When it comes to digital learning with the help of training platforms, two terms are becoming increasingly common: Blended Learning and Hybrid Learning. Be careful: There is a risk of confusion! You will learn the important difference in this article.
(The original version of this text from 2021 was updated in May 2024.)
As with so many terms around the topic of e-learning, there is no unified definition of the term Blended Learning. Recently, the term Hybrid Learning (or Hybrid Learning) has often popped up in research on digital learning or e-learning. The two terms are often used together or even synonymously. But does Hybrid Learning really mean the same as Blended Learning?
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What is Blended Learning?
In general, Blended Learning refers to the mixing of different forms of learning. Normally, a Blended Learning course consists of traditional face-to-face learning and a complementary digital self-learning phase. The five essential elements of Blended Learning are:
a course instructor
one or more participants
a face-to-face event
a digital learning platform
an online course with learning content
A detailed definition of Blended Learning with various examples can be found on our information page "Blended Learning in Practice."
Blended Learning vs. Hybrid Learning
Some of the characteristics of Blended Learning also apply to Hybrid Learning. However, when we compare both methods directly, it becomes clear that they differ in important aspects:
| | Blended Learning | Hybrid Learning | || ----------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- || Location | Learners are only present as an entire course live and usually on-site during the face-to-face phase. They complete additional learning content independently in the online phase. | Learners are in different locations from the beginning of the course. Some may be physically in the seminar room while others are online. || Learner | A participant in Blended Learning learns both in the personal face-to-face course and in the independent online phases. | The face-to-face and online learners are different individuals attending the same course in different locations simultaneously. || Course Instructor | The instructor only supports the face-to-face classes and provides additional learning content for self-study in the online course. | The instructor teaches both groups (face-to-face and online) simultaneously, for example, with the help of video conferencing systems. || Course Structure | The course contents are mixed in such a way that a coherent concept emerges. All participants work through this course in a similar pattern. | The course contents are the same, but the participants and their access to the course may vary, leading to different learning effects. |
Blended Learning:
The learning process is divided into fixed face-to-face and online phases. The online course complements the face-to-face meeting and has different content than the in-person sessions. The course alternates between face-to-face and online classes: all participants are either together in person or together online. In contrast to Hybrid Learning, online phases are used to enhance personal learning.
Hybrid Learning:
All learning content is identical in face-to-face and online courses. Participants can choose their preferred learning method and participate both in person and via the learning platform. The entire course takes place simultaneously in person and online, making it so that participants are not all together. However, hybrid courses can also include asynchronous elements, as in Blended Learning. These tasks are mandatory for all learners and must be submitted to the instructor by a certain deadline.
Therefore, both methods present specific challenges:
Challenges in Blended Learning
In Blended Learning, the course instructor faces several challenges. While the entire course is physically present during the face-to-face phases, participants do not have direct support from the instructor during the online learning phases. Therefore, learners must take the initiative to complete the learning content on time. The instructor must trust the independent, self-organized learning of their participants to build on that knowledge in person. The digital learning units primarily support the face-to-face course and help the instructor use the time more efficiently in the face-to-face sessions. Here, the learning content is divided, not the participants.
Challenges in Hybrid Learning
In Hybrid Learning, the instructor actually has to lead two courses simultaneously, a live and an online seminar. Therefore, it is particularly important that the content is tailored to the varying needs of the participants. The basic prerequisites should be the same for all participants, so special preparation is necessary for both groups. Exercises that participants should conduct, for example, with a partner, are less suitable for a hybrid course where some learners sit alone in front of their screens. Therefore, an instructor must provide equal attention to both groups. Only then can both groups learn effectively.
Conclusion: Blended Learning or Hybrid Learning?
Blended Learning offers significantly better opportunities than Hybrid Learning to consider the individual needs of learners. In face-to-face sessions, instructors can address questions that may have arisen during the independent online learning phases. In Hybrid Learning, this is not always immediately possible due to the diverse participation options. However, hybrid courses often offer a wide range of additional learning materials, allowing participants to learn more independently.
Blended Learning is often the more sustainable learning method. Hybrid Learning, on the other hand, offers participants significant flexibility. Although both learning methods mix various concepts, they differ significantly in their structure and focus. Therefore, we conclude that the distinction between Hybrid Learning and Blended Learning is indeed more important than initially thought.
We hope this article has provided you with some useful information. Have a lot of fun and success in creating your next online courses!
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