Hybrid learning vs. blended learning: What's the difference?

At a glance:

• What is hybrid learning?
• What is blended learning?
• Why does the difference between hybrid learning and blended learning matter?
• What capabilities should your hybrid learning platform have?

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As institutions of higher learning now offer virtual learning options, new terminology has cropped up. People are talking about hybrid learning and blended learning. What do these terms mean, and is there a difference between the two?

Here, we’ll explore the difference between hybrid learning and blended learning with examples for each.

What is hybrid learning?

Hybrid learning refers to the instructional model where students attend class in person or virtually at the same time. It incorporates synchronous and asynchronous learning activities.

Synchronous learning means that the students are in class while learning (either physically or virtually), while asynchronous learning activities are those that take place when the student isn’t in a classroom. Asynchronous learning materials are available for students any time they want to use them; teachers generally post them to a virtual learning platform for ease of access.

What does hybrid learning look like in practice?

Here’s an example to illustrate what hybrid learning might look like.

Melissa and Olivia are university students enrolled in a world literature class; Melissa lives on campus and attends classes in person, while Olivia is a virtual student. When class starts, Olivia logs into the virtual learning platform and attends the lecture.

One day, Melissa isn’t able to make the class. Her professor always records the lecture and uploads it to the virtual learning platform so students can access it if they weren’t able to attend class. In addition, the professor also uploads other resources, such as videos about the authors the students are reading and articles about the books.

What is blended learning?

Blended learning is, as the name implies, a blend of in-class learning and online materials and activities. Many classes at higher education institutions demonstrate blended learning in action.

Similar to hybrid learning, blended learning also incorporates synchronous and asynchronous learning. In this learning model, students rotate between synchronous in-class learning and asynchronous learning, where they can use digital materials and activities to learn at their own convenience and speed.

What’s important to note is that blended learning isn’t about replacing traditional face-to-face classes with online activities and materials; rather, it is about supplementing and building upon what students learn in class.

What does blended learning look like in practice?

Here’s an example to illustrate blended learning in practice:

Mark is a student at a college. He’s enrolled in a geology course, with lectures twice a week. The lectures are held in-person, with no option to attend virtually. 

The professor uses a virtual learning platform. He posts articles and videos about the material students are learning. This material is available whenever students want, so they can use it to study and for research. 

Why does the difference between hybrid learning and blended learning matter?

With all this in mind, why does the difference between hybrid learning and blended learning matter?

There are some similarities between hybrid learning and blended learning: both methods use technology to support and supplement learning. However, there are also differences.

As the chart shows, the biggest similarity between hybrid learning and blended learning is the use of technology. Both of these learning methodologies rely upon virtual learning platforms to help students learn.

However, there’s a major difference between the two methodologies, and that is the lack of flexibility in in-class learning learning within blended learning. Students are expected to attend in-person classes to learn. The professor doesn’t record lectures and post them later, in case students can’t make a class or need to learn virtually.

Hybrid learning: the future of education?

You could say that blended learning has long represented the evolution of higher education. Students attend class while instructors post supplementary materials on virtual learning platforms

This model has continued to evolve as educational institutions recognize the value of flexible learning options. Hybrid learning offers students multiple pathways to access quality education, whether they’re on campus or learning remotely.

Virtual learning platforms allow instructors to record their lectures and post them for on-demand viewing, ensuring students can engage with course material on their own schedule. Students don’t have to feel as though they missed out on anything just because they can’t be in the classroom at a specific time.

What capabilities should your hybrid learning platform have?

To accommodate diverse student needs and provide flexible learning options, higher education institutions are increasingly looking at hybrid learning platforms. What capabilities should a hybrid learning platform have?

• Video conferencing, screen sharing, and live chat to drive engagement
• Integration with learning management tools
• Ease of use on any device

Video conferencing, screen sharing, and live chat to drive engagement

Being able to record lectures is a must-have feature for hybrid learning platforms, but there are two other features that are crucial: screen sharing and live chat.

Screen sharing allows instructors to share pertinent material, while live chat enables students to answer questions and make comments, so they’re engaged with what they’re learning.

Integration with learning management tools

Hybrid learning platforms must also integrate with learning management tools such as Canvas. This integration allows instructors to post their lectures as well as supplementary materials to aid student learning.

Ease of use on any device

Today’s students want to learn on the device of their choice. That might be a smartphone, tablet, or desktop.

A hybrid learning platform should be easy to use on any device the student chooses. It should facilitate learning as well as participation in the virtual classroom, even if a student is learning asynchronously.

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Put hybrid learning into place with RingCentral’s virtual learning platform

RingCentral’s virtual learning platform is used by institutions of higher education everywhere. With the hybrid learning platform, instructors can hold live lectures and record them for later use. Students can engage with lessons through live chat, and integration with learning management solutions allows them to access supplementary resources. To learn more, request a demo.

Updated Feb 01, 2026