Blended Learning, learning videos, or online coaching – you probably already know these and other digital learning formats. But how do they differ? The “Taxonomy of Learning Formats” brings clarity and helps you choose a suitable learning format for your training:
In the past, we have already reported in detail on the various digital learning methods. Nevertheless, many trainers still find them difficult to classify: Which formats are particularly individualized? Which require a lot of personal responsibility? And which learning formats can be used universally?
The mmb Institute therefore publishes a graphic every year that categorizes the different digital learning formats. The Taxonomy of Learning Formats has been restructured this year: It includes more than 20 different digital learning formats. However, in our experience, not all learning formats are well suited for training or coaching in continuing education.
Therefore, in the following graphic, we have categorized the most important learning formats for training within the taxonomy. This gives you a simple and quick overview:
Current learning formats compared // Illustration: blink.it | Based on: mmb Institute 2020
Use the taxonomy to choose the right learning format for your training:
First decide whether your digital training format should be highly structured, or whether you want to offer a self-directed learning process.
In the second step, consider whether your participants should learn as individually as possible or together.
Universal formats such as an online platform or learning library are suitable for almost all trainings and topics. They can serve as a basis for many other methods.
Would you like to learn more about the currently most popular digital learning methods? Then download our free overview of the 6 most popular e-learning methods. In addition to detailed definitions and use cases, you will also learn which methods can best be combined with each other.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What digital learning formats are there for training?
The most important digital learning formats include online courses, learning videos, blended learning, online coaching, as well as learning platforms or learning libraries. Each of these formats differs in how strongly it is structured, how much responsibility learners take on, and whether learning takes place individually or together.
How do I choose the right learning format for my training?
The choice mainly depends on two questions: Should learning be highly structured or more self-directed? And should participants learn individually or together? Depending on the objective and target group, suitable formats can be selected or combined.
What are the advantages of blended learning over individual learning formats?
Blended learning combines digital self-study phases with personal support or in-person formats. As a result, learners benefit from flexible knowledge transfer and at the same time from exchange, feedback, and practical application. This makes this learning format particularly versatile and effective.
Which learning formats are particularly suitable as a basis for training?
Universal formats such as learning platforms or learning libraries are particularly well suited as a foundation. They provide a central structure for content and can be flexibly combined with other learning formats such as videos, coaching, or interactive tasks.
Updated on 04/28/2026
