In the words of author and educator Donna J. Abernathy, “Online learning is not the next big thing; it is the now big thing.”
And we can’t disagree. Online learning is at the forefront of how we train employees, thanks to its flexibility, accessibility, and scalability. That said, there are times when face-to-face instruction is the best option.
How can you choose which format works best for your employee training program? The good news is you don’t have to.
Let us introduce you to the Swiss army knife of education: blended learning. This dual approach takes the convenience of e-learning and mixes it with the hands-on experience of instructor-led classes.
The results? A winning way to train employees, reduce training costs, and drive business results.
Now that we have your attention, keep reading to find out:
- What blended learning is and the different models
- The benefits
- How to pick the right learning management system (LMS) for blended learning
- Tips on crafting a strategy that delivers.
Let’s get started!
What is blended learning?
Blended learning is an approach to education that combines traditional learning methods (think classrooms and instructors) with online learning materials.
Blended learning environments are often said to provide learners with the best of both worlds. With an in-person instructor, learners can ask questions directly and get individual attention when needed.
The online component allows for flexible, self-paced learning, which gives learners the freedom and autonomy to explore concepts independently.
Now, if you hear “traditional classroom” and immediately think about the logistics of getting all your people in the same room – think again. Blended learning can work with virtual classrooms, too, or through a webinar.
Blended learning example
Blended learning can take many forms, making it hard to define. So, here’s an example to illustrate what it’s all about.
Let’s say a company has a new product and needs to provide sales training to its reps so they can close more deals. But this is a physical product, and the company would like their reps to be able to demo it and have first-hand product knowledge.
So, they have one part of the training in a classroom (virtual or physical) where learners can get real-time hands-on training and ask questions to the instructor directly.
Meanwhile, learners get access to e-learning course materials about the product’s advantages, features, and specifications through personalized learning paths or knowledge bases on an LMS.
That way, they can review it at their own pace, be prepared for the in-person training sessions, and know which questions to ask.
This is an example of how blended learning courses look in practice.
That said, there are several types of blended learning you should know about, so let’s see what they are.
Types of blended learning models
A blended learning program combines in-person instruction and online learning. But there’s more than one way to do this.
These six models describe how blended learning most often takes place:
- Face-to-face driver: as the name suggests, this model puts face-to-face instruction first. Most learning happens in person, while online learning modules support and expand on the subject matter.
- Rotation model: learners rotate between different learning modalities such as online learning, independent study, and traditional face-to-face instruction.
- Flex model: learners learn at their own pace online, and the role of the trainers in the training program is to be facilitators rather than primary instructors.
- Online Lab Model: learners complete most of the learning activities online (usually in a computer lab, hence the name) while instructors give support and guidance as needed.
- Self-blend model: a model that emphasizes self-directed learning. Learners do nearly everything in the online course on their own, and instructors (usually remote) are available for support.
- Online driver: The opposite of the face-to-face driver, where primary learning happens through learning platforms, and instructors are in a primarily consultative role.
Blended learning looks different in diverse educational settings, so you may notice some overlaps in these models.
Check out our guide on models of blended learning for more detail.
5 LMS features to look for in blended learning software
Implementing blended learning hinges on picking an LMS with the right features to support your initiatives.
These LMS features will facilitate blended learning in your corporate training programs and enhance learning incomes.
Now, let’s take a look at each in a bit more detail.
Feature #1: Online learning & social learning
To make the most out of the digital portion of the blended learning experience, you’ll need a modern LMS platform that can deliver online training courses.
That way, your learners can access the content from anywhere and learn at their own pace.
Opting for a cloud-based SaaS learning management system means you won’t have to worry about setting up your servers and hosting.
To create cohesion and connection between the online and offline training parts, look for an LMS with social learning features. Allowing your learners to communicate via chat and forums and share content replicates the collaborative classroom experience in a familiar social media format.
