Blended Learning in practice? In the second part of our series "Perfectly integrated!" we will show you how to start your blended learning with an online course and which methods are particularly suitable for this.

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

In this article, we show you another blended learning concept – Because: Not every course has to start with a face-to-face 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 shorter training measures starting with an 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 face-to-face phases alternate equally. The classic "sandwich" begins and ends with an online unit and includes only one face-to-face event.

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

If the "sandwich" is not the right model for your course concept yet? Then download our free model overview and get to know more proven models for your blended learning:

The perfect integration in the "Sandwich" model

How you implement the perfect integration between online and face-to-face events, we will show you in the following example:

1. Introduction as an online course:

Before you go into your face-to-face event, an online preparation according to the "sandwich" model is an important component. If you inform your participants about the goals, prerequisites, and tasks before the start of the course, you can focus on the essentials during the face-to-face time.

• Welcome your participants before the course starts 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 conditions: Where will our face-to-face session take place? When does it start? What do the participants need?

• Give participants the opportunity to submit requests and topics in advance. This way, you can adapt your content during the face-to-face session to the needs of your participants.

• Last but not least, you should provide initial preparatory tasks in the online course so that your participants can prepare for the upcoming topic – because face-to-face time is precious! Give them homework that you can address during the face-to-face session.

Workshop leader Claudia welcomes her participants in the online course beforehand. // Source: blink.it

For the introduction, it is especially important to already build a personal connection with your participants and to create enthusiasm for the face-to-face time with you and the upcoming topics. On this basis, you can proceed to the face-to-face session.

2. Main event in person:

In your only face-to-face phase, you should primarily focus on practical tasks. If you have utilized your preparatory online phase perfectly, your participants are already well-prepared.

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

• Remember: Face-to-face time is precious! Make the best use of it for many practical tasks that require your support.

• Collect feedback and requests so that you can tailor your subsequent online follow-up to the needs of your participants.

• Promote your online follow-up actively during the face-to-face session! Convey to your participants the added value they will gain from the online course.

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

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

3. Concluding online follow-up:

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

• Create photo protocols! Upload the results from the face-to-face 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, for example by uploading their feedback on the course or their most important learning as a short selfie video or text post.

• Create a final quiz so that participants can test themselves and see whether they have really understood the material learned. Offer your participants bonus material, such as a participation certificate for their supervisor or a corresponding certificate that is only available online.

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

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

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