Blended vs. Hybrid Learning: What’s the Difference?

February 1, 2024

Two terms frequently arise in the online learning world: blended learning and hybrid learning. 

As schools, students, and families continue to choose online established, highly regarded learning programs such as the Dwight Global Online School, it is important to understand the difference between these two distinct learning models and how these terms are typically used. 

What is Hybrid Learning?

Hybrid learning is a combination of online and in-person learning. Students in a hybrid learning program get guidance from their teachers in a physical classroom or school, but some learning is done remotely, using materials and tech devices at home. In some schools, students enter the physical classroom remotely via video, while other students are in person, learning at the same time from a single teacher. 

What is Blended Learning?

With blended learning, students must be in a physical classroom every day. Their online schoolwork is supplemental to what is being taught in class daily. Blended learning supports physical classroom instruction with online learning material.  Blended learning can provide additional flexibility for students.

The powerful innovation of blended learning provides students like those enrolled at the respected Dwight Schools physical campuses in London, New York, Seoul, Shanghai, Dubai, and Hanoi with the ability to take some of their classes through Dwight Global Online School, Dwight’s “campus in the cloud.” This unique opportunity offers a new level of possibilities for students worldwide.

Dwight’s Blended Learning Program enables students to have the advantages of a brick-and-mortar school and the flexibility of an online school, so they can pursue both rigorous academics and their passions at the same time without compromising either. Blended learning combines the best of both models and offers students an even broader range of course options.

“The Blended Learning program is a wonderful option for students who enjoy the day-to-day of a brick-and-mortar school while also looking for more flexibility embedded into their weekly schedules. Students get the best of both worlds: they have the additional time they need to pursue their passion at a high level, while maintaining a foot in a bricks and mortar classroom.” said Louisa Childs, Head of Dwight Global Online School.

Founded in 2014, Dwight Global Online School teaches students in grades 6-12. Ranked the second best online high school in the U.S. by Newsweek and niche.com, Dwight Global is also one of only a handful of schools in the world selected by the International Baccalaureate to offer the challenging two-year IB Diploma Program online. 

Blended Learning has been well received by Dwight families, and enrollment increased 25 percent in 2023, said Dwight School New York’s Alexander Cunningham, the Blended Student Dean and Dean of Grades 9 and 10.

“Great teachers and schools are responsive to student needs,” Mr. Cunningham said. “Dwight exemplifies this in our structure, not just in the classroom. Our support of blended learning students is support of their unique situations, identities, and approaches to learning. As educators, we strive to help our students find their best fit into the world around them. Blended learning allows students to find their best fit at Dwight as well.”

Blended learning sets a new level of global possibilities for secondary education worldwide, said Cunningham. Students attend a Dwight School in person and take a few classes online through Dwight Global. This allows students a more flexible schedule to train, practice, or perform in their personal passions of athletics or performing arts, for instance — and provides a wider range of class options for all students as well. 

“Academically, this means that students get to choose from the widest array of courses, so they can find those that strike the right balance of challenge and approachability,” said Mr. Cunningham. “Students also get to be a part of multiple communities of learners, with the broadest possible geographic reach, while practicing new ways to communicate, make friends, and learn about other perspectives.”

What About Fully Online Learning?

Dwight Global offers a third option, of fully online learning, with the unique bonus of residential experiences and opportunities at Dwight Schools physical campuses around the world. Some of those opportunities include STEM weekends in New York, orientation, proms, guest lectures, on-site testing, graduations, and reunions. 

Contact Dwight Global today to learn more about the school’s rigorous academic pathways, its strong sense of community, its experienced faculty, and the scheduling flexibility that makes the school sought after worldwide.