blended learning

Blended learning, or hybrid learning, is an educational approach that strategically combines traditional face-to-face instruction with online learning experiences. This teaching method leverages the strengths of both environments: the interpersonal engagement and structured discipline characteristic of classroom teaching, and the flexibility, accessibility, and individualized pacing central to digital education. The term emerged in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, coinciding with the proliferation of digital technologies and increased access to the Internet. Blended learning can manifest in several models, such as the rotation model (where students rotate between physical classrooms and digital workstations), the flex model (with mostly online learning supplemented by on-site support), and the enriched virtual model, in which online activities dominate, with occasional in-person sessions.

Scientifically, blended learning has been supported by multiple studies indicating improved learning outcomes compared to traditional or fully online education alone. One of the main advantages lies in catering to diverse learning styles. Integration of videos, interactive modules, real-time quizzes, and discussion forums can make learning more engaging and allow students to absorb information at their own pace. Furthermore, analytics from online platforms provide instructors with valuable insights into individual student performance, enabling targeted interventions and personalized feedback. The physical classroom setting, meanwhile, continues to foster collaboration, social interaction, and immediate problem-solving—essential components for both cognitive and socio-emotional development.

However, implementing blended learning presents its own set of challenges. It requires sufficient technological infrastructure, careful instructional design, and professional development for educators. Inequities in access to technology can exacerbate educational disparities, and not all students are equally self-motivated or adept at managing their time in online environments. Despite these hurdles, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the adoption of blended learning worldwide, cementing it as a resilient and adaptable model for the future of education. Ongoing research continues to refine best practices, emphasizing the need for balance and intentionality in merging digital and physical pedagogical strategies. Ultimately, blended learning stands as a powerful synthesis poised to optimize educational outcomes in an increasingly digital world. 

PhDr. Pavel Bartoš, LL.M., DBA (Evropská akademie vzdělávání / European Academy of education)