Digital training is currently more in demand than ever and takes place predominantly without face-to-face gatherings. This has given rise to a new trend: virtual blended learning. In this article we explain this method and its advantages for trainers and learners:
Classic blended learning describes the combination of different forms of learning in a mix of online and face-to-face phases. But currently, face-to-face sessions are not possible at all or only to a limited extent. This has given rise to a new trend: Completely digital blended learning, also called "virtual blended learning".
The basic idea of virtual blended learning
With virtual blended learning, the focus falls on the online phases to an even greater degree. Your participants work exercises online and independently from home, anyway, so give them more exercises that they can work on alone and at their own pace. Any content that you would teach online in classic blended learning is suitable: introduction, basics, and theoretical knowledge for the classroom phase.
However, with virtual blended learning, you don't have to forego the personal live sessions: Simply move your attendance times from the real to a virtual room. Your presence, in which you interact directly with the participants, then takes place as a video meeting, for example. Our favorite tool for virtual meetings and training is the video telephony provider Zoom. There, you can invite up to 1000 participants and easily meet digitally at a set time to conduct your classroom content or exercises.
With virtual blended learning, your face-to-face meetings take place digitally with all participants.
The advantages of virtual blended learning are summarized below
- Digital presence promotes personal exchange and enables quick queries and joint exercises, despite the physical distance.
- Your costs will be lower because you don't have to travel or rent a room. This in turn makes your course more affordable.
- For your participants, taking part in a digital gathering is very easy, as there is no need for time and effort to travel to and from an in-person location.
- In the digital space, participants are usually more attentive and your exercises provide more benefit in a shorter time.
- You can also support your participants in a more individual and targeted way, since written questions do not get lost as quickly as verbal.
Of course, there are different ways you can set up your virtual blended learning. But in any case, you need a suitable learning platform. If you are looking for such a software, test blink.it for free.
