Blended Learning, integrated learning, hybrid learning, or online support: these terms describe a learning scenario that meaningfully combines in-person events and online learning. The use of blended learning in schools or universities differs from blended learning in companies. The learning scenario is similar. The difference lies in the focus of the goals.

In school or university, learning is done to achieve good grades or to pass the next exams. In contrast, employees in a company want to further develop skills and improve their competencies. This ongoing development requires long-term support from a trainer or coach.

How do I link E-Learning with my training? - Blended Learning for Trainers

This question often comes up in discussions with trainers. Whether at a trade fair or other events, blended learning is a hot topic. However, the first questions are usually broadly formulated. It becomes a bit more specific in the workshops I give on creating online support.

Here, I would like to highlight five questions that are frequently asked:

Question 1: Why is now the right time for Blended Learning?

Blended learning is a term that has been in circulation for a while. Sometimes it is inquired about less and sometimes more. However, it shows that blended learning is in high demand in companies (mmb-Trendmonitor 2016). Nevertheless, the question remains: Why is now the right time for blended learning? The reason is simple: In recent years, technological and tech changes have made it possible to access multimedia learning content anytime, anywhere without any issues. Responsible for this, for example, is the fast mobile internet. Video streaming on smartphones is no longer the exception but rather the rule. Improvements in smartphones also allow for the creation of video content independently. Even post-production is possible today on most mobile devices. Therefore, trainers can create videos themselves, and the production costs are just a fraction of what they would be with an agency. Hence, technology is no longer a barrier, and the trainer can focus on the didactics of their 'blend.'

And blended learning offers learners and trainers several advantages. To name a few: more opportunities for personalized learning content, learners determine their individual development themselves, and the learning scenario leads to higher engagement and motivation among learners. The message to learners in this learning scenario is no longer 'Everyone must be able to do everything' but rather 'What do you need to be able to do? Here, take what suits you best. Tell me, how can I support you?'.

Question 2: What role does the relationship between trainer and participant play in blended learning courses?

Author Nadine Ojstersek has dealt intensively with support in blended learning and published her findings in her book “Support Concepts in Blended Learning.” In the introduction, she emphasizes that a lot of attention has been paid to technology and media in e-learning. In contrast, the relationship between the trainer, teacher, or tutor and the learner has received little attention. However, the relationship aspect is crucial and distinguishes a blended learning course from a purely online course.

In an online course, the participant is provided with the information within the course and learns completely independently. This requires a high level of initiative and self-control. In a blended learning setting (e.g., online support), the learner receives support from the trainer and the other training participants. How this support and assistance can look will be elaborated on in a separate blog post. Here, I would like to highlight two support variants: active support and passive support.

In direct, active support, the trainer initiates the exchange with the training participant. The goal of this interaction is a critical engagement with the learning content. The interaction can take place between the trainer and the participant (e.g., in a conversation via video call) or also in a moderated group discussion.

Passive support, on the other hand, occurs in the form of learning aids, self-assessment tests, pacing of learning content, and feedback upon request. Depending on the target group and learning content, this support is tailored to the needs and desires of the participants. Here, every trainer can stand out who can build a good relationship with their participants in in-person events.

Question 3: How does blended learning support competency development?

If self-tests are offered at the beginning of a blended learning program, participants can assess their current abilities. In the course, participants learn using content that further develops their skills. It is possible that one participant in the group has more gaps in the fundamentals of a knowledge area than another. If the complete fundamentals were presented in training, part of the group would get bored.

In blended learning, different conditions apply. The training participants learn with the online learning content either independently or in a group and develop their knowledge in the relevant areas. The trainer accompanies the participants both during the online self-learning phases and during the in-person events in their individual development. This goal must be communicated to the participants.

Question 4: How do I finance blended learning?

When trainers hear blended learning, many think of less revenue because fewer daily rates can be sold. Of course, I can't give you a recipe for increasing revenue. However, I would like to present my favorite variant. I think it's better when the online component is not offered separately from live training but as a continuous package. This can be offered, for example, as an active support package. The trainer moves away from the argumentation about daily rates and sells a support package per participant. Wolfgang Schneiderheinze also provided a great presentation on this topic in his last interview. Here you can find the video (4 minutes). If you are looking for some arguments for advantages from a company's perspective, this article might also help you.

Question 5: What are the right devices?

The trend is towards device independence and BYOD. The acronym BYOD stands for "Bring-your-own-device". Learners use their own devices for personal and professional purposes. Instead of locally installed apps, web browsers are increasingly at the center of learning technologies. The advantages are clear. Web browsers offer a standardized range of functions and can be installed on devices with different operating systems. Trainers and coaches should make access to learning content as easy as possible.

Are you also curious about the topic of blended learning and need inspiration for your blended learning concept? Soon there will be a blended learning card game from blink.it. The card set helps you in the conception phase or you can find inspiration for your existing blended learning concept. Send us an email and we'll send you the information.