If you talk about digitisation in education, you are talking about blended learning, hybrid learning, virtual classrooms and, therefore, also distance learning. Terms that are now increasingly anchored in higher education. But these are terms that do not have the same meaning at every college or university. And that causes the necessary confusion. Digitisation in education is a fact now. We cannot ignore it anymore. But digital education on itself is quite a challenge. Let alone the differences between blended learning, hybrid learning and flipped classrooms!
Blended learning
Blended learning is becoming increasingly popular in education. But what is it? It means mixed learning. That doesn't sound very complicated. But what is the difference with hybrid learning? Whereas hybrid learning focuses on how you teach, online and offline, blended learning is more about the content. Different forms of learning methods are combined, such as classroom lessons combined with e-learnings. These e-learnings can be viewed before the classes start. During the classroom lesson, there is room for deepening. But it is also possible to use these e-learnings during your classroom lesson. Not in the mood for e-learnings? You can also think of YouTube videos, white papers or coaching sessions. The possibilities are endless.
Hybrid learning
The term ‘hybrid learning’ is often confused with ‘blended learning’. And that's not very helpful, of course. To begin with, hybrid, what is that exactly? Hybrid means nothing more than a cross, a combination or a mixture. Doesn't sound very complicated, does it? Hybrid education is, therefore, a combination or hybrid of offline and online. The lessons are classroom-based, with some of the students being present in the classroom. The other students follow the given class at home. They all follow the lesson at the same time, regardless of the location. Whether in the classroom, at home on the sofa or in the hammock in the garden. The latter is perhaps not very practical. But you only have to give the lesson once.
Some even say that hybrid learning is the route to the education of the future, in which technology will form the basis. But technology must be supportive, not leading. Because what works for one university may not work for another.
Flipped classroom
Flipped classroom is a different type of blended learning. You can 'flip' your lesson or classroom in different ways. Normally, part of the time in the classroom is spent on giving instructions. The basic principle of flipping the classroom? The time in the classroom is no longer used for giving instructions. The student is first taught through e-learning or through an online presentation, in which they can become acquainted with the new course material. They will then attend classroom-based lessons where the course material can be expanded on, in the form of discussions or problem-solving.
Virtual classroom
For colleges and universities, 'the blend' still consisted mainly of traditional teaching. By now, everyone has been able to find his or her way in the world called ‘online education’. And that without any clear directions! From online lectures to virtual classrooms: establishments are currently providing digital education in every conceivable way. Virtual classrooms perhaps still closely resemble a traditional lecture theatre, and the interaction between you and your students seems almost real.
The future of education
That accelerated digitisation within education? We believe it is an excellent development. But are you not yet convinced of the benefits of digital education? It demands a lot from teachers. It also requires a lot of effort. And where to start? We give you 6 advantages of digital education!
Is it going a bit too fast for you and is your head spinning a bit? No problem. Blended learning, hybrid learning, student centricity, gamification, virtual classrooms... the possibilities are endless. We create order in the chaos of buzzwords. Because as a teacher you want to be prepared for EVERYTHING. You can read all about it in our free whitepaper. Are you ready for the education of the future?