Comprehensive Guide to Blended Learning: Types, Examples, and More

Introduction

Blended learning is an innovative yet educational approach that combines traditional classroom instruction with virtual learning. It benefits in providing students with the best of both worlds, making it a great way to engage students and learners to ensure that everyone is learning the same material in the same way.

The approach can be an effective option for school systems looking for ways to provide personalized learning experiences for their students without expanding their budgets. As its name suggests, Blended Learning blends face-to-face education with online learning and has produced strong results since it was officially researched as a strategic framework.

This guide will explore different types of blended learning; these are as follows:

Exploring 12 Different Types of Blended Learning

Blended learning is a significant way to enhance student learning outcomes and cater to various types of learners. We will delve into 12 types and their corresponding blended learning examples to understand how they can be utilized individually to achieve a fruitful learning experience.

1. Flipped Classroom Model

The Flipped Classroom Model is an educational strategy for instruction that flips the traditional model of instruction. Instead of having students passively observe lectures in a classroom, the lecture is delivered online, and then students apply and extend what they've learned through in-class activities. It allows teachers to focus on providing individualized support and guidance while allowing students to move at their own pace.

Here, students learn the initial concepts of a topic online before coming to class for more in-depth instruction and discussion. For instance, a student struggling with a math concept could access a video tutorial to learn the basics before coming to class, where the teacher can then focus on helping the student with more complex problems.

It helps the teacher better understand each student's individual needs and allows them to tailor their instruction to meet those needs. It also helps to engage students in the learning process, as they can apply their knowledge more meaningfully.

2. Station Rotation Model

The Station Rotation Model combines traditional face-to-face instruction with online learning activities. Students rotate through different “stations,” each focusing on a different learning activity.

The activities include teacher-led instruction, online learning, and group or independent work. This model allows students to engage in different activities and allows teachers to individualize instruction for different learning styles and needs.

For instance, students might rotate between one station for teacher-led instruction, one for online learning activities, one for group work, and one for independent work.

This type of instruction allows students to work in their comfort and in the way that best suits their learning styles. It also helps to create an engaging and dynamic learning environment tailored to each student's needs.

3. Flex Model

The Flex Model is a blended learning model where learners can choose their learning materials from various sources. This learning model allows students to work at their own pace, which can be used to provide a more personalized learning experience.

Also, it promotes them to be more independent and take more responsibility for their learning. According to the Flex Model, students remember just 10% of what they read from academic texts.

It promotes students to be more creative and find other ways to acquire knowledge, such as through experiential learning or technology. The Flex Model also encourages problem-solving skills, which are important for success in the workplace.

4. Individual Rotation Model

The Individual Rotation Model of Blended Learning involves students rotating through different learning stations, each focusing on a different learning modality (online activities, hands-on activities, group work, etc.).

For example, a learner could start with a self-paced online activity, then move to a hands-on activity, then a discussion with their peers, and then back to an eLearning activity. The student can create a more meaningful learning experience by alternating between online and hands-on activities.

This model allows students to learn in various ways, encouraging independent and collaborative learning and helping ensure that learners are immersed in their learning.

This course structure enables students to concentrate on the subjects that spur their interest while offering the required assistance to finish the coursework.

5. A la Carte Model

A la carte allows students to choose their courses, but this time at the individual level. Classes offered by the school are performed as usual, while students can select from a menu of a la carte possibilities for supplemental topics.

Personalized classes are often held digitally with a remote teacher of record. This portion of the student's education can be completed at home or school using the available technology.

A teacher of record is assigned to each student, providing them with guidance and support as they progress through the course. The student can also interact with the teacher in real-time, providing them with a more engaging learning experience.

Bonus Read: Difference between Blended Learning and Hybrid Learning

6. Online Driver Model

The Online Driver Model is based on the concept of a student-centered learning environment where the instructor acts as the facilitator of learning rather than the primary source of information.

In this model, the online component is the “driver” and provides the core content and materials the students are expected to engage with. The instructor guides and supports the students as they progress through the material.

For example, the instructor can use discussion boards and video conferencing to facilitate student collaboration and provide additional resources for the students to use as needed.

