Digitalization since the early 2000s and especially the COVID-19 pandemic led to a redefinition and expansion of existing learning terms, as well as the creation of new terms.
In the education sector, concepts such as E-learning, blended learning, and hybrid instruction became central. What was previously referred to as “traditional classroom teaching” or “in-person instruction” had to be reimagined to integrate digital platforms and online interactions.
E-LEARNING
In the education sector, concepts such as E-learning, blended learning, and hybrid instruction became central. What was previously referred to as "traditional classroom teaching" or "in-person instruction" had to be reimagined to integrate digital platforms and online interactions.
Practical experiences
There is already a wealth of experience in the preparation and implementation of E-learning offerings and formats in educational work. The integration of preparatory webinars, combined with in-person events and E-learnings, has been noted to work effectively. The aim is to create a central platform where participants can find everything to do with infrastructure, E-learning and easy-to-use platforms to make comments and suggestions for people involved.
HYBRID LEARNING
Current publications and educational practice use the term “hybrid” to describe educational events (lectures, presentations, seminars, etc.) where in-person and online participants come together at the same time. This means that some learners participate in the learning process via digital media, while others attend in person. “Hybrid events” in the true sense are characterized by a certain level of interactivity and are thus distinguished from pure online (live streaming) broadcasts. For example, a lecture could be streamed online for a virtual audience, which can also participate in discussions via chat..
Practical experiences
Experiences from course providers show that hybrid learning formats are very challenging for trainers and educators, both in terms of didactic considerations and communication with participants. Hybrid settings are described as more time-consuming in preparation and implementation compared to purely online or in-person formats. The effort required and the necessary resources (financial, technical, and personnel) are often insufficient in the field of education. Education providers therefore seek for more robust and user-friendly platforms and tools to support hybrid learning environments.
BLENDED LEARNING
The Term “Blended-Learning” refers to a combination or sequence of E-learning units and in-person sessions at a shared physical location. The individual phases of in-person teaching and online learning can take different formats. Each part flows into the next, creating an overall learning advantage. For instance, discussion questions could be posted in advance on an E-learning platform, allowing learners to research and reflect. This enables in-person time to be used much more efficiently.
Practical experiences
Educational work shows, that blended learning is often highly effective, with time being used more efficiently. Assessments, such as submissions and grading, work much better online. Key benefits include increased transparency, availability, control, didactic advantages, enhanced learning support, sustainability (e.g., reduced travel), flexibility, and more engagement through the use of digital tools. Feedback and evaluation processes are also improved.
Fully online settings are successful, and transitions between online and in-person formats in blended learning function smoothly.
