student can first follow an online e-learning module that covers the theory before the classroom lesson on the subject takes place. In addition, the student can do other preparatory online activities, such as:

• reading an article;
• watching a video;
• or doing online research.

Subsequently, knowledge from the online portion is translated into practical activities during the classroom part of the program. You might also recognize this principle as something called a flipped classroom. Here, you ensure that your classroom lessons become more interactive by having your students prepare for the lesson at home. This allows you to devote more attention to interactive, practice-oriented assignments during the lesson itself.

For example, the student can read an article about conversational skills online and watch videos on how to conduct conversations. In this case, it is ideal to put the acquired knowledge into practice during the classroom lesson, for example by physically practicing having conversations.

Learn all about e-learning, download the free e-book 'E-learning Essentials'

Example #2 Seeking online depth

The material that was covered in the classroom is further explored online in this combination of learning methods.

Students can do this online in the following ways:
• Researching the subject further themselves;
• Watching video material;
• Taking an online test;
• Reading an article or blog about the subject.

In addition, for example, gamification can serve as a suitable (and fun) tool to test and practice knowledge in a virtual reality.

Example #3 Alternating online and offline learning methods ‍

This learning mix regularly alternates between online and offline forms and integrates both into the learning journey. It is not important to follow a specific order here. Below you will see a number of online applications that can be a perfect addition to an offline program.

1. Online brainstorming

For instance, online brainstorming can be a good application of blended learning. This is an excellent way to keep your finger on the pulse. It allows you to discover how far your students have progressed, what questions are on their minds, and which concepts they want to explore further. There are various online brainstorming tools available. The results clearly show the outcomes of the brainstorming session and what you, as a trainer, can do with them, for example. A great way to incorporate into your learning mix!

2. Online quizzes

Using online quizzes is a handy tool for gauging learning progress. Quizzes already exist for many topics, but you can also easily create one yourself.

3. Online community

Setting up a Facebook group or another form of online community is an ideal way to maintain connections within a study group, even outside the classroom. Students can brainstorm about course materials, share interesting resources (videos, articles), and ask questions. This is an informal way for students to communicate with each other and the trainer.

4. Writing a blog

Writing a blog is an effective exercise for reflection in e-learning. Did the learning methods achieve the desired effect? Through a blog, students can reflect on what they have learned. The instructor can also use it to summarize learning materials, look ahead, or encourage students to philosophize or read/work ahead.

Designing your own blended learning?

After reading this blog, you might be excited to get started with a blended learning design yourself. But how do you approach this? Start, for example, by creating an online course! And publish it using the right blended learning software, such as Pluvo.

Are you curious about implementing blended learning in your training program? Pluvo is happy to help you explore the possibilities!