Measuring the quality of Blended Learning – not an easy task. We present you an exciting concept with which you can measure the quality of your Blended Learning yourself.
Blended Learning has been the top topic in the continuing education industry for years. It’s no wonder that many professionals in adult education are dealing with this method. This leads to a variety of ideas and approaches for the connection of face-to-face and online learning.
I found a particularly interesting approach at the educational innovators: five quality levels with which you can measure the quality of Blended Learning designs:
How this quality pyramid works, I will summarize in detail for you now:
The 5 levels of quality of Blended Learning
The five levels of quality of Blended Learning designs are structured as a pyramid, starting with the lowest level. At the top (level 5) is the best possible combination of face-to-face and digital learning:
Source: Concept by bildungsinnovator.de / Representation & extension by blink.it
Level 1: Loose Coupling The (unfortunately still) most common variant: A standardized e-learning is offered before a seminar. Content-wise, there is no connection; often the contents overlap in the course and in the face-to-face meeting.
Level 2: Seminar-Centered Coupling Here, the responsibility for own e-learning content goes to you as a trainer: A welcome video, preparatory documents, or even a small follow-up after the appointment frame the seminar appointment.
Level 3: Learning-Centered Coupling Now the participants are at the center: The target group, the knowledge level, and the needs are taken into account to set clear learning objectives. The format (online course or seminar) is chosen based on the objectives.
Level 4: Didactic Coupling At level 4, a perfect interlocking is created between the components: A common thread guides the participants through the different formats. Communication with the participants and motivation are at the forefront.
Level 5: Transfer-Centered Coupling The perfect Blended Learning: The transfer to the everyday life of the participants is the focus! In addition to pure content and a common thread, you as a trainer now actively support your participants in applying what they have learned in practice!
The catch: Think the levels backward!
An important tip that I can pass on to you from the video: Think the levels backward, from top to bottom, when you want to develop a good Blended Learning design! First ask yourself what should specifically change in the participants' everyday life – then comes the question of how you can support them in doing so – and only at the end do you choose the appropriate format for the content.
Tip: 3 questions for trainers and coaches to start with Blended Learning:
What should the participants change?
How can I support them in doing so?
What is an appropriate format for the content?
My personal conclusion: The 5-level quality model is an exciting and well-thought-out approach that you can easily apply in practice to check and improve the quality of your Blended Learning!
What level are you at with your current (or planned) Blended Learning concept? Feel free to share it with us in the comments!
