Advantages of Blended Learning

Advantages of Blended Learning

Technology is revolutionizing how we how we live—and how we learn. Today, many trainers/teachers recognize technology’s profound impacts in the field of training/education and embrace it wholeheartedly and creatively to make learning more efficient, effective, and engaging. We will take a look at some of the advantages of blended learning below.

One technology-centric approach to learning that is playing an increasingly important role in training/education is blended learning.

What is blended learning? 

Blended learning combines online educational materials and opportunities for interaction online with traditional place-based classroom methods. It requires the physical presence of both teacher and student, with some elements of student control over time, place, path, or place.” — Wikipedia

Blended learning is often called hybrid learning since it is a combination of e-learning—the use of digital technologies to provide complete learning programs online—and classroom-based learning, featuring lectures, workshops and training sessions. Classroom-based, instructor-led learning is great for complex topics, where it’s useful to offer in-depth explanations or expert opinion in immediate response to questions as they arise. Online, self-paced learning, on the other hand, is more of an individual pursuit and gives the learner control over when to move ahead with the material.

What online resources do Blended Learning programs use?

Online resources for blended learning programs can be accessed via the cloud, a global network of servers, each with a unique function, or from files and data downloaded and stored on a local or personal computer. Examples of online content for blended learning include:

• e-textbooks
• Slidedecks, (e.g. PowerPoint, incorporating text, images, and videos)
• Video libraries
• Webinars
• Podcasts
• Lectures/talks
• Interactive activities
• Social media (Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, YouTube, etc.)
• Gamification (application of game-design elements and game principles in non-game contexts)

What are the advantages of blended learning?

The advantages of blended learning are multiple and include:

• The online component can be done anytime, anywhere—it is eminently flexible.
• Scheduling of the in-class component is easier since it’s shorter.
• Training costs for the employer are reduced up to 60% since learners don’t need to take as much time off work to complete the program.
• Students rotate between self-paced online learning and face-to-face instruction, increasing the variety of activities, helping students with different learning styles succeed and making the course more dynamic and interesting.
• The in-class component provides opportunities to meet and engage directly with other students and trainers/ teachers.
• Research shows that e-learning boosts retention rates by 25% because the participant oversees the learning process and can revisit content as required.
• Through the online component, students have access to global resources and materials that meet the participant’s level of knowledge and interest and that can be shared amongst them.

How does Heartzap use Blended Learning?

Heartzap is a firm believer in the merits of blended learning and, at this time, offers two blended learning courses: First Aid and Working at Heights. The “theory” component of the courses is done online, allowing participants to learn essential terms and definitions, watch instructive videos and see the steps/procedures that apply to that type of training. The in-class component with a certified instructor gives participants an opportunity to practice procedures they saw online and gain hands-on experience with the help of a safety expert.

Heartzap’s blended learning courses are valuable tools for enhancing your team’s skillsets. Contact Heartzap if you are interested in getting started.