What is blended learning?

As experts in blended learning in further education, one of the most fundamental questions the Mindful Education team gets asked is: what is it? 

Put simply, blended (or hybrid) learning is a way of studying that combines online learning materials with in-person teaching and support. It brings together the flexibility of digital tools – such as videos and quizzes – with the structure and support of face-to-face sessions.

For many learners, it offers the best of both worlds: choose how, when and where you want to study, but still benefit from regular classes with a tutor – without having to commit to attending multiple sessions each week. But it’s not just about convenience – blended learning often leads to better engagement, stronger outcomes, and a more personalised learning experience.

Over the past few years, blended learning has become an integral part of the UK education system – especially for adult learners. Courses are increasingly delivered using this format, with colleges and training providers embracing technology to make learning more accessible, inclusive and relevant to modern life. 

The future of learning is blended

Technological advancement has always driven innovation in learning: in the last 30 years alone, blackboards have given way to smartboards, apps have replaced homework diaries and spelling lists are downloaded rather than printed.

The idea of non-classroom based learning is nothing new, with correspondence courses being offered by the University of London as early as 1858. Towards the end of the 20th century, the concept of blended learning was gaining popularity as a means to overcome the challenges associated with distance learning, and the advent of MOOCs (massive open online courses) in the mid-2000s led the way in integrating online resources with face-to-face delivery in higher education.

As the world locked down in 2020, the pandemic rapidly accelerated digital adoption across every part of society – including education. In the same way that many people now prefer to split their working week between home and the office, learners are increasingly expecting flexible ways to study. Advances in digital literacy, learning platforms and mobile technology have meant that technology-enhanced learning is more available than ever before. 

However – it’s important to recognise that not all blended learning is the same and that standards vary. This article will explore how blended learning works, how it compares to distance learning, and what to look for when you’re exploring blended learning options.

Blended learning isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a learning model that is effective, accessible and more sustainable than fully online or traditional classroom-based study. 

Originally created as a means for adults to study (and that remains the market for Mindful Education), blended learning is now so firmly established as an effective educational tool that it is incorporated at all stages of formal education – starting at the age of 5.

At Mindful Education, we specialise in part-time adult courses, and our learners are often balancing work with a busy home life, or returning to studying after a break. For this audience, a well-designed blended course can provide the vital tools to succeed in post-18 education.

Flexibility

The introduction of technology into education (sometimes known as ‘edtech’) has made a significant difference in breaking down barriers for learners: it can bridge geographical distances, adapt to the busy schedules of parents and caregivers, and meet the specific needs of learners through digital accessibility tools. 

Above all else, blended learning is designed to be flexible, allowing you to study when, when and where it suits you – not just when the classroom is open. This might mean watching a short video on your lunch break, completing a quiz on the bus, or committing a Sunday afternoon to finishing a unit. With content at your fingertips, you can also revisit resources as many times as you need to feel confidence.

Accessibility 

This flexibility also removes common barriers to education. Less time spent in the classroom means you don’t need to arrange as much childcare, or spend time (and money) on frequent travel. 

When done right, blended learning can also be a more inclusive model. Learners who speak English as a second language, or have additional learning needs, can benefit greatly from subtitled videos that they can pause, rewind and revisit at their own pace.

For learners with additional needs, our VLEs offer a highly-accessible learning experience, including a double AA rating under Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

Engage to succeed

When you’re investing time and money into your future, you want it to be worth it. Blended learning works because it helps to keep you engaged – both online and on campus. 

High-quality blended learning uses active learning techniques to support student engagement, such as videos, check-learning quizzes and other interactive tools.

Away from the screen, you are part of a learning community with regular catch ups with a tutor, group sessions with classmates, and the opportunity to share ideas, ask questions and receive personalised feedback on your progress. 

This super-blend of quality time with a tutor and the flexibility of online study promotes learner autonomy and a sense of accountability, meaning you’re more likely to complete your course and get higher results.

Blended learning can transform your education experience, but only when it’s designed with intention and care. 

Many providers sell the promise of blended learning with slick marketing, only to deliver sub-standard online resources such as links to generic YouTube videos, lengthy PDFs or poor quality recordings of outdated classroom lectures.

Here are our top tips on what to look for when choosing a high-quality blended learning provider:

1. Great delivery is the foundation for every hybrid learning model. A strong blended programme is carefully designed to ensure that online and in-person elements work in harmony. Look out for well-communicated schedules, so that you know in advance when you are required to attend classroom sessions
2. Academic expertise is essential for your success. At Mindful Education, our courses are written by academic experts and rigorously quality-checked to meet course specifications. 
3. A high-spec user experience makes all the difference. A smooth, accessible platform makes studying online easier and more enjoyable. Our courses feature high-quality videos, animations and interactive quizzes, designed to work on any device and meet a wide range of learner needs.
4. Access to personalised learner support – whether that’s a 1:1 session with a tutor, or technical support for your online learning platform. Our courses are underpinned by detailed analytics to help tutors understand your progress so they can provide the support you need, exactly when you need it.

Many providers don’t distinguish between blended and distance learning – but there are fundamental differences that can have a big impact on your success.

Flipped learning is the model that Mindful Education uses across all our courses. We call this the Online and On Campus approach: an award-winning model that gives you the best of both worlds.

Blended learning has become one of the most effective ways for adults to gain qualifications – and the number of providers offering blended (or ‘hybrid’) study models is rising rapidly. 

If blended learning sounds like it is the right model for you, the key is finding the right provider. They should invest in expert course design that doesn’t treat the online aspect of delivery as an afterthought. Truly blended learning offers a seamless, engaging experience where online and in-person study complement each other, giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace while benefiting from the support and motivation of face-to-face sessions.

Working in partnership with over 70 colleges across the UK, Mindful Education supports thousands of learners every year to achieve their qualifications in  accounting, management, law, business and human resources.

Want to join them? Find your nearest study centre.