Blended learning is an fantastic for teachers and students alike. It will help you expand your learning efforts and improve learning outcomes.

In this article We'll explain to you the concept of blended learning, some examples, and some blended learning strategies to integrate into your routine.

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What is blended learning?

Blended learning is a method for teaching that combines in-person, classroom teaching with supplemental e-learning, whether it's through online discussions as well as extra synchronous or asynchronous classes, or other project-based work. Blended learning brings the very best of traditional learning-the intensity and dynamism of live classes, with the versatility and flexibility of e-learning.

Throughout its history, the term "Blended learning" is used to describe 1. Combining delivery media, 2. Combining instructional methods 3. Combining instructional methods. mixing in-person and online instruction, but nowadays, we typically use this phrase to mean a mixture of online and in-person instruction.1

In the classroom, too Blended learning is now becoming more of the norm than an one-off. A study conducted by UK institutions revealed that 69% of them planned to introduce blended learning, while 82% said they are witnessing a rise in interest in blended learning. In 2021 (during the pandemic) 60% of all US college students were taking at least one online class. It is predicted that online education will reach $257.7 billion in value in 2027.

Though we may associate the surge in learning online with the current pandemic, schools and colleges have been promoting online learning for decades-especially supplemental learning through online forums or project. The process has been made easier by the edtech tools and programs for online learning, such as Blackboard or Canvas.

Access to online learning has become so widespread that in 2023 the University of California decided to eliminate a hole in their course offerings. The university had such a wide range of courses available from online providers that students could get an online degree for way lower costs (they brought in an obligation to reside).

But blended learning isn't just used for high school or the K-12 level. It can be used for any type of learning that exists, whether it's corporate training or launching an online business blended learning can be used to combine the best of live learning (the engagement, the topic flexibility, and the discussion) with the best of online learning (the accessibility ).

    Blended learning can be used to refer to:

• Blending at the activity level: when an activity of learning takes place both in person and on the internet.        
  
• Blending at the course level: when the course is in-person as well as online material.        
  
• Program-level blending: Blending occurs across a program of study, but possibly not with specific courses or other activities.        
  

1. See the chapter 1 discussion of Curtis J. Bonk and Charles R. Graham, The Handbook of Blended Learning Global Perspectives and Local Designs (John Wiley & Sons 2005).

Here are some blended learning statistics

• 83% of college students find online learning easier ( Erudera ).      
  
• Eighty-two percent of university and college students want to have at least a small portion part of their studies to be online (and 41% want all on the internet) ( UNESCO ).      
  
• A survey of new college students in 2022 found that 27% were in favor of blended learning while 29% favored completely online. A decrease from the previous pandemic figures, yet still significant ( New America ).      
  
• It is estimated that there are 2.79 millions U.S. post-secondary students doing their degree on the internet ( NCES ).      
  
• In the years 2019 and 2020 the pandemic triggered post-secondary online learning to jump from 37 percentage to 74%. .      
  

Blended learning systems

The development of blended learning has been made possible thanks to the development of blended learning systems as well as the requirements of technology for teaching at-scale online. The blended learning system is constantly developing and expanding, with new capabilities every day.

For example, Mighty Co-Host(tm) is able to create outline of courses using AI. This technology will continue to evolve and adjusting blended learning in line with the tech evolves.

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Blended learning vs hybrid education: what's the distinction?

The words "blended learning" as well as "hybrid learning" are often utilized to refer to the same thing. But sometimes "hybrid" means a mixture of students who are in person and online in the same classroom (sort like the way you describe an event that is a hybrid event)--while blended learning typically refers to the combination of both in-person and online learning that is tailored to each individual learner.

The benefits from blended learning

There are numerous advantages of learning online, and the best way to define them is that it gives you two of the most beneficial aspects! As both in-person as well as virtual learning have positives and benefits, blended learning allows students to take advantage of both method and reduce the disadvantages.

