What is Blended Learning? (+Types, Benefits & Tools in 2024)

“Learning is not just a one-time event; it is an ongoing process.”

Let’s illustrate this: In the image below,

See how a single training event may initially boost employees' learning, but soon, the forgetting curve kicks in, and the training is often lost.

But, by strategically intertwining various approaches such as refresher training, coaching, feedback loops, and performance support, the graph of learning ascends, and training becomes truly effective.

To build such a successful training program, a blended learning approach is required.

Why? Because it strategically maps out a continuous learning process, ultimately bringing success to your training initiatives.

In this blog, we'll explore in detail:

• What is Blended Learning?
• Benefits of Blended Learning
• Core Components of Blended Learning
• Types of Blended Learning
• How to Implement Blended Learning in Your Training Programs
• 5 Best Blended Learning Tools Worth Checking Out (2024)

Without further ado, let's begin!

What is Blended Learning?

Blended learning combines the best of traditional classroom instruction with online learning. It allows your learners to interact face-to-face with trainers and relevant stakeholders while also allowing them to access digital resources on the go.

This combination boosts knowledge retention by allowing employees to practice and apply what they learn online. Plus, it also broadens their understanding of complex topics through interactive exercises and multimedia content.

Benefits of Blended Learning

- Makes Knowledge Stick

Blended learning acts like training glue. It helps your learners solidify their understanding and retain information.

This happens due to combining theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom with practical application through online exercises, activities, or simulations.

- Tailors Learning For Each Employee

Incorporating blended learning means abandoning the one-size-fits-all approach, allowing personalizing learning experiences for each learner.

They can access online resources at their preferred pace, review challenging concepts, and select training activities, which allows them to be flexible.

- Helps Trainers Achieve Training Goals

When offering training programs, you anticipate certain improvements or set Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for learners. These might include Time to Proficiency or Training Completion Rate.

The use of blended learning (which includes multimedia content and interactive quizzes) enables trainers to keep their employees engaged and accelerates the achievement of all their desired outcomes.

- Empowers Your Workforce For The Future

As the ‘digital’ aspect is paramount in blended learning, your employees must be comfortable and confident using technology. Such training initiatives will encourage your workforce to build the essential digital proficiency they need to thrive in their careers.

From navigating online learning platforms to collaborating virtually and using technology for everyday tasks, they’ll gain a significant advantage.

Core components of Blended Learning

You can only call your learning strategy blended if it has these two components:

1. Face-to-Face Instruction/Learning

It should involve a team of instructors, trainers, and stakeholders who communicate face-to-face with learners on a fixed schedule.

Blended learning allows trainers to add a human touch to their learning strategy. This further gives employees a chance to develop overall learning agility.

2. Digital or Online Instruction/Learning

Ideally, learners should be able to perform their tasks individually. Online learning, a major component of blended learning, grants learners this self-sufficiency.

When remote or on-site employees can access interactive content, multimedia materials, and self-paced modules, they can learn independently. They can revisit concepts as they like, making their learning flexible.  

Note that in a quality blended learning experience, the content and activities of both (in-person and online learning) are integrated to work towards the same learning objectives.

Types of Blended Learning

Understanding these different types of blended learning models can help corporate training professionals design and implement effective training programs that cater to learners' diverse needs and preferences while maximizing learning outcomes.

1. Rotation Model

• Structure: Employees rotate between different learning stations focused on specific activities or topics.
• Delivery: In-person, with the instructor facilitating activities at each station.
• Benefits: Caters to individual learner’s needs, provides opportunities for collaboration, and keeps trainees engaged.
• Drawbacks: Requires more planning and coordination to set up different stations.
• Example: In sales, this can mean reps practicing their pitch with a role-playing exercise facilitated by the instructor and learning through a group discussion analyzing successful sales strategies.

2. Flex Model

• Structure: Offers a blend of online modules and in-person sessions, with some flexibility in when and where employees complete the online modules.
• Delivery: Blend of online and in-person; online modules can be asynchronous, while in-person sessions are synchronous.
• Benefits: Offers employees more control over their learning pace, allows personalized learning paths, and provides opportunities for focused in-person discussions and collaboration.
• Drawbacks: Additional resources may be required to develop online modules.
• Example: A leadership development program can include online modules on communication and delegation, completed independently, alongside weekly in-person workshops for practicing these skills through peer feedback.

