Does learning only take place online nowadays, or is blended learning the best method to impart knowledge? An Irish study provides the answer. We have summarized the most important facts for you.
In our blog, we regularly show the benefits that blended learning brings to learners and educators. But what does science actually say about it? We came across an Irish study that examines blended learning and online learning in the learning context of students. You can find the entire paper in its original language for free download at ScienceDirect.
Blended learning is the clear winner
At a university in Northern Ireland, the two teaching methods "online only" and "blended learning" were compared with each other – the following aspects were the focus:
Effects of the teaching method on knowledge,
on students' motivation and attitude
and satisfaction with the individual learning units.
As part of the study, students at a nursing college were divided into two learning groups. One group learned exclusively online with the help of an app, while the other received an additional face-to-face session in the sense of blended learning. This allowed the researchers to directly compare which method achieved the higher learning success.
The results show
that blended learning leads to higher learning motivation among learners.
learners were more satisfied with the individual learning content.
that the level of knowledge of the blended learning participants was significantly higher compared to the pure online learning group.
The results suggest that blended learning has a more long-term learning effect than pure online learning.
Higher satisfaction with blended learning
According to the authors, this finding is consistent with previous study results: The reason for the higher satisfaction with blended learning is primarily the social interaction, the possibility of direct feedback, and the individual consideration of personal preferences in learning behavior. However, they also predict new opportunities and possibilities for online learning formats in the future if technical innovations are used to the benefit of the learners.
What does this mean for trainers and training managers?
The Irish study is in line with other surveys: Learning is becoming increasingly individual, but does not (yet) work completely without the personal connection in face-to-face events. The current mmb Trendmonitor also shows that learning formats are increasingly being designed for digital learning concepts. However, the mmb survey also shows that blended learning, as in previous years, remains among the top 3 most popular learning formats!
One reason for this can also be found in the study results that we presented to you earlier: In digital learning, social contact and interaction are missing. We deduce from this that pure online learning in further education is not "the perfect solution" – in most cases, a face-to-face event in which what has been learned is applied is absolutely sensible.
But isn't everyone talking about digitized further education? How can all this be implemented if pure online courses are not the real deal after all?
Our tips for successful digital further education:
Rely on blended learning with a strong focus on online phases.
Give learners regular feedback and test their knowledge.
Enable interaction among all course participants and stimulate discussions.
Ensure that participants can apply the knowledge in practice.
Make the learning units exciting and make the learners curious for more.
