2. What is blended learning? 03
Benefits of blended learning 04
Blended learning modes 06
Success case examples 11
Getting started 13
Best practices 14
Contents
3. Blended learning blends the best out of face-to-face classes and e-learning. In blended learning
digital tools are not competing against traditional methods of teaching and learning, but
rather complementing them, improving efficiency and flexibility of the learning process.
Blended learning is one of the most effective training and learning methods. Therefore most prestigious
consulting and training companies such as Ernst & Young use it. Blended learning is exploited by diverse
organizations from local schools to multinational giants such as Oracle or Cisco.
We can confidently say that blended learning is here to stay. We encourage you to read this document
to discover the basics of blended learning, interesting cases and advice on how get started.
Searching this topic, you might also encounter terms b-learning or hybrid learning, which essentially
bear the same meaning.
Face to face classes
Blended School
E-learning
03
Blended learning definition
4. • Interchanging knowledge
• Encourage teamwork
• Efficient personal help
• Understanding emotional climate
Blended learning has
demonstrated to be more efficient
than face-to-face classrooms or
full e-learning. Blended learning
also improves the trainee
motivation and engagement when
done correctly
Blended learning combines
all advantages
• Flexibility to study when and where you can
• More affordable
• No limitations for number of attendants
• Materials always up to date
• Rich, interactive material
Advantages of classroom training
Advantages of e-learning
04
Blended learning benefits
5. "As a trainer, one of my greatest challenge has been engaging the brightest
students, and still meet the needs of those who need more time and assistance. You
always end up teach to the middle. The brightest students get bored, and others fell
behind. With blended learning, trainers can really and truly meet the needs of each
individual and reach them where they are. This always has been the goal, but until
now, the tools simply weren't there. This is an incredibly exciting time to be a
trainer.“
Alex, San Diego High School
Testimonial from a blended learning trainer
05
6. We are familiar with these four B-learning modes.
06
Rotation mode Flexible mode Menu mode Enhanced virtual mode
Blended learning
modes
7. Rotation mode blended learning
We talk about rotation b-learning
when we organize the activities in
different stages. Each stage
implicate different tasks. To rotate,
you form groups from trainees, and
then rotate the groups from task to
task on a certain time interval.
07
Classroom
collaboration
Online reading
Classroom with
trainer
Online videos +
microtests
8. 1. Stage rotation. There are different stages, and student groups
work on activities in each work stage.
2. Computer aided rotation. Trainees work with electronic devices
such as computers, tablets and smart phones. In classrooms
there are no electronic devices as that time there is for questions
and doubts.
3. Flipped classroom. In Flipped classroom, the traditional usage of
classrooms reverts. The goal is more individualized training, and
enhanced trainer-student relationship. Most of the learning
happens online. Classrooms usage is about solving trainee doubts
and question face to face.
4. Individual rotation. In this model the trainee has individual tasks
based on individual needs. Information can be all studied online
or for example with smartphones. But the tasks are different for
each student or trainee.
08
There are four different sub models in the rotation blended learning
Best blended learning
mode for your use depends
on your theme, objectives
and trainees. There is no
one best mode for
everyone, you have to get
started and with time you
will learn what method
works for your courses.
Flipped classroom is more online learning
and individualized face-to-face sessions
9. Flexible mode blended
learning (flex mode)
Online activities in flexible mode form a large part of the
training. Trainee or student have a flexibility to mode
between different forms of b-learning. Each individual
may customize their learning to best suite their personal
requirements.
Trainee or students progress or performance can be
easily tested with time to time classroom exams or/and
different online tests.
09
Menu mode
blended learning
In menu model, the trainee may select specific
subjects to study them online. Other, predefined
amount of subjects are face-to-face classes. With
menu model, trainer’s presence guiding and
supporting online subjects is crucial.
10. Enhanced virtual mode
blended learning
10
Enhanced virtual model. In this model scheduled
classroom sessions exist, but they are not obligatory. In
this model the trainer’s virtual presence online is very
important, as questions arise. Trainer may use a chat
functionality e.g. to answer students or trainees
questions.
