Blended Learning

What is blended learning?

Blended learning combines distance/online modules and face-to-face workshops, meaning that you will complete part of your course in a classroom and part of your course online. Blended learning uses a mixture of digital and physical materials to help you learn, and the mixture of classroom exercises and online exercises means that you get the best of both worlds. Whilst purely online learning misses out on the networking opportunity a classroom environment offers, blended learning gives you the chance to meet new people and expand your network, without having to spend 100% of your learning time in a classroom environment.

Blended learning does not have to be 50/50, and often the way the course is split will depend on the type of course you're studying. Some blended learning courses also combine theoretical with practical approaches, allowing you to self-study at home and then put this into practice in the classroom.

Is blended learning right for me?

If you're torn between doing a course that's wholly online versus having to travel, blended learning could be the perfect middle ground. You will still get time in a classroom, however, you will also have the opportunity to work at your own pace at home/in the office. 

Blended learning may also make your performance stronger. As a learning method, blended learning has been found to increase students' engagement and the use of mixed media has been found to increase performance by an average of 25%. Your course provider might incorporate blended learning in the form of pre-work to complete before you arrive in the classroom, or videos or online quizzes to complete in between. For some intensive courses, blended learning offers students the ability to revise complex theories, ensuring that they have time to digest them before returning to the classroom the following day. 

Furthermore, blended learning gives you the chance to ask your course leader/teacher questions from your online learning element, which means you have a fully-rounded learning experience. 

Which courses can I take with blended learning?

You can already choose a range of courses that offer blended learning. Most apprenticeship courses are also blended learning courses, allowing you to complete some of your work portfolio from home or in the office, depending on the apprenticeship level. 

Blended learning is becoming increasingly popular as it offers a personalised learning approach for students that can be easily tailored to their level. The online aspect of blended learning often allows you to go away and digest the information you have learnt in the classroom and come back with questions, which increases comprehension and knowledge retention. 

Whilst you may think that practical, hands-on skills cannot be taught using blended learning - think again! Many practical courses require an element of theory, and this is something that with blended learning, you can complete at your own pace. 

Blended learning: quick facts

• Blended learning has been proven to be more effective than purely classroom based learning for over 80% of learners
• Blended learning can increase knowledge retention by over 60%
• E-learning consumes 90% less energy and produces 85% fewer Co2 emissions
• 70% of students and professionals prefer to study with a blended learning approach
• Learners tend to find they get more done in less time