Do you want to start with blended learning and complement your in-person training with online content? Then you're probably facing a decision: Which software is suitable to implement your training as blended learning? This article gives you an overview of the criteria that trainers and coaches apply to software for blended learning.

Terminological classification: App or software for blended learning?

Basically, you have various options for the e-learning component of your blended learning. Here it helps to familiarize yourself with the terms used for the technical implementation of e-learning: Are you looking for software for blended learning or an app?

This is what we mean by “software”

Software is a very broad term that is defined by Wikipedia as follows: “Software is the totality of information that must be added to hardware so that a software-controlled device can be used for a defined range of tasks.” Let's keep it simple and refer to software in the context of blended learning as the technical solutions that are not mobile apps.

This is what we mean by “app”

Originally, the term app refers to a specific type of software, namely application software. But beware: In the German-speaking area, we usually understand it to mean only a mobile app, i.e., an application that we install on our smartphones. In a technical or international context, however, “app” can also refer to application software on the computer.

Conclusion: An application software that you won't find in the app store

This terminological classification can help you when dealing with technical notes or reading English-language articles, for example. For the remainder of the article, we will agree on the definition of “software” as application software that is not available in the typical app store.

Specific software requirements in blended learning

The blended learning method is convincing: sustainable learning effects for the participant, a new source of income, and increased measurability for the trainer. When choosing software, you should consider the specific requirements for blended learning. After all, you have chosen to implement blended learning for good reasons – the software should also be optimized for exactly these aspects.

A blended learning software should be exactly that: software for blended learning. Therefore, a clear content overview, good usability, and flexible content adaptation are essential for the success of your training or coaching.

Software decision for blended learning: Focus on usability or functionality?

In principle, you can assess software for blended learning based on the following criteria: Simple usability and high functionality. One usually excludes the other. Thus, classic learning management systems (LMS) are typically software giants that are rather complex in practical implementation. In contrast, easy-to-use software for blended learning is limited in its functionality:

When choosing software for blended learning, decide on excellent usability (blue) OR a high functionality (orange).

The blue circle in the graphic represents software for blended learning that is easy to use and apply but has a relatively low functionality. The orange circle, on the other hand, represents a typical LMS: a complex system that is not intuitively usable but offers comprehensive functions.

If you are starting with blended learning as a trainer, you should first consider what is more important to you: usability or functionality. Most trainers and coaches are experts in their field and have participants who are also not technology experts. Therefore, both tend to place more value on ease of use.

The complex blended learning software solution: The learning management system (LMS)

Let’s first take a look at the solution in the orange circle. Here you have a classic LMS, such as Moodle. A learning management system is software that, while having the term learning in its name, focuses more on the term “management.” If you search for it on Wikipedia, you will find the following definition:

A learning platform or learning management system (LMS) is a complex content management system that serves to provide learning content and organize learning processes.

Compared to other software solutions for blended learning, an LMS is not only complex but also has a clear focus on the pure provision of content. You can think of an LMS as a postman who transports packages from A to B.

A typical example where the choice of blended learning software falls on an LMS is a classic compliance training: A large company introduces new regulations and wants to bring all employees up to date with minimal effort. Popular topics here are changes in data protection or occupational safety. To do this, for example, presentation slides are uploaded one-to-one into the LMS. This means low effort for the course creators, but also low learning effect for the participants and hardly any support during the learning process.

Moreover, LMS are often used in large companies for decades and are now only used out of pure habit. The layout in such LMS is no longer modern, and the operation is anything but intuitive, yet the integration of a new, modern LMS is often associated with significant personnel costs and high expenses.

The intuitive blended learning software solution: Easy operation and application

In contrast to an LMS, the software solution in the blue circle above is primarily one thing: simple.

Specifically simple…

• for the course creator

• for the participants

• in terms of functionality

Classification of blink.it: Software as a Service

We at blink.it understand our product as what is called Software as a Service (SaaS). This means that we take care of all the technical aspects – you take care of the content. Classic software, on the other hand, is one that you download once as a user and must then install, maintain, etc., on your own. With blink.it, you only take on the part for which you are the expert: content creation.

Moreover, with the blink.it software, you can work directly in the system. In an LMS, on the other hand, you only upload finished content. With blink.it, you can design, create, and finalize your content all in one place. Create quiz questions, write motivating texts – and upload existing slides or videos as supporting formats.

The blink.it software is specifically developed with requirements for blended learning in mind.

Overview: LMS versus Software as a Service (SaaS)

We have now talked about usability and functionality. In addition to these two decisive criteria, you can also evaluate software for blended learning based on the aspects of cost, support, and external appearance:

Regarding the aesthetic appearance: Admittedly, this point strongly depends on the criterion of usability. A chaotically structured LMS, which neither trainers, participants, nor personnel developers can navigate, appears unattractive and contributes to an unprofessional external representation.

The blink.it software works similarly to an LMS but is significantly easier to use and highly user-centered.

A rule of thumb for developers and designers of the blink.it software:

A new user must be able to grasp what they should do next within 30 seconds.

If this rule of thumb is not met, the software for blended learning is not suitable. This may sound harsh, but blended learning thrives on the fact that participants can learn independently – without technical introduction! – online. Hence, simplicity in the e-learning component is essential for the entire blended learning experience.

Looking for the right blended learning software? Just test it!

Let’s be honest: We make the best decisions based on personal experience. Glossy magazines can be misleading, professional articles may not address your personal requirements – it's best to test for yourself which software is suitable for you and your blended learning.

Some software solutions for blended learning can be difficult to test on your own or only very cumbersome – this complicates the decision and seems unprofessional. We want to play openly and allow you to easily and without obligation check the software for yourself.

Test the blink.it solution now and request your personal admin demo with one of our experts. You will receive a brief introduction and then have a few weeks to calmly test how the software works for your blended learning.