What is blended learning?

New learning models

In recent years digitalization has opened up multiple possibilities in many areas of our lives, and the fields of education and corporate training are two of those that have benefited from the new tools and models.

One of these learning modalities is Blended Learning (B-Learning), a mixed method that combines the advantages of in-person teaching with the wide variety of resources offered by the internet and online training.

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What is b-learning (blended learning)?

Blended learning is an educational approach that combines traditional in-person teaching with online training methods. In this way, students attend in-person classes, but also participate in online activities and use a variety of digital resources, such as videos, discussion forums, or e-learning platforms.

This teaching model makes it possible to personalize learning, as it adapts more easily to the needs of students. In addition, it capitalizes on the advantages of both in-person and digital approaches, including direct classroom interaction as well as access to a multitude of educational resources.

Programa Zinkers

Blended learning modalities

One of the advantages of Blended Learning is that it provides educators with different educational modalities that allow them to adapt classes to different contexts, subjects, and students' needs, among others:

  • Flipped classroom. Before the in-person class takes place, students have access to online theoretical materials, which allows them to dedicate the time in the classroom to discussions, practical activities, or resolving any doubts they may have.
  • Virtual lab. Similar to the above, but more focused on scientific and technical disciplines, in the virtual lab students perform experiments or internships in online laboratories before or after in-person classes.
  • Station rotation. This modality combines different learning methods in the same day, so that they rotate among them. It can include, in addition to in-person classes, online work or activities, participation in discussion forums, or collaborative work.
  • Virtual enrichment. In this B-learning modality, in-person classes are complemented with online resources and activities, such as exercises, watching videos, or additional reading materials.

Corporate training modalities

Blended learning also offers many possibilities for in-house training. Companies can use different B-learning modalities to train their employees efficiently and flexibly.

For example, staff can work on real or simulated projects that combine in-person and online activities, so that they can apply learning directly to work situations; they can participate in hybrid seminars or workshops that combine in-person classes with online learning; participate in virtual teaching platforms or access small modules, simulations, or games that allow them to delve into useful content for their performance in a dynamic way that replicates real situations.

Repsol and blended learning

At Repsol we strive to adopt new training trends as another tool to advance our commitment to educational innovation and the continuous development of our workforce. Our company also uses B-learning both in the training of our employees and in other training areas, such as the Repsol Foundation's Zinkers Program, which offers primary and secondary school students educational content related to energy, the circular economy, climate change, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).