Blended Learning
has been a backbone of learning programs since some time now. Given the
extraordinary situation in the last year and a half, its demand has grown as organizations
have realized that engaging learners requires an ensemble of methodologies
instead of one single mode.
Merging
traditional in-person learning with online methods, Blended Learning works well
for varied L&D needs. In fact, it differs from other learning methods because
its main goal is to leverage digital technologies in unique ways to enhance learning
outcomes.
Moreover, the
recent emergence of virtual learning has also meant that a strategy that harnesses
the advantages of Blended Learning can be the best way to optimize ROI in remote
work environments. With the robust development of better digital tools over the
last couple of years courtesy largely to virtual work, this is the best time to
consider investing in Blended Learning programs.
Blended Learning
offers several benefits to organizations:
- It makes learning convenient
and flexible.
- It improves knowledge retention
rates.
- It gives learners a better
understanding of the content.
- It encourages Social learning.
Considering
organizations have tried different ways to strengthen learning and development
programs while adapting to the uncertain landscape in 2021 (and most likely
beyond too), there have been various ways in which they have used Blended Learning.
For those looking to adopt Blended Learning in the future to bolster their
L&D, here are a few areas where it can be leveraged:
One of the areas
where Blended Learning proves effective is performance support. A blended
approach can be used to offer additional support following an in-person learning
session. For starters, it creates resources that are available to learners at
the moment of their need, which means they can access them whenever and
wherever they need to. Besides, performance support tools also work as a
learning repository system for employees to use across departments and teams, so
that there is a strong support system as and when required.
Clubbing together Blended
Learning and Social Learning can give rise to a great combination approach.
Social Learning is an effective way for learners to interact with their peers
and learn from them while staying engaged in virtual environments. Leveraging a
mixture of Social Learning and Blended Learning can help maximize learning for
employees. A good example of such a mixed approach could be a workshop that makes
participants sit in groups or pairs where they are given the task of solving
problems or answering questions in a collaborative manner.
Traditionally,
compliance training sessions have been considered tedious and employees have
often found them to be boring and disengaging. It’s not enough to simply place learners
in a virtual setting and conduct the training because it may not engage them or
make them think critically about the subject matter. If you are looking to augment
engagement for employees in these important learning programs, it helps to
create an in-person experience supplemented by digital resources and aides.
If employees need to be brought up to speed with the latest technological changes and demands, one way to do so is to use technology itself. Organizations can use virtual blended learning solutions in addition to instructor-led training (ILT) to optimize learner familiarity and make them comfortable with new tech. For example, a learning program could kickstart with an ILT strategy that gives learners an introduction to the new tech and then it is followed by an interactive virtual demonstration.
In Conclusion
For maximum
learning, it’s important that L&D teams evaluate all channels and put
together a mix that helps to meet organizational learning goals. The cornerstone
of a
successful Blended Learning Program is a solid Learning Management System.
Learn more about how our
Blended Learning can help you accommodate your learners’ learning styles and
get more bang for your buck
Vivek Garg
