ABSTRACT
Blended learning has taken over from e-learning as the mot du jour, the phrase on the lips of practically everyone involved in training and development. This chapter aims to review the advantages, disadvantages and distinctive contribution of different learning modes and media. It provides some simple principles and frameworks for thinking about the sorts of blends that work well for different purposes, people and contexts. The chapter highlights the significance of the shift to independent learning that a blended approach often enables and stimulates. 'Blended learning' refers to a mix of online and more traditional components, be they face-to-face events, books or workplace-based projects. In this context the electronic or online components may still make up much of the course or programme – or their contribution may be more limited. When it comes to picking and mixing different media or modes of learning, some of the relevant considerations are pretty straightforward.
