Developing A Blended Learning Framework For Various Learning Goals

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This blog briefly explains what blended learning is and its benefits.

Published: 
Developing A Blended Learning Framework For Various Learning Goals

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 GoalILTE-learning
Acquire initial learningClassroom presentations, lecturesSelf-paced e-learning modules, online documents
Acquire advanced learningClassroom presentations with live demos/ hands-on exercisesOnline tutorials with practice questions and exercises, and tests
Apply learning in simple situationsGroup discussions or simple role playsSimple courseware with simple scenarios, simulations
Practice learningHands-on practice sessions with feedbackOnline practice exercises, simulations with feedback, games, interactive modules
Apply learning in complex situationsRole plays, scenario-based or situated learning, expert presentations with group discussions and practice, case studies, advanced workshopsHighly 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 expertsOnline tests, simulation-based tests
Support and reinforce learningMentoring sessions and best practicesOnline self-paced courseware, structured online support, performance support tools

 Let us now see how this framework can be applied to software training.

Learning GoalILTE-learning
Providing training on the basics of a software applicationA workshop introducing the learner to the software.Ex. Introduction to SAPOnline 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 softwareILT 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 situationsClassroom 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 learningHands-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 situationsScenario-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 learningWorkshops 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 reinforcementA 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.

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