What Is Blended Learning, and What are the Types of Blended Learning?

In a world of rapid technological changes, corporate training has been revolutionized by the emergence of blended learning. According to a recent survey, over 70% of corporate training departments have adopted some form of blended learning. This indicates the growing popularity of this type of learning, as more and more companies are seeing the potential benefits of this approach. In addition, nearly half of the companies surveyed said they plan to increase their use of blended learning in 2023 and beyond.  

A general, all-inclusive definition of blended learning is challenging to establish because it often depends on different circumstances. Online and offline components are frequently included in blended learning courses. This provides learners with a combination of traditional training sessions and online classes that they may do at their own pace. 

Continue reading to learn more about the nuances of blended learning if you're intrigued about what it is and the different types there are. 

What is blended learning? 

Blended learning allows learners to learn from traditional and modern methods, combining online and classroom-based learning. It allows learners to take advantage of both learning styles, depending on their individual needs. This type of learning is an excellent way to reach a larger audience, making it easier to provide online and in-person training. Companies can offer training to employees who might need access to a traditional classroom and those who can attend online. 

Studies demonstrate that learners who participated in a blended learning program showed increased engagement and improved results compared to those in a traditional classroom or online-only learning environment. A recent survey found that nearly 90% of employers believe blended learning is more effective than traditional or online learning alone. This is because blended learning offers classroom and online learning benefits. This, in turn, has enabled them to get more out of their learning experience and become more motivated to pursue their training goals. And also allows them to access learning materials and resources at any time. 

If you're considering using blended learning, you'll want to know if it's worth taking the trouble. There are many things to think about when making this decision, like how much time and money you can put into it and whether or not it will help your learners in the long run.  

So, what types of blended learning can be used in corporate training? Let’s take a look. 

Six Types of Blended Learning used in Corporate Training Programs 

The global blended learning market is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 13.1% over the next five years. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for employee training and development to improve organizational efficiency and productivity.  

Synchronous Blended Learning 

In synchronous blended learning, learners are still taught by a live instructor in a physical classroom, but their course materials and assignments may also be available online. In a synchronous blended learning environment, instructors use video conferencing tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams to deliver online lectures and conduct interactive activities. This approach allows for real-time collaboration with employees, which is beneficial for complex topics that require detailed explanations.  

Asynchronous Blended Learning 

Asynchronous blended learning is a more flexible approach that allows employees to learn at their own pace. In this type of learning, employees gain access to online courses, webinars, and other learning materials, which they can complete in their own time. This is great for employees who need to work around other commitments and allows employers to offer more comprehensive training programs.  

Flipped Classroom 

The flipped classroom approach turns traditional learning on its head by having learners view instructional content in advance, allowing trainers to devote more time to active learning techniques during the training session. In this type of blended learning, employees receive instruction through online resources such as videos, articles, and webinars. They can then use classroom time to discuss and apply their new knowledge. This strategy empowers employees to take charge of their learning and encourages them to think critically about the information. 

Gamified Learning 

Gamified learning provides employees an exciting and fun way to learn new skills and stay up-to-date on their industry knowledge. In this type of blended learning, employees complete online activities and challenges designed to be fun and engaging. This approach can be used to teach a variety of topics, from product knowledge to customer service skills.  

Social Learning

Social learning is an efficient method for fostering a collaborative learning environment. Employees are encouraged to connect and cooperate on assignments in this blended learning. This allows employees to learn from their peers and build relationships, which is essential for creating a strong team and developing organizational culture. 

Simulations

Simulations are a great way to provide employees with a hands-on learning experience. This type of blended learning allows employees to practice the skills they are learning in a safe and controlled environment.  

Learners in the rotational blended learning approach must follow a timetable and rotate between self-paced online study and face-to-face contact. The timetables are set but adaptable. This provides structure while allowing learners to take control of their learning and modify the amount of time they spend on certain activities. 

Including various training modalities helps learners put what they've learned into practice, filling any learning gaps. This makes measuring training progress easy since learners follow a defined timetable. 

Conclusion 

Blended learning is an effective way to deliver corporate training, and the seven types of blended learning outlined above can be used to create a comprehensive training program. As more organizations embrace digital transformation, blended learning is becoming increasingly popular. So, if you’re looking for an effective way to deliver corporate training, consider incorporating blended learning into your program.  

Infopro Learning unique blended learning strategy has been developed over two decades. We build learning itineraries that incorporate just the right amount of ILT/VILT, eLearning, and informal learning. Our clients have faith in us because the learning experiences we build are grounded in cutting-edge research in the field of education, use innovative learning approaches, and are delivered via a wide variety of blended modalities.