Blended Learning in practice? In the second part of our series “Perfectly intertwined!” we show you how you can start your blended learning with an online course and which methods are particularly well-suited for this.

Tip: If you haven't read the first part of our series yet, it is linked here again for you: Your perfect blended learning, part 1: Start with presence

In this article, we show you another blended learning concept – Because: Not every course has to start with an in-person meeting. For many trainings or workshops, an online start is very suitable.

As you learned in part 1 of this series, there is no universal method for the perfect blended learning course. A good option for rather short training measures starting with the online course is the “sandwich” – but what does that actually mean?

Excursus: The Sandwich Model

Similar to the “Springer” model from the first part, the online and presence phases alternate equally. The classic “sandwich” starts and ends with an online unit and includes only one in-person event.

This model is particularly well-suited if you place great importance on comprehensive preparation and follow-up – but only want to hold one central in-person event. Not all content needs to be dealt with on-site and can also be conveyed well online. The subsequent application in everyday life can be supported by the online follow-up and provide participants with additional security. However, the time intervals between preparation and follow-up as well as the actual course should not be longer than two weeks!

Is the “sandwich” still not the right model for your course concept? Then download our free model overview and learn about more proven models for your blended learning:

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The most popular models in blended learning

Would you like to start your blended learning with an in-person or online phase? Depending on the case, different models are suitable for your course. For orientation, you can download our free overview directly!

The perfect intertwining in the “sandwich” model

How to implement the perfect intertwining between online and in-person events, we show you in the following example:

1. Entry as an online course:

Before you go into your in-person event, an online preparation according to the “sandwich” model is an important component. If you inform your participants about the goals, basic requirements, and tasks before the course starts, you can focus on the essentials during the in-person session.

• Welcome your participants before the course begins with a short video and/or a photo of yourself. This way, they can get to know you in advance.

• Remind your participants of the organizational framework: Where is our in-person meeting taking place? When does it start? What do the participants need?

• Give participants the opportunity to submit wishes and focal topics in advance. This way, you can adjust your content during the in-person session to the needs of your participants.

• Lastly, you should provide initial preparatory tasks in the online course so that your participants can prepare for the upcoming topic – because in-person time is precious! Give them homework that you can address in the in-person session.

Workshop leader Claudia previously greets her participants in the online course. // Source: blink.it

For the introduction, it is particularly important to establish a personal connection with your participants and to make them eager for the in-person time with you and the upcoming topics. Based on this connection, you can proceed to the in-person session.

2. Main event in-person:

In your sole in-person phase, you should primarily focus on practical tasks. If you have utilized your preparatory online phase perfectly, your participants are now well-prepared.

• Before you start, you should answer questions from the online phase in advance.

• Remember: In-person time is precious! Utilize it best for many practical tasks that require your support.

• Collect feedback and wishes so that you can tailor your subsequent online follow-up to your participants' needs.

• Actively promote your online follow-up during the in-person session! Convey to your participants the benefits they will gain from the online course.

You can also use the notes from the in-person session in your online follow-up.

To enhance the learning effect for your participants, you should take photos of mind maps and notes on flipcharts and upload them later in the online course.

3. Final online follow-up:

After your main event is over, you should finally offer another online phase for follow-up. Here, participants can deepen their theoretical knowledge on their own and test whether they have truly internalized the learning content.

• Create photo protocols! Upload the results from the in-person session (in the form of flipcharts, screenshots, etc.) so that your participants can better remember the learning content.

• Ask your participants to create content themselves, such as uploading their feedback on the course or their key learning as a short selfie video or text contribution.

• Create a final quiz, so participants can test themselves and see if they truly understood the material. Offer your participants bonus materials, like a participation certificate for their boss or a corresponding certificate that is only available online.

With short questionnaires, you can easily collect feedback in the online course. // Source: blink.it platform

As you can see, there are several ways you can follow up on your blended learning course online. In particular, certificates or other proofs motivate participants to complete the entire course and also to diligently work through exams and quizzes.

Are you looking for more ideas on how to make your blended learning exciting and varied? Then we have something for you: Our rocket pack includes 40 methods and additional online materials that you can apply to your blended learning courses! Get the rocket pack now and start with your perfect blended learning!