Digitization is bringing more and more diverse learning and teaching methods to continuing education. Especially often confused: Web Based Training and Blended Learning. We explain the differences between the two methods – and why only one truly convinces!
CBT, WBT, VBT, Microlearning, Blended Learning, … In the enormous growing mass of digital learning methods, even modern trainers quickly lose track. It’s not uncommon for there to be confusions and misunderstandings. Web Based Training (WBT) and Blended Learning are particularly often confused: Both training methods are based on digital learning content in online courses.
That Web-Based Training and Blended Learning differ significantly is already evident in their development: in 2012, they were ranked 1 (Blended Learning) and 2 (WBT) of the strongest learning trends according to the “mmb Trendmonitor” survey. Today, Blended Learning still maintains its unchallenged number 1 – and WBTs barely hold on to ninth place in the lower midfield. No wonder that WBTs have already been referred to as “dinosaurs of continuing education”: They are slowly but surely dying out!
Question: “Will the following applications have a central importance (…) as a form of learning for corporate learning in companies in the coming three years?” – Agreement in %.
So what are the differences between WBT and Blended Learning – and why is Blended Learning the future-proof learning method? Let us start with the loser, the “dinosaur”: Web-Based Training.
E-Learning is not the same as E-Learning!
A detailed comparison of the most well-known digital learning methods can be found in the comprehensive overview:
What is Web-Based Training?
WBT refers to a learning method where content is provided via the internet through learning platforms and programs. The content can theoretically be accessed from any internet-enabled device. In addition to traditional materials such as texts, video and audio recordings can also be used.
left: WBT as the “dinosaur of continuing education”; a humorous caricature by blink.it editor Corinna
Advantages of WBTs
Due to the wide range of different media, content can be presented in a varied and entertaining manner.
Learners can determine their individual learning pace themselves.
The content is usually also available on mobile devices: Learning is possible anywhere integrated into daily life.
Problems with Web-Based Training
Pure Web-Based Training requires a high degree of self-motivation from your participants to truly engage with and review the content.
New procedures and behavioral changes can be very difficult to convey through pure theory – practical guidance and exercises are lacking.
Social exchange over the internet is helpful, but is no substitute for personal contact with you as a trainer and other fellow learners.
Source: A detailed description of the function, advantages, and disadvantages of WBT can be found here: Lessino: Web Based Training (WBT)
What is Blended Learning?
Blended Learning refers to the combination of different learning methods. In continuing education, it usually means the combination of online and face-to-face learning. In Blended Learning, you use content in online courses as preparation, complement, or follow-up to your face-to-face events. In this sense, Blended Learning is a further development of WBTs.
Blended Learning connects face-to-face learning with E-Learning and thus combines the advantages of both worlds.
Advantages of Blended Learning
Trainers and learners remain time and location flexible through the online content. This also reduces travel and catering costs compared to purely face-to-face events.
In the online course, your participants can continue to learn in a self-determined manner and at their own pace, but are also motivated by impulses from the face-to-face events.
In face-to-face events, participants get to know you and the other learners: Personal relationship building and direct social exchange are possible, in addition to the digital exchange in the accompanying online course.
In the face-to-face component, you impart the necessary practical experience for new procedures and behavioral changes – which can then, for example, be further solidified in the follow-up online course.
In addition to the wide range of digital media (text, video, audio recordings, images), you can also incorporate interactions like discussion rounds, situational exercises in live sessions that are difficult or impossible to achieve online.
Difficulties with Blended Learning
The connection between face-to-face and online learning must be clearly conveyed to ensure that participants are motivated for both methods.
WBT and Blended Learning in Comparison
In the following table, you can see the advantages of WBTs and Blended Learning clearly contrasted:
| Requirement | Web-Based Training | Blended Learning || ------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------- | -------------------- || Content available on mobile, time and location flexible | YES | YES || Wide variety of media from texts to learning videos | YES | YES || Self-determined learning with individual learning pace | YES | YES || Exchange of experiences with fellow learners | only digital | YES || Personal support from the trainer/coach | NO | YES || Practical exercises and group discussions possible | NO | YES |
Conclusion: Blended Learning replaces WBT
As you can see, Blended Learning is not a competitor to WBTs, but rather a further development: Blended Learning combines social exchange in face-to-face events with the high flexibility of online courses. This results in a concept that allows you to provide participants with both individual support and self-directed learning.
In short: Blended Learning offers all the advantages of Web-Based Training without suffering from its disadvantages. Continuing education professionals have also recognized this in recent years: If the trend continues as it has since 2012, WBTs will soon truly be an extinct dinosaur – while Blended Learning will remain the TOP method of continuing education.
By the way: Another advantage of Blended Learning is the wide variety of applications. We have summarized the most popular Blended Learning models for you and made them available as a PDF for download. You will surely find a suitable face-to-face-online combination for your next training!
