Hybrid vs. Blended Learning: What do you know?
The way we work has changed dramatically over the past few years.
Additionally, these new work models, such as remote work, work from anywhere, and hybrid work, have combined with new innovative technologies to bring about new training models.
That also changed the meaning of how we learn.
However, understanding the differences between new training models, especially hybrid and blended learning, is essential to make the right choice. This way, organizations can provide meaningful training to ensure successful team development.
For example, a common misconception is that there is no difference between hybrid learning and blended learning.
The confusion makes sense because of the similar names, both suggesting that they combine training ideas. But they are not the same. It doesn’t cover the same training needs.
It is essential to define each by exploring differences and qualities to determine whether training strategies and whether they are worth implementing them in your LMS.
What is hybrid learning?
Hybrid learning is a synchronous type of learning in which people participate in training online at the same time. Hybrid learning is becoming more popular because it reduces failure rates by 20%.
During hybrid learning, some learners physically participate in classrooms (conference rooms, training rooms, or another designated training space), while others effectively participate in training sessions.
The instructor presents to those who are present in person and virtually present at the same time.
For hybrid learning to be successful and effective, instructors should use the right video conferencing tools to ensure virtual learners have access to their training. It is essential to provide everyone with the same opportunity to dig into the course.
Instructors should also have the appropriate skills to ensure that both groups can participate equally. In addition to having the right infrastructure, instructors should repeat the questions face to face, taking note of technical difficulties, for example, to ensure that online participants are not excluded from discussion.
This is why you need to prepare hybrid learning sessions in advance, have seamless connectivity and have the right tools to support them and instructors.
What is blend learning?
Blend Learning is a type of training that combines traditional in-class instructor-led training with online, self-paced content for more flexible learning.
During blended learning, learners will participate in in-person training sessions in designated training spaces and supplement their training with online training materials through LMS or another e-learning platform. By combining the two learning methods, learners become more enthusiastic and committed to learning. This occurs because blend learning is ideal for catering to a wide range of learner types.
When learners participate in in-class training, their learning can be synchronized and valuable insights can be gained from face-to-face feedback, hands-on activities and peer interactions. However, during online training where learning is asynchronous, learners can complete the module at their own time based on a specific deadline set by the instructor. In this setting, learners benefit from learning their own pace, time and space.
Note that it is possible to blend learning as long as instructor-led sessions are online, synchronous and combined with asynchronous, self-paced learning.
Blend learning gives learners the opportunity to come across sophisticated and interactive online training content. The content of the course becomes more engaging and interesting through video, audio, quizzes and discussion boards. Along with face-to-face experience of traditional training, blend learning is currently one of the most popular learning methods and is ideal for hybrid work settings.
Hybrid and mixed learning
There is no all-size approach to learning. Not everyone learns the same way. It is essential to provide learners with the tools and methodologies they need to grow, develop and succeed.
Therefore, understanding the difference between hybrid and blended learning is the first step required to create an inclusive learning environment for people.
Overall, hybrid learning offers a balance between online and offline learning by meeting the needs of people who cannot physically participate in designated training spaces. Blend learning, on the other hand, combines traditional and online learning models to complement the overall learning experience.
However, it is important to better understand the benefits they offer in order to dig deeper into what each learning model has to offer.
Benefits of Hybrid Learning
Easy to Access: Hybrid Learning provides the same access to classes for face-to-face and remote learners. As a result, more people can participate in training sessions and commit to learning and development. This learning model is fairly comprehensive for learners who are unable to physically participate in training due to positional barriers, illness, or other personal circumstances, as they have the opportunity to participate online and do not miss a complete training experience. Cheap: It can be costly to get all learners to participate in in-class training sessions. Imagine a large group of customers flying from all over the world to participate in a customer education program in a meeting room. It costs a lot of money to cover travel expenses, book larger venues and accommodate everyone. Instead, hybrid learning helps maintain your budget by eliminating costs, prints and more without compromising your learning experience. Increase retention: Not everyone learns the same thing. So, when it comes to learning, there is no all size approach. Some learners thrive in self-paced learning, but others do better when learning in traditional environments with their peers. Hybrid learning allows learners to freely engage in online or in-person training. As a result, they tend to participate more in training and retain knowledge at a higher rate.
Benefits of blended learning
Perfect for different learner types: As mentioned above, not everyone learns the same way. Some people have excellent visual input, while others prefer video or audio formats when it comes to easy digesting of information. Blend learning is a comprehensive learning method that caters to a variety of learning styles so that learners can do their absolute best. Perfect for personalized training: During in-class training, all learners receive the same instructions and activities (or very little differentiation). However, during online training, instructors can pre-customize activities, assessments, modules and training content to meet the learner’s various learning needs. Very attractive: More advanced and interactive training content can attract learners’ attention for a variety of stimuli. Therefore, online training modules, combined with traditional learning environments, can bring a marvel at learner engagement and participation.
Which learning model is best for a comprehensive learning environment?
It’s great to answer this question with a heartbeat. But there’s no such thing as a perfect learning model that includes everything.
However, organizations can find the best approach for their learners and their specific needs.
Compassion and providing learning in a way that allows your people to do their best creates an inclusive learning environment.
Explore some useful tips for determining the best learning model for your needs.
Focus on work models: First, organizations need to look back at work models. For example, blend learning or hybrid learning is not ideal for a completely remote working environment. However, learning hybrid or blends is a good option if your business is run on a hybrid working model. Alternatively, if you want to include job shadowing or mentoring/coaching (the learning model originally created for direct learning), you can use video conferencing tools and messaging apps to transfer online through LMS. Analyze employee learning needs: How do people learn? Which method is best to incorporate information? What will engage and motivate them? Is there anyone with a disability between your team? These are some focus questions regarding the assessment of learning needs. Run the research and discover what your team likes when it comes to learning models. Ask for feedback: Always ask people for honest and constructive feedback after implementing your learning model. Submit a post-training feedback form or run a survey to gain insight into whether the learning model adopted is effective for your team.
Learn for everything for a bright future
There is no right or wrong choice between hybrid and blended learning.
The key goal is to include everyone in the learning process. And to achieve that, you want to provide effective, engaging and meaningful training to your learners.
Selecting the right model between hybrid and blended learning requires careful consideration and planning. Courses, instructions, online resources, and activities that reach people who reach people who learn or work in a variety of ways, with ways to improve their learning experiences and knowledge retention in mind.
talentlms
TalentLMS is an LMS designed to simplify the creation, deployment and tracking of e-learning. As an AI-powered content creator, The TalentCraft offers an intuitive interface, a variety of content types, and ready-made templates for instant training on ready-made templates.
Originally published at www.talentlms.com
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