Kickstart with Blended Learning – this is the goal of many trainers, coaches, or consultants. Four months after starting with blink.it, I conducted a practical test and created a blended learning concept in 90 minutes.

This is how Blended Learning works

“Blended” is the English word for “mixed” and describes learning forms in education that combine different methods. Blended Learning is thus the mix of different forms of learning. In our case, we connect traditional face-to-face (training or coaching) with online-supported self-learning phases.

The advantage for training, workshops, and coaching: All participants (trainers, participants, clients) benefit from the best of both worlds. In the face-to-face phase, more intense and profound discussions can take place because basic content and transfer tasks are outsourced into online support.

Below, I describe how the implementation of a concrete concept in Blended Learning can look.

Two phases in the design of Blended Learning

The design of Blended Learning can be broadly divided into two phases:

1. Planning

2. Content curation

In our guide for Blended Learning, I divided these phases into nine individual steps. For this, I developed a very concrete training on the topic of “Better Meetings” and created a Blended Learning concept in 90 minutes. I devised and directly answered questions for each phase!

1st Phase: Planning (30 minutes)

Every Blended Learning begins with planning: The question of the goal should not only stand at the beginning of developing a concept in Blended Learning. Additionally, you should decide on the model and framework of your Blended Learning in this first phase.

To plan my sample course “Better Meetings” well, I first had to think about the following questions:

The questions in the first phase:

• What goal are you pursuing with your Blended Learning?

• Which model of Blended Learning is right for you?

• In what framework should your Blended Learning take place?

The answers in the example:

First, I chose a goal: At the end of my Blended Learning on the topic “Better Meetings,” participants should be able to structure meetings in a way that they are efficient, thematically appropriate, and fair.

The basis of my Blended Learning: My prototype workshop “Better Meetings,” which consists of three sessions, each lasting four hours, spaced two weeks apart. To help my participants put what they have learned into practice and continue training, I should fill in the gaps with online phases.

I opted for the “Springer” model and alternate between face-to-face sessions and online phases. I also added a short additional online phase before the first in-person appointment to optimally prepare my participants. This results in the following framework:

Tip: Besides the "Springer," there are also the Blended Learning models “Heron” and “Sandwich.” More about this in this blog article!

My in-person workshop “Better Meetings” should remain unchanged to save work and time. I only wanted to expand it with an online support component. As a framework, I chose a learning platform that has effectively implemented the microlearning principle based on experience.

2nd Phase: Content Curation (60 minutes)

In the second phase, content is in the foreground. I have selected the content I basically want to use and arranged it in a sequence. While doing so, I ask myself the following questions:

The questions in the second phase:

• Which content do you want to use for your Blended Learning?

• At what point do you want to convey which content?

The answers in the example:

In my idea, I’ve been giving the workshop “Better Meetings” for about three years. At first, I had used content that now only exists in my archive. In the next step, I therefore took at least three-quarters of an hour to review previously used content and select the best ones.

For this, I selected eight good pieces of content that I wanted to use for my Blended Learning. I saved these contents clearly in a folder for quick access.

With some documents, I already knew they were suitable for the introduction or preparation. Others I had to review more closely. Thus, I set the following order for my Blended Learning:

What comes next: Creating and Linking Content

Great! The basic framework was already in place, and I only took 90 minutes for it. Now, I was so deep into the topic that I wanted to start content creation directly after a short break. Again, I asked myself several questions and supplemented the answers in my table.

The Questions:

• What content is still missing and needs to be produced?

• With which method do you want to link which learning units?

• With what format do you want to link your learning units?

• With which call-to-action (CTA) do you want to convey your learning units?

The answers in the example:

In my created overview, content was missing in the preparation and transfer phases. I should introduce myself to the participants personally before the first workshop, facilitate their start into the online phases after the first and last workshops. For this, I wanted to produce two- to three-minute videos in which I directly address the participants.

Subsequently, I supplemented the method and format for each learning unit in my table. It finally looked like this:

Tip: Essentially, these follow-up tasks could also be handled by employees if I am not working completely alone. Method and format largely arise from the content and should be listed for completeness’ sake – however, they are not necessary for the basic concept.

Finally: Call to Action and Optimization

Looks like a lot? The representation with a table here is just an interim solution. Ideally, I start working with my chosen online platform at this point and incorporate the structure of your Blended Learning there.

With the call-to-action, I finally complete my concept: For this, I think about what specific call to action I want to activate the participants with.

Ultimately, I should ideally set aside time after a multi-hour or multi-day break to reassess my concept and check all questions. Does everything make sense? Is there a recognizable thread? A rough rule of thumb: If I am 80-90% satisfied with my Blended Learning concept, I can start implementation!

Would you like to learn more? For this very example, you will find backgrounds, concrete calls to action, definitions, and much more in our guide for Blended Learning.