3. A La Carte Model

• Structure: Employees create a personalized learning plan with a mix of online courses, instructor-led sessions, and other resources.
• Delivery: A blend of online and in-person or instructor-led; depending on the resources chosen, it can be asynchronous or synchronous.
• Benefits: Highly customizable learning experience that caters to individual strengths and weaknesses, ideal for self-directed learners
• Drawbacks: Requires more upfront work for employees to create a learning plan and may not be suitable for all learners.
• Example: A marketing training program could allow an employee to choose from various online courses on content marketing, social media marketing, or email marketing based on their area of focus. They could also have one-on-one mentoring sessions with a senior marketing professional for personalized coaching.

4. Enriched Virtual Model

• Structure: It combines online learning activities with real-world simulations or scenarios an instructor facilitates through videoconferencing and virtual collaboration tools.
• Delivery: Blend of online and virtual; online modules are asynchronous, while virtual sessions are synchronous.
• Benefits: It provides access to simulations and virtual environments that might not be feasible in a traditional training setting. It enables online learning with practical application and instructor guidance in real-time. It offers flexibility regarding location and schedule.
• Drawbacks: Requires investment in virtual reality or simulation technology and may not be suitable for all types of training.
• Example:  L&D managers can facilitate online forums, virtual breakout rooms, or collaborative document editing tools to encourage interaction and knowledge sharing among participants, even when they are not physically together

5. Flipped Classroom Model

• Structure: Employees gain foundational knowledge through pre-recorded lectures, videos, or online modules outside training hours. Work time is then dedicated to applying that knowledge.
• Delivery: Blend of online and in-person; online modules are asynchronous, while in-person sessions are synchronous.
• Benefits: This encourages active learning and allows instructors to personalize training initiatives based on employee needs.
• Drawbacks: Requires additional time for employees to complete online modules before attending classroom sessions.
• Example:  L&D managers can facilitate online forums, virtual breakout rooms, or collaborative document editing tools to encourage interaction and knowledge sharing among participants, even when they are not physically together.

Remember – All these types combine online learning with in-person elements, but they differ in the way they structure the learning experience.

How to Implement Blended Learning in Your Training Program

To help you navigate the blended learning process, here are steps A, B, and C:

A. Planning and Design:

• Know Your End Goal: Begin by clearly defining what you want your learners to achieve. This roadmap, known as learning objectives, will guide the entire program and ensure you're on the right track.
• Identify Your Learners:  Understanding your target audience helps you set the tone for the learning course. This means you can consider their prior knowledge, learning styles, and technological limitations, if any. Tailoring the content to their needs will mean a more engaging and effective learning experience.
• Mapping the Journey: Once you know your end goal and learners, you can choose the best content delivery methods. This might involve a combination of online modules, interactive videos, simulations, or even traditional classroom sessions. Make sure to integrate these elements with planning & precision.

B. Tools and Technologies:

1. Learning Management System (LMS): Your LMS acts as a central hub, storing and delivering training materials, tracking learner progress, and providing essential reporting. This allows you to manage your program efficiently and monitor its effectiveness.
2. Video Conferencing Platforms: These tools facilitate real-time interaction and collaboration. Trainers can conduct live sessions, answer questions, and foster valuable discussions that enhance learning and build a sense of community among participants.
3. Collaborative Learning Tools: Unleash the power of teamwork! Platforms like online forums and wikis enable knowledge sharing, peer-to-peer learning, and collaborative problem-solving, enriching the learning experience and fostering a supportive learning environment.
4. Microlearning Tools: Delivering information in short, focused bursts makes learning more manageable and engaging. Microlearning tools allow you to create bite-sized learning modules catering to shorter attention spans and busy schedules, fostering better knowledge retention.
5. Digital Adoption Platforms (DAPs): DAPs are a powerful tool for blended learning. These in-app training tools provide real-time guidance within any software your employees use. Walkthroughs and how-to articles make them self-sufficient. They can learn processes within the application at their own pace. This reduces IT support tickets, freeing them up for more complex issues.

C. Evaluation and Feedback:

The journey doesn't end with delivery. Measuring learning outcomes and employee satisfaction is crucial to gauge the program's effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

Use surveys, focus groups, and assessments to gather valuable feedback and ensure your blended learning program continues to evolve and meet the needs of your learners.

