Blended Learning

Blended learning is a combination of classroom training and online learning. It offers a plethora of instructional methods to help learners. Using a mix of face-to-face classroom-based training and online training programs is an effective strategy to address various learning phases 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.

Blended Learning offers a variety of training formats based on your learner’s training need, their profile, and the learning environment. This combination of in-person and virtual training formats offers learners an engaging and highly immersive learning experience.

Though most organizations consider employee training and learning 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 behaviour 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

→ Deploy Blended Learning to Negate the Forgetting Curve and Reinforce Learning.

Blended Learning offers an array of benefits that can scale your corporate training to new heights. It offers numerous advantages for both learners and organizations.

Few good reasons to opt for blended learning for employee training:

The Cone of Learning shows that recall is highest during active learning represented in the last two segments (at the bottom) of the pyramid – participating in a discussion or giving a talk, or working in simulated environments or real-life job situations that typically happens during on-the-job training, hands-on workshops, or in scenario-based or game-based eLearning courses.

When learners are allowed to participate in the learning, even the most complex topics can be retained better. This makes blended learning very effective for learning as it combines traditional classroom with online, interactivity-based learning and performance support.

Blended learning is ideal to deliver training according to the updated 55:25:20 model for learning and development (55% experiential, 25% social, and 20% formal learning).

A typical graph of the forgetting curve shows that almost half the newly learned knowledge is lost within days or weeks unless it is reviewed or reinforced.

The forgetting curve is propped when learning is reinforced in spaced intervals. With blended learning, various training formats (eLearning, just-in-time microlearning assets, and performance support tools such as job aids) can be used as shown here – boosting learning, recall, and on-the-job application.

If personalization is the goal, then blended learning is the means to achieve that goal!

Here’s how blended learning can help tailor a personalized learning experience.

Instant Access to Training:

Blended learning enables organizations to offer – along with a blend of instructor-led training and self-paced eLearning courses – searchable microlearning assets and job aids for instant access to the required content (performance support).

Learner Control over Training:

Learners who are content with traditional training can attend the instructor-led training sessions; and those who would like to learn at their own place, time, and schedule, can do so by accessing the self-paced eLearning courses.

Freedom to Learn and Practice with Peers and Colleagues:

With blended learning, learners can be encouraged to discuss the training on a message forum/board on the LMS. Collaboration between learners and colleagues/seniors is possible even with eLearning. A link to the organization’s internal social network allows learners to clarify, discuss or share learning points. Web conferencing tools such as Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet also help facilitate collaboration between learners and their instructors/peers/colleagues.

Training Adapted for the Needs of Different Learners:

Before training, learners can take an online pre-test to identify their preferences and proficiencies. This allows instructors to skip content learners are already familiar with and focus on the knowledge gaps. Classroom time may be devoted to discussions, coaching, and one-on-one teaching followed by self-paced eLearning course/s for in-depth knowledge about the concepts.

Training that Relates to Problems Learners Face at Work:

The instructor in the classroom uses examples/anecdotes/best practices from his/her own experience to drive home points and engage learners. This can be followed by eLearning with different instructional strategies (scenarios, simulations, virtual reality, augmented reality) to challenge learners with problems they face every day on the job. The learner is then given opportunities to solve them the right way, in a safe, risk-free environment.

One popular misconception about blended learning is that it always has to start with classroom training followed by online training or with online training followed by classroom.

That is so not true! There are many blended learning models that can be leveraged for effective training. Here are four core models of blended learning.

Step 1: Validate learning objectives and assessment techniques

The first thing to start with is to have a clear picture of what you want to train your learners on. Then come questions like why you are teaching it in the first place and how you would like to teach and evaluate your learners when you have imparted this training.

Step 2: Map learning objectives to deliver technologies

Once you have figured out what your learning objectives are and how you want to assess your learners, it’s time to determine which mode of instruction would be best for each of the learning objectives.

Step 3: Flip the classroom to maximize collaborative impact

A flipped classroom is one where the training part occurs online, while the in-class time is devoted to activities such as discussions, exercises, and assessments. The flipped classroom model draws from the concept of active learning, which increases learner engagement and promotes collaboration.

Despite having an edge over conventional training methods, implementing blended learning does have several challenges that can sabotage its success. Here are some challenges and their solutions.

1. Evaluate Content for the Online Format

Take stock of all your learning material and decide on components you wish to move online.

• Identify the training material that already exists.
• Review the content with the help of SMEs and see if the existing content is adequate to meet the learning objectives.
• Determine which components need to be enhanced or updated to make them online-ready.
• Decide on new content that needs to be created to bridge gaps in existing content.

2. Base your Design on the Learning Objectives, NOT Technologies

Blended learning is about using technology to achieve the desired learning outcomes. Use the learning objectives as a road map to design your blended learning strategy, aligning the content, assessments, and activities for the most optimal learning experience.

Consider the function before choosing the form (the digital learning method) rather than going for the latest technology.

3. Consider Microlearning for the Online Component

To address the modern learner’s short attention spans, use a curriculum of microlearning modules in your blended learning, each dealing with one learning objective – short enough for learners to retain the information and use it to improve their work performance.

Here’s how microlearning can be used in the blended learning strategy:

Pre-training: Introduce basic concepts via microlearning videos or case studies.

During training: Augment classroom sessions with short learning videos and infographics.

Post-training: Provide performance support after the completion of the training – micro-FAQ modules, ‘how to’ micro demo videos or simple explainers.

4. Leverage Rapid Authoring Tool Templates for Quick eLearning Development

Rapid authoring tools come with their own media library and ready-to-use templates. There are standardized templates for the GUI, introductory slides, summaries, assessments, and more to be reused across courses. These templates can be customized and reused to meet your requirements.

5. Evaluate the Online Component with a Pilot

Use a pilot run to test the technology, instructions, content, activities, and user experience, so that any problems can be fixed before the final launch. Here are some tips on how to pilot your online learning:

• Determine the length of the pilot
• Select your audience to represent the full spectrum of the workforce for whom the training is being designed.
• Allow the sample group to test the course/s in different locations to get an idea of the bandwidth and Internet most learners will have access to.

Product Training

Let’s say you need to deliver product training to your sales personnel who are constantly on the move. It is very important for them to have comprehensive, up-to-date knowledge about their products and access to learning resources for handy reference.

So, they need initial training in the classroom, followed by self-paced learning, periodic refresher activities, and performance support.

Here’s a sample blending learning framework you can try:

No doubt that blended learning is becoming one of the most popular corporate training formats. And it’s not that hard to believe, it has scaled L&D to greater heights. And now that you know popular formats that can enhance your blended learning initiatives, make the most of it to offer a rich learning experience to your learners. Connect with our experts today and find out what blend will work for you!