It's that balance that is the ideal balance in blended education. For example, asynchronous online learning may be isolated. But blended learning lets you get together with fellow students once in a while to make friends!

A New America study of blended learning at community colleges showed that the most important reasons why students favored blended learning included an opportunity to create an individualized schedule, the possibility to be a part of a group and a sense of a higher quality education, the reduction of the commute, and an additional reason to get out of the home.

The benefits of blended learning that are associated with the in-person experience of learning

• Flexible learning: Online learning lets learners learn from the comfort of their home and online education can be conducted at the learner's convenience. Learning can become a possibility even for those who have other obligations to manage (e.g. the parent who has a job currently ).    
  
• Accessibility Learning through blended learning is more attainable to different types of learning, allowing learners take their time and learn at their own pace.      
  
• Eco-friendly: No need to have classrooms (or heating/cooling or electric power). Online learning is sustainable as well as cost-effective.    
  
• Flexible: Blended learning provides the possibility of scaling. If, for instance, you had to teach three intro classes, you could group them in a single online discussion group.    
  
• It's easier than ever before: Technology for e-learning is constantly getting better and accessible.    
  

The benefits of blended learning that are associated with a person-to-person experience

• Energetic: If students have trouble paying attention to online content, live-learning can help improve their attention span.      
  
• Forming connections: Students attending classes together can build important relationships and network.      
  
• Flexibility: In-class learning is flexible in an entirely different type, and the instructor is able to modify the discussion and the material they engage with the room.      
  

Blended learning examples

• An instructor at a college adds an obligatory virtual element to their curriculum, for example taking part in a virtual discussion room or writing blog entries about the material or working on online group project in conjunction with class members.        
  
• Walmart provides the The One Global Walmart Academy that offers live and virtual learning opportunities in its 2.3 million associates.      
  
• Amazon has built classrooms inside their fulfillment centers to teach employees skills-both those relevant to the work they do in Amazon and those not. They offer upskilling into some highly sought-after careers.    
  
• Many executive MBA programs mix both live and online training to help with the students' busy schedules-many have full-time jobs while they complete their MBA.      
  
• The U.S. Government's Federal Cyber Defense Skilling Academy helps to train federal employees through a mix of online and in-person training.      
  
• HTML0 - The University of Phoenix is famous for its online education, however students also have the option of taking in-person classes. This is a blended learning degree.      
  

Blended learning

A different option for blended learning. This is blended learning via e-learning. Instead of combining in-person and virtual learning, blended education blends elements of both synchronous and asynchronous learning on an online platform.

As an example it's possible to have an asynchronous course that's enabled by virtual events, live chats, and discussion groups that are live. You could also have a course that's taught in real-time via a livestreaming feature, but the recording is accessible afterward, along with an online discussion board.

As with blended learning, education brings the positives of an in-person classroom into online learning. You can benefit from the enthusiasm of live-streamed sessions, from the discussions and conversations that happen in real-time, or the adaptability you can bring students' concerns.

What's different is that the entire thing happens on an online platform. It gives you all the access and all the flexibility together.

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Blended methods of learning

1. Try a flipped classroom

A common method of blended learning is called the flipped classroom. This model lets students are able to engage in readings and lectures at home. Then, the classroom can be devoted to discussions or engagement.

It can be difficult to achieve success in the K-12 classroom but it's doable (younger learners typically require parents' support). But the approach is used often in higher education, and is similar to the "tutorial" model of education-which has been around for centuries (it's the basis of the Oxbridge program). ).

2. Let learning objectives be the guideline.

Learning through blended learning must be governed by what helps you reach your goals for learning the best. Although it may sound obvious However, it is possible to use every advantage of live and online learning in order to achieve different learning objectives. A classroom that is flippable is one of the best examples.

3. Make sure you choose the right technology

What technology you use to facilitate blended learning will impact its success. Naturally, the attributes you're searching for in a blended learning platform should be robust and functional. They should play well together and be simple for learners to use and use.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Beware of complicated stacks of technology. Look for solutions that let you add the blended learning capabilities you desire with no mixing or matching programs, which can cause more hassles.      
  
