In recent years, a growing demand for flexibility in learning and the cost-effectiveness of technology has provided the impetus for the rise of blended learning. Blended learning is a learning methodology in which a portion of the traditional face-to-face instruction is replaced by web-based online learning. (source)
But, how can you use blended learning to meet different learning goals? Nick Van Dam, in his book The eLearning Field Book, has come up with a framework that helps meet various learning goals. Let us see what it is.
Following is the framework for designing blended learning outlined by Nick.
| Learning Goal | ILT | E-learning |
| Acquire initial learning | Classroom presentations, lectures | Self-paced e-learning modules, online documents |
| Acquire advanced learning | Classroom presentations with live demos/ hands-on exercises | Online tutorials with practice questions and exercises, and tests |
| Apply learning in simple situations | Group discussions or simple role plays | Simple courseware with simple scenarios, simulations |
| Practice learning | Hands-on practice sessions with feedback | Online practice exercises, simulations with feedback, games, interactive modules |
| Apply learning in complex situations | Role plays, scenario-based or situated learning, expert presentations with group discussions and practice, case studies, advanced workshops | Highly interactive courseware, with complex scenarios, role- plays, online videos for situated learning |
| Test learning (Assessments) | Paper-based tests, hands-on exercises with feedback, observation by experts | Online tests, simulation-based tests |
| Support and reinforce learning | Mentoring sessions and best practices | Online self-paced courseware, structured online support, performance support tools |
Let us now see how this framework can be applied to software training.
| Learning Goal | ILT | E-learning |
| Providing training on the basics of a software application | A workshop introducing the learner to the software.Ex. Introduction to SAP | Online courses explaining the basic features of the software and what it can do.Ex. Different modules of SAP and what they are useful for. |
| Delivering advanced training on the software | ILT sessions demonstrating the working of the software.Ex: Classroom sessions demonstrating the creation of a purchase order (PO) using SAP. | Video-based e-learning courses explaining the steps involved in the working of the application.Ex: A video-based tutorial on the creation of a PO using SAP, followed by questions. |
| Applying learning in simple situations | Classroom training programs discussing simple transactions performed by the software.Ex: ILT programs discussing the creation of an invoice. | Watch, Try, Do (WTD) simulation-based courses enabling learners apply the learning on the job.Ex: A WTD simulation of invoice creation. |
| Practicing the learning | Hands-on practice sessions with proper feedback.Ex: Workshops where learners practice various transactions involving the FI module, depending on their roles such as accounts receivable clerk, general ledger accountant and so on. | Try, Do simulations with immediate feedback.Ex: An e-learning session where learners practice various transactions involving the FI module. |
| Applying learning in complex situations | Scenario-based training where learners are trained how to act in various situations.Ex: ILT sessions explaining how to deal with transfer postings in the MM module. | Simulation-based online courses where learners can apply the learning to complex situations.Ex: Simulation-based e-learning courses where learners can practice the steps involved in transfer postings. |
| Test learning | Workshops where hands-on exercises can be given to evaluate the learner.Ex: A session where the learners are asked to create a time ticket in the PP module. | Online courses containing Do simulations where the learner needs to complete a transaction without assistance.Ex: A Do simulation where a learner needs to execute the steps to create a time ticket correctly. |
| Learning support and reinforcement | A workshop explaining the best practices of using the software.Ex: A workshop sharing the best practices of executing the P2P cycle in SAP. | Online performance support tools that improve the efficiency of your workforce.Ex: A performance support tool (m-learning) that helps the user perform each step of the P2P cycle effectively. |
Many organizations are using a blend of classroom and e-learning methodologies to train their people. It is important to create a proper framework to make the best use of the learning blend. Hope you liked this post. How do you blend learning formats? Do share with us.
