Introducing Blended Learning
What is Blended Learning?
Simply put, blended learning is a strategy where we use a mix of face-to-face classroom-based training and online training programs to address different phases of learning in order to maximize learning.
Blended learning = Instructor-Led Training + Online Learning (synchronous and asynchronous) + Performance Support
Check this webinar recording to discover how blended learning can help you accelerate time to proficiency.
And as blended learning is basically a hybrid of traditional classroom training and eLearning, it’s a given that a well thought out blended solution will also offer the benefits of both training formats.
So, what are these benefits? Let’s have a look.
Classroom Training
- Presence of SMEs and coaches
- Live group interactions, collaborations, role-modeling, and mentoring
- Hands-on experiences with physical devices and equipment
- Face-to-face sharing of experiences and social interaction
- Dedicated time in a controlled environment, away from work demands/distractions
- Closer simulation of actual work performance, particularly soft skills
eLearning
- Self-directed learners
- Convenient, flexible, available on-demand (24x7x365), even in remote locations
- Scalable, with simultaneous audiences and/or enterprise-wide rollouts possible
- Consistency in format and delivery of content
- No logistic hassles, reduced time away from work
- Easy-to-manage administration and analytics
- Ideal in a multi-cultural/-lingual context
Combining the strengths of these two learning mediums at the right time, in the right place, and for the right reason helps develop a robust blended learning framework.
Blended Learning in The Learning Journey (Learning is a process, not an event!)
What is Blended Learning?
Blended learning = Instructor-Led Training + Online Learning (synchronous and asynchronous) + Performance Support
Blended Learning offers a variety of training formats based on the training need, the learner’s profile, and the learning environment. It offers a combination of in-person and virtual training formats that offers an engaging and highly immersive learning experience to the learners.
Though most organizations look at employee training and learning as an annual or semi-annual event, learning is more of a process. It is a journey… where the learner goes from a stage of ignorance to awareness to mastery of the subject, bringing about “a relatively permanent change in an individual’s behavior arising from experience”.
- Inform Me: Present new information and content
- Show Me: Demonstrate/model new information for desired knowledge and performance
- Challenge Me (Let Me Try): Allow practice with guidance, coaching, and feedback
- Assess Me (Final Challenge): Assess learning
- Reinforce my Learning: Provide learning at spaced intervals to improve recall
Blended learning provides greater opportunities to offer continual learning experiences across the learning journey in various formats to help learners excel in their performance.
Deploy Blended Learning to Negate the Forgetting Curve and Reinforce Learning.
Benefits of Blended Learning
Blended learning offers numerous advantages for both learners and organizations.
Blended learning gives learners control over their learning, offering greater flexibility on how, where, and what they learn. This is especially useful for a globally dispersed workforce or for those in remote locations. Learners can also choose the format they are most comfortable with.
Blended learning supports collaborative learning in the physical and virtual classroom, and also through online discussion forums. These forums enable learners and instructors to share ideas, opinions, and experiences and help allay any apprehensions learners might have.
Different learners have different learning styles. Some prefer the classroom and others an online course. A blended learning program with combination of various visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements engages learners with different learning styles and ensures better training outcomes.
A major problem with a one-size-fits-all classroom training or a pre-scheduled virtual classroom session is that not everyone may be available to attend training at the same time. Most of these scheduling problems can be resolved with blended learning.
With most of the training being done online, there are huge cost savings on travel and accommodation. Also, setting up an online learning solution is much more scalable with rapid authoring tools. Development time and costs can also be cut by repurposing digital assets from existing classroom material and online courses.
Provides Flexibility in Learning
Blended learning gives learners control over their learning, offering greater flexibility on how, where, and what they learn. This is especially useful for a globally dispersed workforce or for those in remote locations. Learners can also choose the format they are most comfortable with.
Promotes Collaborative Learning
Blended learning supports collaborative learning in the physical and virtual classroom, and also through online discussion forums. These forums enable learners and instructors to share ideas, opinions, and experiences and help allay any apprehensions learners might have.
Caters to Different Learning Styles and Preferences
Different learners have different learning styles. Some prefer the classroom and others an online course. A blended learning program with combination of various visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements engages learners with different learning styles and ensures better training outcomes.
Bids Goodbye to Scheduling Hassles
A major problem with a one-size-fits-all classroom training or a pre-scheduled virtual classroom session is that not everyone may be available to attend training at the same time. Most of these scheduling problems can be resolved with blended learning.
Cuts Training Costs and Improves ROI
With most of the training being done online, there are huge cost savings on travel and accommodation. Also, setting up an online learning solution is much more scalable with rapid authoring tools. Development time and costs can also be cut by repurposing digital assets from existing classroom material and online courses.
Blended Learning offers an array of benefits that can scale your corporate training to new heights.
Here’s How Blended Learning Can Boost Employee Performance.
Formats of Blended Learning
Live Formats
- Instructor-led (classroom) training
- On-the-Job training
Social Learning
- Discussion boards
- Online forums
Virtual Collaboration: Synchronous
- Live eLearning classes
- E-mentoring
Virtual Collaboration: Asynchronous
- Bulletin boards
- Online communities
Self-Paced Learning
- Web learning modules
- Online resource links
- Simulations
- Scenarios
- Video and audio CD/DVD
- Online self-assessments
- Workbooks
Performance Support Systems (EPSS)
- Help systems
- Job-aids
- How-to videos
- Knowledge databases
- Mobile applications
- Performance or decision support tools