• Check with IT. If your institution has an internal IT department check if they have current options.      
  
• Think about interoperability-if it needs to be made sure that your blended learning system integrates with the existing learning and administration systems.        
  

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4. Do your best to make the internet count

One of the most common ways for blended learning failure is to place all the weight on the live sessions, and making online participation optional. Online component of blended learning shouldn't be treated like an add-on or an extra. Make it count and assign real learning objectives for online learning.

As an example, providing an option for a discussion area is an ideal recipe for low participation. Try building 10 discussion reflections as well as 10 replies to other' reflections into your curriculum (e.g. with 1% of each worth 20% of the total grade). In putting skin into the blended learning game increases the likelihood that you will get the best results.

5. Don't replicate the traditional classroom on the internet.

Blended learning offers a virtually infinite number of learning opportunities. Making the exact same learning activities available in a traditional classroom online can just be sad.

For example, an educational lecture can be good.

• However, what if you had students view a film together in virtual chat?        
  
• Or applying a theory to a popular film?        
  
• Try an online video game which is compatible with the themes of your course?        
  
• or building their own website or blog?        
  
• Also, sharing on social media regarding course themes?        
  

The sky's the limit. So be innovative when it comes to making use of the internet to create formats.

6. Do not create synchronous and Asynchronous the division

It's common to believe that classes should be synchronous, and that online activities should be asynchronous. However, that's not the case. Online activities can be timed, with the utilization of live video, chat, messages, etc. And in-person activities don't necessarily have to be concurrent.

If you're trying to decide between either asynchronous or synchronous learning, this chart can assist you in determining the different types of learners that which one is best for:

7. Orient the students

Instead of slapping students in blended learning classes instead, hold a class within the class (even at the computer lab, if you have access) to help them get started in the online aspect of your class. Use this opportunity to teach students how to sign on into the online learning system, how to utilize different tools, and perhaps even do an assignment together.

Familiarity with the platform increases the chances of students getting the most out of the platform. Tech issues are one of the top barriers to blended learning.

8. Read your data

Because blended learning is a part of software platforms, you get an opportunity to interact with the data. Data points could give valuable information on what's working as well as what's not when it comes to the implementation of blended learning.

Be sure to review the data frequently.

9. Join a community of practice

The process of integrating blended learning of every form can be challenging to those who are new. Look for communities of practice where you can collaborate and learn from other people who are using blended learning well.

Blended platforms for learning

1.

is a social as well as a courses platform that comes with a powerful toolset for hosting discussions, livestreaming, running live events, as well as synchronous and Asynchronous courses.

As a blended learning system, it's a great choice when it comes to brand-related or corporate education, and offers the option of branded apps by using Mighty Pro. And for those running an online course or training business, it gives you everything you need for monetization-building packages, managing checkouts, and charging in 135 different currencies.

2. Moodle

Moodle can be described as an institution-wide learning management system that comes with a lot of different types of content, along with a great range of engaging features that allow for collaborative learning such as discussions forums, collaborations or messaging.

3. Canvas with Instructure

Canvas can be used to create an institutional learning center, which includes a robust LMS, good engagement tools, solid mobile apps (better than Moodle) as well as the Learning Tool Interoperability (LTI) ability to integrate in conjunction with the institution's IT system.

4. Blackboard Learn

The most popular institutional LMS options that has lots of assignments and grading features as well as a number of good collaboration tools (like the discussion board and live meetings). It is simple to use by students and administrators.

Conclusion

Blended learning is difficult to master especially if you're not familiar with it. However, if it's done right it will provide amazing opportunities for learning and scale your teaching. Hopefully, this guide has you intrigued by the idea of blended learning. You are now eager to take your teaching online!

If you want to test Mighty's blend learning platform, you can try it free for 14 days with no credit card needed.