The instructor can even provide one-on-one support to learners with queries or who need additional guidance, allowing for a more personalized learning experience.

7. Project-Based Learning

By giving students the ability to focus on topics they need to master and allowing them to move forward when they feel ready, they are very likely to be engaged in the material and have a deeper understanding of the topics. Moreover, by having a project-based approach, students are promoted to think critically and solve complex problems.

For example, project-based learning activities can be designed to have students research a current issue in their community and develop a project to address it.

8. Adaptive Model

The Adaptive Model is one of the most popular types of blended learning and focuses on creating personalized learning experiences for each student. It blends digital and traditional methods to provide learners individualized learning paths based on their unique needs.

The adaptive model also provides students real-time feedback to adjust their learning plan quickly and stay on track. It is similar to an experienced tour guide who helps to customize your journey based on their knowledge and expertise of the environment, the group size, and the interests of the participants.

Our adaptive learning solutions provide personalized guidance and make adjustments to ensure everyone has the best experience possible.

9. Hybrid Learning Model

The Hybrid Model of blended learning combines digital and in-person learning. This model is usually implemented in a classroom where students receive instructions online and in person.

custom elearning development services are often provided through an online platform, such as an online course or a digital classroom. In contrast, in-person training is provided by a teacher. This type of blended learning allows for a more personalized learning experience while providing virtual education.

It also offers a more personalized learning experience while providing virtual components to offer personalized learning plans for each student. For instance, by combining AI with personalized learning, students can use virtual tutors to get individualized help tailored to their needs.

It allows students to receive targeted instruction and guidance to meet their learning goals, enabling them to grow and succeed academically.

10. Virtual Game-Based Model

The Virtual Game-based Model combines both virtual and physical components. An example of using technology like augmented reality and virtual reality in the classroom would be a teacher utilizing a virtual game-based model to teach history.

In this model, students would use physical game pieces to engage in a virtual battlefield simulation of a historical battle. This approach makes learning more interactive and engaging for students since it allows for different difficulty levels so students can learn at their own pace.

This model also makes it easy to track progress, provide feedback, and adjust the difficulty to ensure students are challenged and engaged. It also allows for social interaction, as it is designed for collaborative play.

11. Problem-Based Learning (PBL)

Problem-based learning is a blended learning model focusing on active, student-centered, experiential learning. For instance, a PBL lesson might ask students to work together to design a piece of artwork that reflects the history of their local area.

Employing designed mobile learning solutions will allow students to explore real-world problems and create solutions by applying the knowledge and skills they have acquired.

Interesting Read: How Mobile Learning Solutions Personalize eLearning Experience

12. Mastery-Based Learning

It allows students to progress through the material at their own pace, focusing on topics they must master before moving on. This approach encourages students to become active participants in their learning process and to take ownership of their education.

A good example of this mode could be that students can effortlessly revisit difficult material and progress to more engaging topics without waiting for their classmates to catch up.

Blended Learning Tools

Blended Learning tools are not just helpful for children but also assist businesses in effectively training their employees. They can be useful in various ways, whether training in-person or remote employees, promoting collaborative learning, and upskilling your employees. Various tools can be used to work it out successfully; the top 3 of them are:

1. Implementing Learning Management Systems (LMS) will assist in in-person or remote training, creating personalized training, reducing training costs, tracking employee performance, etc.
2. Educational Games- Through interactive games and digital badges, gamified learning can keep employees engaged and motivated throughout the training.
3. Digital Badges- A very effective blended learning tool makes it easier for employees to locate within an LMS and award the top performers. This way, each employee will stay motivated throughout the training process and actively participate in achieving better results.

Final Words

In this blog, we have identified the power of blended learning tools and they can support student learning in the classroom. It offers various opportunities to engage students in meaningful learning experiences, personalized as per their abilities and interests.

We offer a variety of effective learning models that you can utilize to enhance your education. Our team specializes in providing top-notch blended learning solutions tailored to your specific needs. You can use our expertise and find the perfect solution for you.

Blending the best parts of traditional instructions and technology enables strategies; teachers can create effective learning environments for their students. With the 12 types of blended learning mentioned above, there are infinite possibilities for teachers to create dynamic learning experiences that will assist students in reaching their true potential.