With blended learning, you reach the next level of training and coaching. The method: Combine traditional face-to-face learning with e-learning and reap the benefits of both forms of learning. In the blog article, you will learn the definition of blended learning and which other terms you should know.
Definition: Blended Learning
“In blended learning, very different forms of learning are interconnected and brought together as a unit, so that it is possible to incorporate the advantages of each form of learning and compensate for the disadvantages of the other.”
This is the definition of blended learning formulated by the Association of European Blended Learning Actors e.V. (blended-learning-network.eu). It makes clear the complexity and sophistication of the method: With blended learning, you work like an inventor who combines two already existing things in such a way that the errors on both sides are eliminated and something new is created.
The exact way in which the two forms of learning are interconnected looks very different in practical implementation. You can find more about the most popular blended learning models and their use in coaching, further education, and other forms of learning on our detailed info page about Blended Learning in Practice.
Blended Learning vs. Integrated Learning
If you search for a definition of blended learning on Google, you will find a Wikipedia entry on “integrated learning” at the top. We prefer the English term “blended learning” for our definition for two reasons:
The term “blended learning” is more commonly used in the professional world than “integrated learning.”
Moreover, the relevant Wikipedia entry states at the top that this page is incomplete. We see: The search for a clear definition of blended learning is not so easy.
Postscript: The Wikipedia article has not been completed to date. The note about missing information is still found in the article. (As of February 2021)
Face-to-Face Learning + E-Learning = Blended Learning?
The definition of blended learning mentioned above only refers to “very different forms of learning.” In the education industry, this refers to the combination of e-learning and traditional face-to-face learning. However, for this classification, you once again need clear definitions of e-learning and face-to-face learning – further down this page, you will find an overview of short definitions of these terms.
The problem with the term “E-Learning”: Not every learning-related event that takes place online is automatically e-learning! For example, webinars are online on one hand, but also depend on the presence of participants – they usually take place at fixed times.
Classifying blended learning into online and offline phases does not capture the essence of the method. A better classification is into presence and non-presence because presence fundamentally only means attendance. Therefore, we include all synchronously occurring events under the term face-to-face learning.
The formula “Face-to-Face Learning + E-Learning = Blended Learning” works under the condition that you do not equate e-learning with “everything that takes place online.” Because e-learning here is usually an independent phase where the participant learns self-directed with online resources. Therefore, a clearer formula definition for blended learning would be:
Blended Learning = Face-to-Face Learning + online-supported self-study phase
Overview: Event Forms in Blended Learning
We have already seen that the event form “webinar” is sometimes difficult to categorize into “e-learning” and “face-to-face learning.” Which terms, according to definition, belong more to one category or the other? The following table provides a rough overview:
| Typical Presence | Typical E-Learning || --------------- | -------------------------------- || Workshop | Online-supported self-study phase || Seminar | Online courses || Webinar | Webcast || Live coaching | Online support || Face-to-Face | Learning platform || live | time-independent |
Definition: Other Terms Related to Blended Learning
With the definition of blended learning, you already have a good basic understanding of the method of linking face-to-face learning and e-learning. As you dive deeper into this topic, you will encounter further technical terms that are often mentioned in connection with blended learning.
I will give you a brief overview of the essential terms – each with a short definition and a typical example:
Definition Face-to-Face Learning
Face-to-face learning refers to a form of learning where participants are present together at a specific time. In the definition of blended learning, face-to-face learning is an essential component alongside e-learning.
Example: Twelve participants and one trainer participate in the seminar “Competence Development” on May 24 from 8 AM to 4 PM and meet face-to-face in Darmstadt.
Definition E-Learning
E-learning refers to a form of learning where participants can very self-directed determine the time and place of their learning and access online content using digital devices. In the definition of blended learning, e-learning is usually a core component alongside face-to-face learning.
Example: Forty-two participants work individually and at their own pace on online content related to “competence development,” which the trainer previously created for everyone using learning software.
Definition Microlearning
Microlearning refers to a form of learning where the big picture is divided into the smallest possible learning units.
Example: The competence development trainer uploads fifteen short learning units to his online platform, for which the participant needs no more than five minutes each. These learning units can be explanatory videos or quiz questions. In the definition of blended learning, microlearning is a recommended concept for successful e-learning components.
Definition Webinar
Under webinar, we understand a seminar that takes place online (web seminar). Like a typical seminar, a webinar should be designed to be interactive and take place live. Attention: In the definition of blended learning, the webinar falls under the category of “face-to-face learning.” The pure transmission of a lecture, where no presence occurs, is called webcast.
Example: Thirty participants and two trainers meet online on May 24 from 8 AM to 4 PM in the webinar “Competence Development for Advanced Learners” and communicate via chat and webcam.
Definition Just-in-Time Learning
Just-in-time learning refers to a form of learning where the classic order of teaching-learning is reversed: First, participants independently work out foundational knowledge, and then the trainer can continue with the whole group at the same level with advanced content.
Example: The thirty participants of the training “Competence Development” prepare independently and at their own pace two months before the face-to-face seminar. They use an online platform that the trainer previously filled with short content for them. At the end of this online phase, all thirty participants have internalized the fundamentals and start the presence phase with specific questions and ideas.
Your Benefits and Your Start in Blended Learning
Now you have learned some definitions of the most important terms related to blended learning. As a trainer, you gain the following advantages from this method of interlinking face-to-face learning and e-learning:
You gain a unique selling proposition
You gain a new source of revenue
You gain new customer groups
You gain measurability
You gain reusability
You gain flexibility
You gain a variety of media
With the definition of blended learning and all other essential terms, you have already taken a first step toward the next level of your training! With the right guidance, the next steps will be easy for you as well. Use our guide to blended learning and soon become a blended learning expert.
Which blended learning definition or description do you find most accurate? Feel free to leave us a message!
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