Blended learning solutions

BLENDED LEARNING COMBINES the engaging benefits of traditional instructor led training with the advantages brought by a variety of technologies to create an optimum program. This article defines blended learning and its advantages; it presents two approaches and five specific models as examples of blended learning solutions.

What is the recipe for blended learning?

Recipe for: Blended Learning

Blended learning is the combination of different training "media": technologies, activities, and types of events to create an optimum training program for a specific audience. Blended learning programs use many different forms of e-learning, perhaps complemented with instructor-led training and other live formats (Bershin, 2004).

What are the benefits of Blended Learning?

Cost Reduction

Cost Reduction: Live instructor-led training translates into transportation, hotel, food, and other expenses. Blended learning reduces these costs by reducing instructor-led sessions to the minimum necessary.

Distance Barriers elilminated

Distance Barriers Eliminated. By combining various e-learning methods with instructor-led training, the learners may access the knowledge from wherever they are until they must meet face-to-face with the instructor.

Time Flexibility

Time Flexibiltiy: Blended solutions offer self-study modules which can be completed by the learner whenever he/she chooses to do so instead of having to be present at the instructor-led session.

Two different approaches to Blended Learning

Program Flow approach

According to Josh Bershin (2004) the program flow approach allows learners to feel engaged and can plan theri training over time. In addition, it enables you to formally track progress, step by step; it is easy to follow as well as mofify and maintain (pg. 63).

Core and Spoke approach

 

The previous Core and Spoke approach is an example of a Semiconductor Manufacturer Process Certification (Bershin, 2004). This approach is easier to build in stages. The key is to build the core curricula and add supplemental materials over time. According to Basin, this approach assumes self-motivated learners and is very flexible, allowing you to tailor a program to learners' individual styles and interests (pg. 78).

Five Specific Blended Learning Models

E-learning Self-Study blended with other media or events Instructor-led program blended with self-study e-learning Live -e-learning centered with other media On-the-job training centered Simulation and lab centered

Click on any of the five model examples to see details. (Bershin, 2004).

Susie Alvarez

Alvarez, S. (2005). Blended learning solutions. In  B. Hoffman (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Educational Technology. Retrieved from