Blended learning in practice

Blended learning is an English term used since 2005 to describe a particular educational vision. Professional trainers in business discovered blended learning as early as about 1990. Within organizations with multiple, geographically dispersed, locations, there was a need to offer employees joint training and education without the disadvantages of distance and time.

This involves combining physical forms of training with online training to reinforce each other. But how do you apply blended learning in practice? We spoke to Randi Vat, L&D consultant at RVconsulting. She gives 4 tips for combining physical and online training.

Tip 1: Flip the classroom

A flipped classroom is a way of applying blended learning. This involves reversing the traditional learning environment by delivering educational content outside the classroom and often online. Randi indicates that e-learning modules can be used well to flipped classroom. For example, to review or refresh knowledge.

Tip 2: Use interactive webinars

Webinars can be used well alongside physical training, especially if employees do not work at the same location. However, it is important that trainers/teachers are able to deliver interactive and engaging lessons. Don't just stand there reading from a book, but make sure you keep participants engaged. For example, use different theses, deal with a practical example given by participants or do some research beforehand and discuss the results.

Tip 3: Provide development time

It is important to schedule development time for the online portion of blended learning as well. Physical training courses logically demand their time because employees must be physically present for these. Approval is given and time set aside for this. As an employer, do the same for the online portion that goes along with it. After all, it doesn't work to have employees take a quick online course during coffee break or lunch.

Tip 4: Link it to a learning pathway

For blended learning to succeed, it is important that both physical and online training be part of a bigger picture. Create a program or learning path for your employees and combine the different learning forms in it so that they complement each other. For example, using the learning paths in the platform of SkillsTown. For example, link a course on customer-friendliness to a practical lesson in which employees have to apply the knowledge they have learned. There are also many possibilities to personalize the learning path based on function and experience.

What's next?

As an online training provider, SkillsTown specializes in launching and activating an online learning environment for organizations, also in combination with existing offline trainings. With our didactic approach we have already put many organizations in learning mode.

We can also create a working online learning environment for your organization that combines offline activities with online activities. Ask for a free online demonstration to experience the possibilities for yourself.