5 Best Blended Learning Tools Worth Checking Out

1. Gyde

Gyde empowers enterprises to implement a blended learning approach for software training that is tailored, accessible, and impactful for learners across the organization.

Let’s assume you're introducing a new POS system to your team, and (of course) you want to speed up the application learning curve for your employees. Gyde steps in as the central learning core, integrating seamlessly with your new application.

With Gyde, your POS system gets multimedia help content, including step-by-step walkthroughs, informative videos, and comprehensive FAQ pages.

These resources are available on-demand, meaning your employees can access them precisely when they need assistance while navigating the tasks on the POS system.

Added Benefit for Globally Distributed Workforce: Gyde supports diverse language preferences, ensuring all learners can access and understand help resources.

Features

• Audiovisual Walkthroughs - Your employees can seamlessly navigate and ace application usage through screen popups and callouts in the form of these step-by-step instructions.
  
• Bite-sized Videos - You can also make way for learners to receive short process videos to watch in real time. This eliminates the need for employees to keep referring to slideshows in separate tabs in order to navigate the app.

• Contextual Help Articles - Beyond process-related information, new application learners find mini-help articles incredibly convenient. For instance, new hires searching for yearly holidays or other such basic queries on their HRMS system can locate it in Gyde, slashing the need to raise support tickets.
  
• In-app Assessments - Evaluate how well an application process is understood by triggering quick assessments right after an employee has completed a walkthrough. By identifying areas needing additional support, you can personalize training plans accordingly.
  
• Comprehensive Analytics - See how many learners are viewing your help articles and walkthroughs, and identify any steps where they get stuck. By tracking walkthrough completion rates over time, you can make updates to the training content.

Ratings & Reviews

Capterra Ratings - 5 stars out of 5

One of their customers, Pooja H., a manager at an insurance company, mentioned the reasons for choosing Gyde:

“Because it is inbuilt in the system while using the system, users can get help from walk-throughs and videos. It is very useful and user-friendly software. Value adds the new user to understand the system navigation.”

Pricing

Gyde offers pricing personalized to your organization's needs, making blended learning more affordable. Book a demo today to find the perfect fit!

2. Docebo

Docebo is a cloud-based Learning Management System (LMS) that organizations can leverage to deliver and track various training programs, including those encompassing blended learning approaches.

Features

• Content Management System (CMS): Create and manage various learning materials, including SCORM-compliant eLearning modules, documents, videos, and assessments.
• Integrations: Connect Docebo with various external applications like single sign-on (SSO) systems, video conferencing platforms, and HR management systems.
• xAPI Compliance: Capture detailed learner data using the Experience API (xAPI) for in-depth learning analytics and personalization.
• Learning Analytics: Track learner progress, engagement, and completion rates for various learning materials and programs.

Ratings & Reviews

Capterra Ratings - 4.3 stars out of 5

Here’s a review by Steven, Operation Manager in US

“As a growing company in the Extended Enterprise market, they are willing to work closely with their customers to understand their use case and learn. This is big for us as we're willing to assist them and see them become a top-tier vendor for EXE. They have allowed us to consolidate from 6 LMSs to 1, which has led to overall savings.”

Pricing

Docebo doesn't display its pricing on its website. However, they suggest their pricing best suits L&D (Learning and Development) projects with at least 300+ learners. These learners could include customers, partners, and employees combined.

3. Talent LMS

Talent LMS is a learning management system (LMS) that allows you to manage both online and offline learning within a single platform. This means you can create and deliver eLearning courses alongside scheduling and managing instructor-led training sessions.

Features

• Themable interface: You can customize the platform's look and feel using pre-made themes or even integrate your own custom CSS for a truly unique learning experience.
• Responsive design: The platform adapts seamlessly to any device, whether it's a desktop, tablet, or smartphone, ensuring an optimal learning experience across all platforms.
• Certifications: Manage and track learner certifications, including creating templates, setting expiry dates, and generating reports.
• Customization: White label the platform with your branding and personalize the learning experience.

Ratings & Reviews

Capterra Ratings - 4.7 stars out of 5

Here’s a review by Nick S., Product Marketing Specialist

“Talent LMS has continued to deploy regular quarterly updates which improve the features and usability of their product. They've maintained affordable pricing along the way, even when large updates have been added to the system. It's really easy for our learners to use and administration and reporting is pretty good.”