Brick-and-mortar Online learning
Traditional
instruction
Technology-rich
instruction
Informal online
learning
Full-time
online learning
BLENDED LEARNING
1
Rotation
model
2
Flex
model
3
Self-Blend
model
4
Enriched-
Virtual
model
Station-Rotation model
Lab-Rotation model
Flipped-Classroom model
Individual-Rotation model
11. 11
Blended learning
case examples
The electrical training ALLIANCE reaches beyond the textbook,
incorporating advanced technology in all aspects of training. Blended
learning enables students to continue training remotely, bridging the
gap between an apprenticeship and learning in the classroom. The
electrical training ALLIANCE encourages training centers to embrace
new technologies and offers ongoing technical courses to support all
facilities using its curriculum. Since instructors and students can
connect virtually, training on the go is easier than ever. Blended
Learning also enhances the classroom time as Instructors can spend
more time with hands-on instruction rather than going over homework.
Example 1
National Electrical Association Contractors (NECA), US.
12. 12
Example 2
San Diego, United States
Network of schools in San Diego called High
Tech High, have established a b-learning
system where many classes are divided in two
parts, face-to-face learning and digital learning.
Their primary and secondary students, in total
5.300 students in 13 public schools use digital
tools to complete mathematics and language
studies. 2010 the b-learning results were
proven, 100% of the b-learning course
students were accepted to university and 93%
of them passed California High School Exit
Exams (against the 80% average).
Example 3
CISCO system
Cisco started using online videos as part of
their internal b-learning strategy years ago.
Giving the excellent results, Cisco is still using
b-learning for almost all internal courses.
Example 4
Ernst & Young
Also multinational consultancy gigantic Ernst &
Young takes economical and geographical
advantage using b-learning courses for internal
training. Face-to-face parts are done by using
teleconference systems, but major part of the
trainings are done fully digitally.
13. 13
Go through the material you already use in your courses, and put
available online all the material and content suitable for studying
independently. You should also estimate the time each trainee
needs to complete the online material, so they can anticipate the
required time. Remember to divide your material into courses with
clear objectives
Include some tests for the online material
• Level testing
• Orientated exams
• Brainstorming tasks
You could for example include few questions after each module so
that the trainee may test his/her own know-how on the topic and
also add some questions to discuss in the class. This also helps you
to understand the level your trainees or students are, and you may
better prepare for the face to face studies.
So you got started – Congratulations, its
the most difficult part
You already are a blended learning
practicioner. From here on, its more
perfectioning and taking the most out of it.
1 2
Blended learning, getting started
14. 14
Blended learning,
best practices
• Maintain the most complex theory parts in face to face classes if you
think there is no benefit studying them independently. You can also
repeat the theory in the beginning of the class to refresh the memory
and make sure trainees understand the context or bigger picture.
Another possible approach is focus on the same theory but from very
different angle. This makes it interesting and improves the memory.
• Make sure most of the time in face-to-face classes you use for
discussions, questions and exercises. If you had your trainees to do
some exercises (online or offline), go though them for example. In
blended learning, you should not be lecturing in face to face classes,
but rather discuss and collaborate difficult issues, and applicate the
learned information.
• Have a little recap after each session to make sure the information
was absorbed. If there are clear deficiencies, return back to that
later.
• In your online material you should include some instructions on the
time schedule, progress and the exercises for the next face-to-face
session. Also, please try to estimate the time your trainees will need
to complete the tasks, and document that on the beginning of each
course. This really helps your students or trainees to plan their
studies.
• Collect feedback from both online materials and face-to-face classes
already during the course. As you don’t have to lecture everything
anymore, you can concentrate on fast reaction and getting your
course perfect.
If you are completely new to online courses, you might also want to read following blog:
https://www.vuolearning.com/en/blog/2017/09/creating-an-online-course-how-to-get-started
15. We hope this was helpful reading to you.
Don’t be afraid the take your first step the blended learning,
it will open you a world of new opportunities in education.
www.vuolearning.com
