Blended learning
Blended learning combines online training with in-person or live sessions, so each part does what it is best at. Employees cover the knowledge online at their own pace, and use classroom or live time for practice, discussion, and questions. It is a middle ground between fully self-paced e-learning and traditional classroom training.
What blended learning is
In a blended programme, some of the learning happens online, through courses people take on their own, and some happens live, in a classroom, a workshop, or a video session. The two parts are planned together, not run separately.
The idea is to use online delivery for the parts it suits, like background knowledge, and live time for the parts that need people in the room, like practice and questions.
Why blended learning works
It keeps the flexibility of online learning while keeping the human interaction of a live session. People arrive at the live part already sharing a baseline, so the time together is spent on discussion and practice rather than basic explanation.
It also cuts classroom time and travel, which matters for teams spread across sites, while still giving everyone the same starting point.
Common blended models
A common approach is online first, where people complete an online module before a live session builds on it. Another is the flipped model, where the explaining happens online and the live time is used entirely for practice.
There is no single correct mix. The right balance depends on the topic and how much of it needs people together.
Read the microlearning definition
How an LMS supports blended learning
An LMS delivers and tracks the online parts, and can also record attendance and completion for the live sessions, so the whole programme sits in one record. A training manager sees who has done the online prework and who attended the session.
That single view is what keeps a blended programme organised instead of split across a system and a sign-in sheet.
Frequently asked questions
What is blended learning?
Training that combines online learning with in-person or live sessions, planned together, so each part does what it is best at.
What is an example of blended learning?
Employees complete an online module on a topic at their own pace, then join a live workshop to practise and ask questions. The online part builds knowledge, the live part applies it.
What is the difference between blended learning and e-learning?
E-learning is fully online and self-paced. Blended learning mixes online learning with live or in-person sessions, so it keeps some human interaction.
Why use blended learning?
It combines the flexibility of online learning with the interaction of a live session, gives everyone the same baseline before they meet, and reduces classroom and travel time.
How does an LMS support blended learning?
It delivers and tracks the online parts and can record attendance and completion for live sessions, so the whole programme sits in one record.
What is flipped learning?
A blended model where the explaining happens online before the session, so the live time is used for practice and discussion rather than lecturing.