Feature #2: Instructor-led training (ILT) management
Because blended learning integrates real-time instruction with self-paced learning, ILT management is a valuable feature.
Instructors can schedule in-person training sessions (physical or virtual) from the LMS interface. They can also track attendance.
This way, your trainers and instructors don’t have to rely on outside apps to schedule and manage the training sessions.
Having all learning-related data in one place (including attendance) makes it easier to manage training and conduct a comprehensive learning metrics analysis.
Feature #3: Learning paths
Learning paths let trainers customize the sequence of online courses and learning objects depending on learners’ needs.
Trainers can set multiple learning pathways based on job roles, experience levels, and other relevant factors.
These customized learning paths provide learners with a comprehensive program overview, connecting the dots between separate courses, ILT sessions, and modules.
Self-paced learning is excellent, but your employees shouldn’t be without a guide on how to proceed from one learning module to the next.
Top LMSs allow instructors to set prerequisites and “lock” certain modules. This ensures that learners consume the training modules in the correct order and hit every milestone.
Feature #4: Learning analytics & reporting tools
Analytics and reporting capabilities are one of the biggest selling points for LMS platforms. They offer in-depth insight into how training is performing, both online and in the classroom.
Let’s say your learners must complete an online quiz after each ILT session. Instructors can pull an assessment score report to identify weak areas that need to be reviewed in the next ILT session.
Alternatively, the instructor may choose to assign learners additional microlearning content on the topic to boost their knowledge before the next classroom session.
Look for an LMS platform that tracks indicators such as pass-fail rates, time taken to complete assignments or quizzes, number of attempts before getting a question right, etc.
A good LMS will collect this data and present it in an intuitive and visually appealing dashboard.
Feature #5: Mobile learning
Let’s face it. We’re all tethered to our mobile devices. And resistance is futile.
So, we might as well try and use our phones for something more meaningful than mindlessly scrolling on TikTok.
That’s what mobile learning is all about. LMS platforms that have mobile apps let your learners access content from anywhere. Since learners can access training content at a time and place that suits them, they are much more likely to stay on track with their learning.
Staff members who spend a lot of time in the field can keep up to date with the latest training and product knowledge, facilitating just-in-time learning.
In short, choosing an LMS that supports mobile learning ensures your blended learning content is accessible at the point of need.
7 Top LMS software programs for blended learning: overview
A successful blended learning strategy requires two things: a powerful learning management system and a classroom (physical or virtual).
With these two tools in your arsenal, your organization can roll out blended learning programs at scale.
Here are our seven top picks for learning platforms that support blended learning.
Scroll down for more details on each LMS.
Tool #1: Docebo
Docebo is a cloud-based LMS platform that organizations can leverage to deliver and track online training.
With Docebo, companies can provide training for several different use cases, from employee to partner training.
Regarding blended learning, Docebo offers integrations with several popular video conferencing and webinar platforms such as Zoom, MS Teams, Webex, GoToWebinar, etc.
Additionally, trainers can schedule, track, and manage face-to-face training sessions inside Docebo, so there’s no need for separate tools or tracking platforms. It also means employees have all their training activities in one centralized platform.
Who’s it for?
If you want to introduce blended learning in your company or organization, Docebo covers all the bases.
It’s a fully featured LMS with social, mobile, and microlearning capabilities and gamification. Docebo is SCORM-compatible too.
In a nutshell, Docebo is a capable all-purpose LMS that can fit into any organization’s learning environment.
Features
Docebo’s top features are:
- Integration with webinar and video conferencing platforms for blended learning
- Built-in ILT management
- Supports popular e-learning methods such as social, mobile, and microlearning
Tool #2: TalentLMS
TalentLMS is another cloud-based LMS allowing organizations to create, deliver, and track online and blended training experiences.
Image Source: TalentLMS
Using TalentLMS, companies interested in blended learning can create and manage courses that combine online e-learning and instructor-led units. This is all done from one built-in interface that handles scheduling and booking.
