WBT and blended learning in comparison: Dinosaur vs. all-rounder

Digitization is spawning more and more different learning and teaching methods in continuing education. In this mix, people commonly confuse Web-based training and blended learning. Here we’ll explain the differences between the two methods – and why only one clearly tops the other!

CBT, WBT, VBT, microlearning, blended learning... In the burgeoning mass of digital learning methods, even dedicated trainers can quickly lose track. Not infrequently, there are also confusions and misunderstandings. Web-based training (WBT) and blended learning are particularly often confused: both training methods are based on digital learning content in online courses.

The fact that web-based training and blended learning are nevertheless very different is already evident in their development: as recently as 2012, they were ranked first (blended learning) and second (WBT) among the strongest learning trends in the "mmb Trendmonitor" survey. Today, blended learning is still the undisputed number one and WBTs are just barely holding their own in the lower midfield, at ninth place. No wonder WBTs have already been called the "dinosaurs of continuing education": They’re slowly but surely dying out!

Question: "Will the following applications be of central importance (...) as a form of learning for corporate learning in companies in the next three years?" – Agreement in %.

So what are the differences between WBT and blended learning and why is blended learning the undisputed learning method of the future? Let's start with the loser, the "dinosaur": web-based training.

What is Web-Based Training?

WBT refers to a learning method in which content is provided via the Internet using learning platforms and programs. The content can theoretically be accessed from any Internet-enabled device. In addition to classic materials, such as texts, video and audio recordings can also be used.

WBT as the "dinosaur of continuing education"; a humorous caricature by blink.it editor Corinna

Advantages of WBTs

• With a wide range of media, content can be presented in a diverse and entertaining way.
• Learners can determine their own individual learning pace.
• The content is usually also available on mobile devices: Learning is possible everywhere and integrated into everyday life.

Problems with web-based training

• Pure web-based training requires a high level of self-motivation from participants to consistently follow and study the content.
• It’s very difficult to convey new methods and behavioral changes through pure theory. Practical instruction and practice goes lacking.
• Social exchange via the Internet is helpful, but no substitute for personal contact with trainers and fellow learners.

What is blended learning?

Blended Learning is the combination of different learning methods. In further education, it usually means the combination of online and face-to-face learning. In blended learning, you use content in online courses as preparation, supplement or follow-up to your face-to-face courses. In this sense, blended learning is a further development of WBTs.

Blended learning combines face-to-face instruction with eLearning, thus reaping the advantages of both worlds.

Advantages of blended learning

• Thanks to the online content, trainers and learners remain flexible in terms of time and location. This also reduces travel and related costs (catering, anyone?) compared to purely face-to-face events.
• In the online course, your participants can continue to learn in a self-directed way and at their own pace, but are kept motivated by impulses from the classroom events.
• In the classroom sessions, participants get to know you and their fellow learners: Personal relationship-building and direct social exchange are possible, augmenting the digital exchange in the accompanying online course.
• In the face-to-face sessions, you provide the necessary practice for new courses of action and behavioral changes, which are then further consolidated in the follow-up online course, for example.
• In addition to the wide range of digital media (text, video, sound recordings, images), you can also incorporate interactions such as discussion rounds and situational exercises in the live session, which are difficult or impossible to do online.

Difficulties with blended learning

• The connection between face-to-face and online learning must be clearly communicated so participants are motivated for both methods.

WBT and blended learning in comparison

In the following table you can see the advantages of WBTs vs. blended learning clearly laid out:

Conclusion: Blended Learning replaces WBT

As you can see, blended learning is not a competitor to WBTs, but a further development: blended learning combines the social exchange of face-to-face events with the high flexibility of online courses. The result is a concept that allows you to provide participants with individual support and self-directed learning at the same time.

In short: blended learning offers all the advantages of web-based training without suffering from its disadvantages. This has also been recognized by training professionals in recent years: If the trend continues to develop the way it has been since 2012, WBTs will really become the obsolete beast in the foreseeable future, while blended learning will remain the TOP method of continuing education.

By the way: another advantage of blended learning is the great variety of use cases! We have summarized the most popular blended learning models for you and made them available for download as a PDF. You're sure to find a suitable in-person/online combination for your next training course!