Blended learning refers to a combination of the offline and online learning process. It comprises a multichannel process that incorporates tutor-led activities videos, digital tasks, and face-to-face discussions and images. It offers a broad range of attributes that include; comprehensive understanding of content and social learning by interacting with tutors and fellow learners. Moreover, it also offers multiple benefits to organizations, such as; an efficient and cost-effective way to train and quick return on investment (ROI).

The increasing adoption of digitization, which led to the adoption of the e-learning process, growing personalized tutors' adoption, and growing demand from various industry verticals to train their employees, is also one-factor fueling market growth. However, a lack of awareness among the consumers hinders market growth.

The global blended learning market was valued at USD 49.9 billion, growing at a CAGR of 10.3% during the forecast period.

Increasing Adoption of Digitization

Over the past few years, there has been substantial growth in digitization across the industry verticals such as healthcare, manufacturing, and education sector globally. This leads to increasing demand for the online and offline learning process to improve learning methods compare to conventional methods. Moreover, increasing the benefits of digitizing learning processes such as; in-depth visualization of concepts, personalized doubt sessions, and recording lectures also paves the way for blended learning platforms. For instance, according to an IDC report, 66% of students prefer to learn online courses. This enables increasing demand for hybrid learning process across the globe among all individuals.

Segmental Overview

The global blended learning market has been segmented into type and industry.

By Type

Based on type, the global blended learning market has been segmented into hardware and software.

The software segment holds a higher CAGR and is anticipated to witness growth during the forecast period. Blended learning software entails courses, content, and solutions. A modern LMS (learning management system) can facilitate both conventional web-based training and ILT (instructor-led training) requirements from a single and centralized management interface for business organizations and educational institutions. A blended learning solution primarily focuses on students who are either below or above grade level, allowing every gifted or struggling student to study at his/her own pace. Thus, blended learning software offers four types of models: rotation model, flex model, and online lab model, and enriched virtual model offering of broad ranges of solution boosts the market growth.

By Industry

Based on industry, the global blended learning market has been segmented into K-12, Higher Education, and Corporate.

K-12 sector holds a higher CAGR and is expected to witness growth during the forecast period. Schools around the globe are adopting blended learning techniques. Students may feel isolated with an entire online education program without the in-person support of classmates and teachers; therefore, a combination of both in-person and online education is used to deliver the advantages of both the learning methods.

With the integration of modern technology, blended learning can attract young students to education, and they can apply their theoretical knowledge to real life. Blended learning monitors the performance of each student, and teachers can identify the students who are struggling. Schools that promote blended learning observe that online learning environments help free up class time for various other extracurricular activities.

Moreover, governments of several countries such as the U.S. and U.K. are also providing funds to implement blended learning to improve the quality of education at primary and secondary levels. This funding is usually in the form of investments in infrastructure and hardware. Schools in many countries have an increased level of autonomy in developing and promoting blended learning. Furthermore, Schools are increasingly shifting to blended learning models that support education for all types of students. The shift is also aimed at incorporating technology into the curriculum to address varying student requirements.

Higher education has increasingly become involved with diversity in several parameters. Differences in thought processes, caliber, and adaptation make university teaching a demanding task. Preference and learning styles vary from student to student, which demands individual attention. For instance, The West Chester University of Pennsylvania adopted the blended learning approach and researched its efficiency. The research concluded that blended learning improved overall student achievement and learning attitude.

Impact of COVID-19

The impact of COVID-19 has an unprecedented effect across all industry verticals globally. The market of the blended learning market has witnessed a surge in demand amid pandemic COVID-19. The growth is attributed to governments' stringent regulations, such as; social distancing, the shutdown of schools, universities, corporate offices, and manufacturing sites. This enables schools and universities to adopt the online learning process to teach students.

Also, increasing adoption among corporate offices to teach employees various courses amid pandemic COVID-19 to improve skills and enhance productivity paves the way for blended learning platforms. For instance, in October 2020, UNESCO and Blackboard have launched teacher training in the Caribbean for online and blended learning.

Regional Overview

North America holds a higher CAGR and is expected to witness growth during the forecast period. The growth is attributed to the rising demand for digital learning solutions. Favorable initiatives about technology integration and e-learning are further aiding the growth momentum. The NEA offers quality grant funds (up to USD 3000 each) for local affiliates to initiate and strengthen the capacity to provide significant professional learning opportunities by utilizing NEA's blended learning professional learning course offerings to their local affiliate members.

The funding aims to work with local affiliates offering NEA's comprehensive blended learning courses. These training programs will provide superior quality professional training to members with a combination of online and in-person learning platforms. For instance, a U.S. Department of Education research revealed that students studying via blended education performed better than those who are learning the same material through face to face and complete online platforms.

Recent Development

In October 2017, Long Island University (LIU), Brooklyn, has implemented blended learning to improve student retention. It strives to support working professionals who desire to pursue an advanced degree but lack time to attend on-site classes weekly, particularly at the end of a long workday.

Blended learning is gradually gaining traction in Asia-Pacific due to infrastructure developments and the increasing digitalization penetration in the region. While blended learning is well-received in western regions, it has encountered varying degrees of success in Asia due to instructors' and students' different perceptions towards blended learning approaches. However, higher educational institutions in Asia-Pacific have joined with their western counterparts in adopting blended learning techniques.

Chinese universities and colleges had previously conducted several experiments with blended learning, but unfortunately, it did not achieve favorable results. Initially, blended learning was well-received, but educational institutes and staff lacked the appropriate knowledge for developing courses that would tap its full potential. However, nowadays, the majority of Chinese educators consider blended learning as effective use of technology. The Chinese government is significantly investing in enhancing hardware in classrooms. A goal was set to connect every school digitally by 2012, which progressed to connecting every classroom by 2015. By 2022, the goal is to connect every student. Thus, China is a high potential region for the growth of the blended learning courses market.

Key Players

The key players in the global blended learning market have adopted inorganic growth strategies that include; partnerships and collaborations, mergers and acquisitions to expand their geographical reach. For instance, in November 2019, City and Guilds Group acquired Intertrain to strengthen its technical training assessment and certification offerings. Some of the prominent key vendors are; Cegos, City & Guilds Groups, GP Strategies, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Holtzbrinck Publishing Group, NIIT, Pearson, Skillsoft.

Blended Learning Market: Segmentation

By Type

• Hardware
• Software

By Industry

• K-12
• Higher Education
• Corporate

By Region

North America

• The U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico

Europe

• The U.K.
• Italy
• France
• Spain
• Germany
• The Rest of Europe

The Middle East and Africa (MEA)

• Saudi Arabia
• Egypt
• South Africa
• The Rest of MEA

Asia-Pacific

• India
• China
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• The Rest of Asia-Pacific

South America

• Columbia
• Brazil
• Chile
• Peru
• Argentina
• The Rest of South America