Blended learning has revolutionized the conventional education system. This approach combines traditional and digital teaching methods, providing employees with a hybrid learning model. Trainees who enroll in a blended learning program tend to improve information recall, enhance skills development, and balance their education with other responsibilities.
There's research that proves the benefits of blended learning:
- 73% of educators noticed an increase in engagement in blended learning environments.
- 60% of teachers say blended learning improves academic abilities.
- 59% of learners are more motivated when studying for a hybrid course.
Learn more about this educational approach, the benefits of blended learning, and why a video platform like Viostream can help you achieve your learning and development objectives.
What Is Blended Learning?
Blended learning (or hybrid learning) is an educational approach that combines traditional classroom-based learning with online learning. Employees will complete part of their training program in a physical location, such as a college, and the rest of their program over the Internet.
The ratio between in-person and online education depends on the learning provider. For example, some employees might fulfill most of their courses virtually and attend college once or twice a month; others might spend the majority of their time in a physical classroom.
More Flexibility
Flexibility is one of the biggest benefits of blended learning. Unlike traditional classroom-based learning, employees in a blended learning environment can develop many skills online during the evening or on weekends. As an example, they might complete the online portions of a hybrid course from home outside of regular working hours, meaning training won't interfere with day-to-day job responsibilities.
Also, the blended learning model requires less time spent in a physical location than traditional education, so employees don't have to travel to school as frequently. That means they can balance any existing family commitments with training requirements.
Related Reading: Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Learning
More Access to Learning Materials
Under the traditional education model, employees could only engage with learning materials during classroom hours. One of the benefits of blended learning is that trainees have access to a larger selection of online materials and other technological resources.
"Students may have been able to take their textbooks home with them, but they didn’t have a way to actually interact with or engage the material," says EducationWeek. "With new learning apps and other technological advances, they have more flexibility to access and engage academia from home."
Employees Can Learn at Their Own Pace
Traditional learning typically requires employees to attend lectures, seminars, and workshops for the entirety of their program. If trainees can't make it to class, they might miss important concepts and fall behind in a course. With blended learning, instructors can pre-record videos and share them on a video platform for employees to watch at a time that suits them.
Learners can also pause, stop, and re-watch online videos — something they can't do in a physical classroom. These benefits of blended learning could help employees understand complicated concepts that will help further their careers.
Related Reading:The Pros and Cons of Using Video in Teaching
Increased Retention
If you use videos for blended learning, your employees might recall more information about training topics. That's because video is one of the most effective methods for remembering facts and figures. Research suggests that one minute of video is as effective for learning as around 1.8 million written words.
Trainees often respond better to visual content than regular text. Therefore, creating videos about training concepts is one of the biggest benefits of blended learning because it can help employees acquire the knowledge to fulfill their job responsibilities.
Related Reading: The Pros and Cons of Virtual Training
Soft Skill Development
Physical colleges often provide trainees with a timeline for course completion and a schedule of classes. However, the blended learning model is more fluid, allowing learners to develop soft skills like self-discipline, time management, and independence because part of their program takes place outside of the classroom. Trainees can apply these soft skills to their current job roles or future careers.
"To be successful, an online student has to want to succeed," says Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. "Online learning requires independence, internal motivation, responsibility, and a certain level of maturity."
Other soft skills that trainees can develop with the self-paced blending model include communication, self-confidence, and problem-solving.
How Viostream Can Help With the Benefits of Blended Learning
Viostream helps you realize the benefits of blended learning with its incredible range of video hosting, sharing, and tracking features. It provides an alternative to the traditional learning management system (LMS) typically used for remote training. An LMS rarely supports video content and only provides trainees with text-based resources. With Viostream, you can upload training videos to the platform and improve learning and development objectives.
Here are some Viostream features for blended learning:
- Accessibility features such as closed captions and audio descriptions, so all employees can watch your videos
- Access controls
- Video metrics and reports that track trainee engagement and viewership
- Video portals and playlists for specific employees and teams
- Video heatmaps that tell you the location of trainees
- Branded video galleries
- Live streaming
- Embedded videos
- LMS integrations
- Integrations with other third-party services that might improve your educational goals
- Advanced security
- Enhanced audio and video playback
- Excellent customer service
- Easy-to-use interface
Viostream provides an alternative to learning management systems for skills development, helping you power your educational strategies and outcomes. Click here to try your Free Trial.
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