To avoid confusion around the concept of blended learning as much as possible, we aim to have a clear definition. At Howest, we follow the following institution-wide definition of blended learning:

“Blended learning is a deliberate combination of online and classroom-based interventions to stimulate and support flexible learning.”

(Boelens, et al., 2015)

According to this definition, blended learning implies three important succesfactors:

Deliberated mix of online and face-to-face interventions. Online instruction is having an added value to the face-to-face instruction and vice versa. Blended learning thus implies a different way of teaching face-to-face.
Stimulating and supporting learning. Blended learning implies a student oriented learning environment wherein learning activities are stimulating student interaction with content, peers or lecturer and feedback.
Flexiblity. Blended learning allows flexibility at least on one of the following dimensions:

- - The moment of learning
  - The place of learning

- - The pace

- - The sequence

- - The instructional format

Clear to you? Look at the examples in the following test. Are they an example of blended learning, or not?