The digitalization is bringing more and more diverse learning and teaching methods to further education. A common confusion: Web Based Training and Blended Learning. We explain the differences between the two methods – and why only one truly impresses!
CBT, WBT, VBT, Microlearning, Blended Learning, … In the enormously growing mass of digital learning methods, even modern educators can quickly lose track. Confusions and misunderstandings often occur. Particularly, Web Based Training (WBT) and Blended Learning are often confused: Both training methods are based on digital learning content in online courses.
However, Web-Based-Training and Blended Learning differ significantly, as seen in their development: in 2012, they were ranked first (Blended Learning) and second (WBT) in the strongest learning trends according to the "mmb Trendmonitor" survey. Today, Blended Learning still remains undisputed at number one – while WBTs barely hang on at ninth place in the lower midfield. No wonder that WBTs have been referred to as the "dinosaurs of further education": They are slowly but surely dying out!
Question: “Will the following applications have a central importance (…) as a learning form for corporate learning in companies in the coming three years?” – Agreement in %.
So where exactly are the differences between WBT and Blended Learning – and why is Blended Learning the future-proof learning method? Let's start with the loser, the “dinosaur”: Web-Based-Training.
What is Web-Based-Training?
WBT refers to a learning method where content is delivered over the Internet through learning platforms and programs. The content can theoretically be accessed from any internet-enabled device. Classic materials such as texts can also be used alongside video and audio recordings.
Left: WBT as the “dinosaur of further 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 diverse and entertaining ways.
Learning participants 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 level of self-motivation from your participants to engage with and revise the content.
New procedures and behavioral changes can only be very difficult to convey through pure theory – it lacks practical guidance and practice.
Social exchange over the Internet is helpful, but is no substitute for personal contact with you as the 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 further 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. Seen this way, Blended Learning is a further development of WBTs.
Blended Learning combines face-to-face learning with e-learning, thus combining the advantages of both worlds.
Advantages of Blended Learning
Trainers and learners remain flexible in time and space due to the online content. This also reduces travel and catering costs compared to purely face-to-face events.
In the online course, your participants can still learn independently and at their own pace, but are additionally 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 provide the necessary practice for new procedures and behavioral changes – which can then be reinforced in the follow-up online course.
In addition to the wide range of digital media (text, video, audio recordings, images), you can include interactions such as discussion rounds and situational exercises in the live session, which are difficult or impossible online.
Difficulties with Blended Learning
The connection between face-to-face and online learning must be clearly conveyed so that participants are motivated for both methods.
Comparing WBT and Blended Learning
In the following table, you can see the advantages of WBTs and Blended Learning clearly compared:
Requirement | Web-Based-Training | Blended Learning |
Content available on mobile, flexible in time and space | 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 a further development: Blended Learning combines social exchange during 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 the disadvantages. This has also been recognized by further education professionals in recent years: If the trend continues as it has since 2012, WBTs will genuinely become an extinct dinosaur in the foreseeable future – while Blended Learning will remain the TOP method of further education.
By the way: Another advantage of Blended Learning is the great variety of application possibilities. We have summarized the most popular Blended Learning models for you and made them available as a PDF for download. You are sure to find a suitable face-to-face-online combination for your next training!
