Many of us are aware of the blended learning methods. The dedicated blended learning solutions ensure the best of offline and online learning. These combinations are offered in the different types of learning models offered in blended learning.
So today, let us understand the top six types of blended e-learning solutions in detail. Further, we’ll go through a quick guide to select the right blended learning solution. It will cover the different key pointers to select the best solution for training or learning in your organization.
Six types of blended learning solutions
- Online driver model
It focuses on online learning methods with the adequate use of offline learning methods. It suits the needs of students with physical limitations like illnesses or handicaps. Students with limited time or demographic constraints can go for the online driver model.
- Self-blend model
It allows the best combination of both learning systems. Students can enroll in special classes along with traditional classes. It is ideal for learners who want to complete advanced courses along with regular courses. Students unable to find specialized courses in one place can go for a self-blend model of blending learning solutions.
- Online lab school model
In this model, students visit a specific school where courses are available online. It is ideal for students looking for flexible learning as they can learn at their speed. Further, it is easy for learners to understand different concepts without the availability of dedicated online tools.
- Flex model
It prioritizes the use of online resources over traditional learning methods. Flex blended e-learning solution is ideal for alternative school settings and grade-level studies. It is dependent on online instructional delivery.
- Rotation model
It includes the traditional classroom model and the online learning model. The addition of modern concepts like gamification services takes its effectiveness to the next level. The rotation model is easy to use in elementary classrooms.
- Face-to-face driver model
It gives preference to offline learning techniques while students can book online learning solutions. It is ideal for students who’re at a mastery level and want to learn at a high speed.
Guide to selecting the right one for a blended learning solution
- Identifying the training needs
The first and foremost point is to identify the training needs of your organization. It creates a strong road map for the creation of effective training programs.
Blended learning can be designed based on the accommodation of offline or online programs according to organizational needs.
- Analyzing the content audience
There is no usefulness of the blended e-learning solution which fails to cater to the specific audience. So, while selecting the best-blended learning, it is important to consider audience analysis.
It includes the existing knowledge level of learners and their geographical locations. It is important to consider here whether your content audience is ready for online resources or not. Audiences with physical constraints in attending learning programs require a focus on online learning.
- Preparing the training schedule
It is important to prepare a dedicated training schedule before selecting the blended learning method for your organization. Companies looking for only offline learning sessions can go for the a la carte model. Companies with online learning session requirements prefer an online driver model.
The rigidity or flexibility in your training schedules may help in the selection of blended learning solutions. Further, it is essential to define the level of collaboration and then select the specific rotation blended learning model.
- Defining the content complexity
No company wants to go for the blended e-learning solution which offers too easy or too complex content. The use of traditional learning is beneficial when online learning is not matching the current learning needs.
The first point to consider the content complexity is to go through the detailed technical infrastructure of your organization. For example, the flex blended learning model doesn't fit organizations with no learning management systems. Such companies can go for the a la carte model preferring traditional instructor-led training over online learning methods.
- Defining the right amount of blend
Last but not least is the right amount of the blend of offline and online services in the blended learning solutions. It decides the selection of the right model which matches the current training or learning requirements of the business.
It is easy to start discussing with the trainers and students to decide the right amount of blend for learning solutions. It is essential to define if companies want to prepare microlearning, e-learning, or learning podcasts. The availability of the current training resources further helps define the right amount of blending.
Summing Up
Hence, it is easy to understand the top six types of blended learning solutions. These include the online driver model, self-blend model, and online lab school model. The other models include the flex model, rotation model, and face-to-face driver model.
Businesses can select the right blended e-learning solution based on training needs identification, audience analysis, and training schedules. It is important to consider content complexity and decide on the level of combination.