Hubken's e-learning glossary: Blended learning

To take full advantage of blended learning within your e-learning programme, you need an LMS that can manage blended learning scheduling. 

Totara Learn comes with a Seminar function, enabling admins to not only share and schedule in-person/virtual instructor led training opportunities, but also manage and track sign up and attendance rates from one place. 

While we'll be the first to promote e-learning for any organisational training, it's not necessary to 'throw the baby out with the bathwater' and do away with traditional learning altogether. 

By retaining some traditional learning opportunities, learners have a chance to share their knowledge and training in person, or ask questions about subjects they're unsure of and receive a tailored, expert response. 

For this reason, you may also want to consider an LXP (learning experience platform) such as Totara Engage to introduce informal and peer-to-peer learning within your L&D programme. 

Blended learning relies on having the right technology to balance and schedule digital and traditional learning simultaneously, so if your LMS or learner tech isn't up to scratch, it can be challenging. 

There is also likely to be an increased workload, with the need to produce 'two sets' of learning - online and offline - and also ensuring that all learners have online availability (down to making sure they have the right internet connection to access learning). 

Arguably, however, the increased engagement and subject matter expertise accrued from blended learning makes it a worthwhile investment.