--- title: "7 ways to learn: Blended Learning" description: Explore blended learning as a powerful approach that combines online and in-person experiences, enhancing understanding and engagement in the workplace. image: https://desq.co.uk/hubfs/post%204%20header.jpg --- × ![Newsletter](https://desq.co.uk/hubfs/newsletter.png) ## Sign up to our newsletter [![Desq logo](https://desq.co.uk/hubfs/logo-white.svg "Desq logo")](https://desq.co.uk/) [![Desq logo](https://desq.co.uk/hubfs/logo-col.svg "Desq logo")](https://desq.co.uk/) - [What we offer](https://desq.co.uk/what-we-offer) - [What we do](https://desq.co.uk/what-we-do) - [About us](https://desq.co.uk/about-us) - [Work](https://desq.co.uk/work) - [News](https://desq.co.uk/news) - [Contact](https://desq.co.uk/contact) # 7 ways to learn online For Learning at Work Week 2026, we're exploring seven ways digital learning can go beyond the traditional course. Each day this week, we'll share a different approach. Today we're looking at blended learning. Learn More ![7waystolearn](https://desq.co.uk/hubfs/7waystolearn.jpg) # 7 ways to learn: Blended Learning [Laura Giles](https://desq.co.uk/news/author/laura-giles) May 21, 2026 ![post 4 header](https://desq.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/post%204%20header.jpg?width=960&height=389&name=post%204%20header.jpg) ## **Many ways to learn No.4:**  Blended learning We’re digital learning designers, but we’ll be the first to admit - sometimes there is no substitute for being there in person. With blended learning you get the best of both worlds. Online learning is excellent for preparation, practice, and reflection. It can deliver content flexibly, at the learner's own pace, and create space for thinking before the pressure of a real interaction. Face-to-face learning enables discussion, clarification, relationship-building, and the kind of complex practical work that can only happen when people are in the same room. It’s a designed journey where digital and human interaction each play a specific role — what happens online shapes what happens in person, and vice versa. ## ![Asset 4](https://desq.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Asset%204.png?width=239&height=97&name=Asset%204.png) David Kolb's experiential learning cycle describes learning as a four-stage loop: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualisation, and active experimentation. Blended learning, at its best, maps naturally onto this cycle — using digital content to build knowledge and prompt reflection, and in-person or practical activity to test and apply it. Each pass around the loop deepens understanding. Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development. Prentice Hall. ## **Project profile:**  Introduction to signalling We designed a structured two-week learning experience that prepares trainee signallers for their Initial Signaller Training (IST). ![intro to signling](https://desq.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/intro%20to%20signling.png?width=960&height=913&name=intro%20to%20signling.png)Trainees work their way through a series of 10 digital touch points interspersed with IRL missions - conversation prompts, fact-finding missions and scavenger hunt style activities - to complete in their home location. Signallers are expected to be self-directed in their CPD and this approach of moving between digital and IRL activities was a way we could model and encourage this way of learning early in their new careers. We used a digital progress tracker to keep learners on schedule and a course host appeared at key milestones over the two weeks to keep trainees motivated, summarise what had been covered and signpost what's ahead. **Tomorrow, our next #ManyWaysToLearn is diagnostic tools.**   ![](https://desq.co.uk/hubfs/newsletter.png) Sign up to our newsletter **Like to hear more bite-sized L&D news and views from Desq?** Subscribe to our quarterly newsletter – **Story Board**. 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