You can choose to hold webinars through platforms like Zoom and MS Teams.
Who’s it for?
TalentLMS is another all-rounder option for companies that want to run all their learning experiences from one place. Thanks to the ILT management features and webinar integrations, this LMS can fit with any blended learning model.
Features
TalentLMS’s top features include:
- Integrated ILT management features
- Supports several video conferencing tools like Zoom and MS Teams
- Virtual classrooms with whiteboards, chat, and file sharing
Tool #3: iSpring
iSpring is a set of e-learning products offered by iSpring Solutions. The iSpring Suite is a set of authoring tools, while iSpring Learn is an LMS platform.
Image Source: iSpring
Together, these two platforms offer an all-in-one approach to online learning. The iSpring Suite is handy for people who are not professional learning-experience designers because it can take PowerPoint presentations and turn them into e-learning modules.
Then, iSpring Learn lets you combine the online materials with ILT sessions, thus enabling blended learning.
Who’s it for?
The iSpring Suite and the Learn LMS are good options for companies looking for an all-in-one solution to online training. You can create your learning content using PowerPoint in iSpring Suite and then deploy it to the LMS.
Features
The iSpring top features are:
- Integration with Zoom for webinar sessions
- Add ILT sessions during course creation
- Create learning content from PowerPoints
Tool #4: Zoho People
Zoho People is a cloud-based human resources management system offering an LMS module.
Image Source: Zoho
Companies can create learning content through Zoho People’s LMS module in various formats, including text, videos, and presentations.
Zoho’s e-learning capabilities prominently feature blended learning. The LMS integrates with Zoho Meeting so you can organize instructor-led training via a virtual classroom.
Additionally, you can provide learners with a self-paced learning experience by sharing e-books, videos, and other online resources.
There is also a discussion feature that learners can use to facilitate social learning.
Who’s it for?
Zoho People’s LMS module is part of its more extensive HR-focused offering. With it, companies can conduct employee onboarding, track attendance and performance, and provide employee training.
That’s why Zoho can be a good choice for companies that want to integrate HR with their learning and development initiatives.
Features
Some of the main Zoho People features are:
- Integration with Zoho Meeting for virtual classrooms
- Built-in learner feedback surveys
- Part of a larger HR management suite
Tool #5: Cornerstone
Cornerstone is a cloud-based platform that lets organizations create, manage, and deliver employee development programs.
Image Source: Cornerstone
In addition to classic e-learning features, Cornerstone offers virtual instructor-led training (VILT) capabilities that might interest companies that want to adopt the blended learning approach.
There are pre-packaged integrations with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Webex, so you can use your favorite video platform to hold webinars and virtual classrooms.
Calendar integrations, attendance management, and the ability to track the costs of external collaborators are nice additional features.
Who’s it for?
Due to the ability to track information about course providers and instructors, Cornerstone can be a good idea if your blended learning program relies on third-party e-learning content and external collaborators as instructors.
Features
Here are some of the main features of Cornerstone LMS:
- Integration with MS Teams, Zoom, and Webex
- Track internal and external providers and collaborators
- Calendar integration with Outlook and Google
Tool #6: Tovuti
Tovuti is a cloud-based learning platform offering content creation and online training delivery.
Image Source: Tovuti
For blended learning, Tovuti can integrate with video platforms to provide a classroom experience with real-time instruction.
This LMS also features gamification and social learning capabilities, such as discussion groups and leaderboards which can boost engagement and enable collective learning.
Who’s it for?
The main strength of Tovuti is its out-of-the-box API that companies can use to connect other platforms in their tech stack to the LMS. Because of this, if you’re looking for a highly customizable cloud LMS, Tovuti might be just what you need.
Features
These are the top features of Tovuti:
- Highly customizable API to connect with other platforms
- Gamification and social learning
- Built-in authoring tools
Tool #7: ExpertusONE
ExpertusONE is a cloud-based learning solution offering e-learning in different modalities, from online training to blended approaches.