Pricing

TalentLMS offers a Premium plan starting at $459 monthly, billed annually. For enterprise needs, you'll need to request a quote. Additionally, TalentLMS provides a free forever plan that allows users to explore all its features.

4. LearnUpon

LearnUpon acts as a central hub for managing and delivering blended learning programs. It facilitates combining online learning materials with instructor-led sessions and offline resources, offering flexibility and valuable insights for effective training.

Features

• AI-driven Learning: You can generate concise summaries, quizzes, and scripts, craft captivating visuals and videos, translate content, and construct complete courses within seconds rather than weeks.
  
• Personalize learning environments: Portals allow you to customize your training approach for various target audiences, similar to managing multiple LMS platforms within a unified interface.
  
• User Administration: Seamlessly create user accounts by integrating your HRIS or CRM systems, automatically importing users into the LMS as they are added to other platforms.
  
• Automated email notifications: Keep learners informed about course assignments, deadlines, and progress.

Ratings & Reviews

Capterra Ratings - 4.8 stars out of 5

Here’s a review by Brandon, L&D Manager in the US,

“The experience of working with Sales to discover the details of the product and transitioning to an Onboarding Specialist was easy. In the Onboarding phase, we meet weekly to ensure that we meet the targets of our transition plan. I appreciate that when I do stumble and can't figure something out, the LearnUpon team is always very quick to assist.”

Pricing

LearnUpon offers three pricing plans: Essential, Premium, and Enterprise. To learn about their pricing, you'll need to book a demo. After the demo, you'll receive a personalized pricing quote tailored to your specific needs.

5. 360 Learning

360Learning is a collaborative LMS platform that facilitates hybrid learning, often used interchangeably with the term "blended learning." They advocate for a more modern and learner-centric approach to blended learning. Micro-learning modules, simulations, and social learning elements provide a 360-degree approach to learning.

Features

• Content creation tools: Anyone within the organization can easily create micro-learning modules, simulations, and other content, eliminating the need for solely relying on instructional designers.
• Learning paths: Instructors can design structured learning journeys that combine online modules with in-person activities and assessments.
• Analytics and reporting: The platform provides data on learner progress and engagement, allowing for continuous improvement of the learning experience.
• Collaborative Learning Academies: The platform supports knowledge sharing through "Academies," where employees can learn from each other and collaborate on projects.

Ratings & Reviews

Capterra Ratings - 4.7 stars out of 5

Here’s a review from Melissa, Global Learning & Development Business Partner in France:

“360Learning is incredibly easy to deploy and use. One of the best things about this software (and in comparison to other LMS) is the fact that anyone can adapt to it easily - the UX/UI of the platform is similar to Netflix or social media - which allows for a quick understanding of where to go to find things.”

Pricing

360 Learning provides a 30-day free trial to experience all its features firsthand. They offer two pricing options: Team and Business. To access Business pricing, you'll need to request a demo, after which you'll receive a personalized quote.

Wrapping Up

So, patience and a little mix-and-match go a long way in training! Blended learning might take some tweaking, but when you combine different training methods, things really start to click for your employees. That's the ultimate goal, right? Making learning stick!

Speaking of retaining knowledge, your employees can benefit from digital adoption platforms (DAPs). These platforms are similar to training manuals, but:

• They are right inside the application.
• They can be accessed by employees in real-time.
• They offer just-in-time learning with step-by-step software guidance.
• They allow analyzing help resources, helping you assess learner's progress.

Truly, if you’re up to experimenting, DAPs can be a worthwhile addition to your blended learning strategy!

Take a demo to learn more!

FAQs

• How can you ensure consistency and quality across online and offline components of Blended Learning?

To ensure consistency and quality in both online and offline parts of Blended Learning, we set clear standards, train instructors well, monitor how content is taught, and ask learners for feedback to make improvements.

• How can you measure the success of Blended Learning programs?

We can measure the success of Blended Learning by looking at how engaged learners are, how much they remember, what skills they gain, what they say about the program, and how they perform in real situations.

• How do you design engaging online modules for Blended Learning?

Designing engaging online modules for Blended Learning requires a focus on interactive and multimedia-rich content, incorporating real-world examples and scenarios, providing opportunities for learner collaboration and feedback, using gamification elements, and employing adaptive learning technologies to cater to individual learner needs and preferences.