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The meaning of blended learning. If you're a bit interested in teaching and (online) learning, you're probably familiar with the term 'blended learning' encountered. Then you will probably have noticed that this term is often given different meanings. That doesn't make it easier to really understand this concept. In this blog, we will therefore completely unravel the term blended learning.
What exactly is blended learning? And why should you know about it too?
The tricky thing about this term is that there are several common definitions. In its broadest sense, it is used to describe a mix between learning activities. Okay, so far so good, but that doesn't make us much wiser.
If you browse the internet a little longer, you'll notice that the term is usually used to describe a learning journey, where the mix takes one of the following meanings:
Well, of course, you still don't know where you really stand if someone wants to sell you blended training. At best, you know that the learning process consists of a mix between 'something' and 'something', as the name suggests ;-)
In practice, the first two interpretations of the term blended learning are probably the most common. Let's take a closer look at them.
For more blended learning examples please refer to our other blog post!
It is no surprise that learning trajectories can take place offline (i.e. physical, with face-to-face contact) and online. Physical learning takes place in the classroom or in a training room. This is the most traditional form of education, where a trainer or teacher teaches a group of people something. In addition, a learning process can also take place entirely online. This could be, for example, an e-learning, where a student takes in the subject matter at their own pace and regardless of location.
But there is a happy medium between physical learning and online learning. And that happy medium is therefore called blended learning. You combine independent, online learning with physical learning activities, where educational interactions can take place between participants.
Did you know that even our current Prime Minister Mark Rutte long ago dedicated an article to the power of blended learning? In it, he describes blended learning as “a combination of campus education and e-learning”. So here he seems to be referring to the offline online definition of blended learning.
The advantage of a mix between offline and online is that students can learn very flexibly. This is because you can follow an e-learning at your own pace and at any location where there is only an internet connection. By combining this with physical learning activities, where students meet on location, you ensure that there is still enough space to learn from and with each other.
By the way, online contact with your students can take place via a platform that has been specially built for this, such as the blended learning software by Pluvo.
But, you might think, personal interaction doesn't always have to take place physically, right? And you are right, of course. The second definition of blended learning that you see a lot is therefore a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning activities.
Synchronous activities are learning activities that take place at a specific time, where participants are present at the same time and where direct interaction is possible. So that does not necessarily have to be at a location. After all, if your participants all check in at the same time via a Zoom meeting and share knowledge with each other, that is also a form of learning in interaction.
It can already be guessed that asynchronous activities learning activities are where participants learn at their own chosen time. By the way, asynchronous activity still allows interaction, but there is a significant delay between sending and receiving messages. For example, a discussion forum in a learning platform.
This interpretation of the term blended learning is, for example, cited by Joitske Hulsebosch and Sibrenne Wagenaar in the book “Blended learning to design”. They define it as follows:
”Blended learning is an efficient, effective and attractive mix of learning activities, where participants actively work with learning content in different learning environments. They do this individually and in interaction with each other and with experts, supported by technology. This mix consists of moments where everyone sees each other (online) (synchronous) and activities that can be planned themselves (asynchronous).”
So they see blended learning as a mix of learning activities where everyone sees each other and learning activities that can be planned themselves. Both are supported by technology in their implementation. In this approach to blended learning So interaction does not necessarily mean being physically present in the same place (i.e. offline learning), but participating in the learning activity at the same time.
Well, blended learning therefore has several definitions. And that is also how we think about it. Blended learning is a broad concept that can include all kinds of didactic learning, as long as the learning form consists of a combination of one with the other. And so long as you use different didactic strategies.
Okay, now we have a good idea of what blended learning is. But why is there so much talk about it in the educational world?
Why is blended learning so effective?
The short answer: because blended education is incredibly effective in teaching people something!
By applying blended learning, you combine the best of both worlds. You give your students the freedom to go through the course material at their own pace, but you don't let them flounder on their own. And a big advantage is that the time in the classroom - or at least the time your students spend together - is spent much more effectively, because the material has already been reviewed beforehand and can also be consulted afterwards.
Blended learning also creates variety. Create e-learning by yourself for days? Mehh. But long, mandatory training days are no fun for most people either. So combine them. Provide versatile learning paths, where the student sometimes watches an inspiring video, then works on an assignment and another time discusses with fellow students.
Curious about other effective learning methods? Then also read about the advantages and disadvantages of a flipped classroom.
The learning platform of Pluvo is extremely suitable for facilitating blended learning processes. In addition, our e-learning experts are happy to help you set up your training courses. They know better than anyone how to apply the power of a blended approach, so that your students' learning efficiency goes through the roof!
Have you become curious about the blended learning software from Pluvo? Then take a quick look.
As an educational expert specialising in online learning, I have been writing blogs for Pluvo for 5 years. My focus is on powerful learning solutions for organisations. Universal Design for Learning and inclusive learning are my passion; I believe that education should be accessible and fun for everyone.
I've been combining my 35 years of HR experience with copywriting for over 15 years. And even then, I learn new things over and over again. That's what makes writing blogs for Pluvo so incredibly interesting!