Image Source: ExpertusONE
For blended learning, ExpertusONE supports VILT delivered through integrations with video platforms like Webex. It also comes with other standard LMS features, such as social learning and personalized learning paths.
The LMS offers its native meeting solution, eliminating the need to integrate with another app.
Who’s it for?
ExpertusONE comes with its native meeting platform, so companies looking to simplify blended learning might consider this platform.
By using the native meeting platform, you don’t have to worry about integration with other video conferencing tools.
Features
ExpertusONE features include:
- Integrated meeting platform
- Experience API (xAPI) compliant
- Mobile accessibility
3 Tips to create an effective blended learning strategy
There’s more to blended learning than just picking out an LMS (though it’s a big part of it). With so many moving parts, a stellar game plan is a must. To help you, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Tip #1: Create your learners’ journey map
It’s always good to have a map, whether it’s a hike in the mountains or creating an effective blended learning strategy.
Define your blended learning program’s objectives and how you will guide each learner to those goals.
You should include short-term and long-term goals and milestones for both the classroom and online parts of the training.
These milestones will also help with determining the effectiveness of the training and allow you to calculate e-learning ROI.
And any L&D professional knows that justifying yourself to your bosses and stakeholders without concrete data is no picnic.
Tip #2: Create the perfect blend of online and formal learning
Depending on your blended learning model, a harmonious relationship between the in-person and online portions will look different.
If you’re doing the face-to-face driver model, online learning should complement instructor-led lessons. That could mean having learners access supplementary material online, such as FAQs, blogs, videos, quizzes, etc.
Conversely, the instructors complement the e-learning portion in the online driver model. Your instructors should be ready to answer questions, suggest further reading, and help learners directly in areas they struggle with.
Tip #3: Adjust based on learners’ feedback
Everyone likes to be heard, including your learners. One of the best ways to check if your corporate training achieves the intended goals is to ask your employees.
An anonymous survey is the right way to go. You can conduct it through online survey tools or right in the LMS with Docebo’s survey feature.
This feature allows you to create a mandatory survey that learners will fill out after every milestone or course. In the survey, learners can give feedback on what they liked and didn’t and the trainer’s performance.
After you get the survey results, you’ll know what areas of your blended learning program are lacking and whether or not you need to course-correct to avoid potential problems.
Now over to you
Blended learning is a flexible, engaging, and comprehensive training approach with big benefits.
It mixes the best parts of traditional learning (instructors, social interaction, addressing learning issues in real time, etc.) with the accessibility, flexibility, autonomy, and convenience of e-learning.
You’ll need an LMS with the right features to get the most out of blended learning.
Docebo allows you to add blended learning by integrating with webinar platforms, offering blended learning paths, and providing tracking features for instructor-led training.
To discover how Docebo can improve blended learning in your organization, schedule a demo today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Questions about blended learning? We’ve got you covered.
Q1. What are the benefits of blended learning for your organization?
The main benefits of blended learning are:
- Cost-effectiveness: you’ll spend less on trainer fees, classroom expenses, and travel and accommodation costs.
- Increased classroom efficiency: since learners complete parts of the learning content online, instructors have more time to clarify misconceptions and test comprehension during classroom sessions.
- More flexibility for the learners: employees can set their own learning pace and access training materials on the go.
- Higher knowledge retention: adding online learning tools such as gamification and quizzes makes learning more engaging, leading to better material retention.
Q2. Is Docebo good for blended learning?
Docebo is an excellent choice for organizations looking to provide blended learning experiences. Docebo integrates with popular video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Webex, allowing you to hold real-time synchronous training sessions. It also comes with ILT management features, so instructors can schedule and track face-to-face training sessions from the LMS.
The inbuilt gamification features create an engaging and motivating blended learning environment.