How To Create Better Blended Learning
When implementing a blended learning model, it is important to be aware of key components and steps to integrate into their plan, but that’s for another article. In this one, we’ll be looking at a few key things to keep in mind when implementing blended learning:
1. Have The Right Mix
In a recent study it was stated that 52% of organizations lack a blended learning strategy for new staff and this could create a real barrier to progress.
The general consensus on blended learning is that you have to get the right mix. An efficiency and empathy matrix needs to be created when coming up with a course structure. By this we mean that there needs to be a balance between trainer contact and independent study online. It’s difficult to get this mix correct and depends on how many people are learning at any one time. Obviously if there is a class of over 30 people it will be difficult for a trainer or teacher to give each attendee one-to-one attention.
2. Keep It Personal
As mentioned above providing face-to-face learning allows the facilitator to customize the learning towards the needs and requirements of that particular learner depending on how they respond to content. There is also the opportunity for the educator to ask the attendees questions and gauge their knowledge based on their answers. This also allows the course curator to understand whether course content is relevant. Combining this with online learning can enhance the benefits. For example trainers can recommend online courses to enable employees to meet their personal objectives. It’s much simpler to find out what they would like to learn and get them involved in the process – by focusing on what an individual needs to know to learn and do their job or pass their exams you avoid the frustration and confusion of information overload.
Not all learners are the same and it’s worth keeping this in mind as not everyone will embrace the same learning styles so offering options online and offline is necessary for your organization.
3. Be Flexible
Exclusively offering offline content is just not feasible in this day and age. If you only have offline courses available this limits learners to certain days, times and relies on group schedules being devised specifically for courses.
In complete contrast online learning provides true flexibility for everyone involved. Users can access information on a variety of devices at a time that suits them best. In the workplace this means that staff can develop themselves around their workload.
What’s more, social Learning Management systems create forums for learners to chat and iron out problems where necessary. Imagine this scenario in a classroom? Learners who understood course content would undoubtedly be disturbed by those who didn’t.
4. Involve The Right People With Your Online Courses
During recruitment in a business environment there’s always a lot of information to cover when a new person joins the team. Giving a new employee online courses to complete alone is a terrible onboarding process. For a start they will not be able to digest large amounts of new information alone and secondly, first days can be pretty lonely. Managers, coaches, and buddies are all vital support here, providing context and personal insights that help the new recruit apply the information to the immediate workplace.
Studies tell us that people managers and peers are key to successful onboarding. A major reason why newly hired employees struggle and ultimately leave is a failure to establish connections and build strong interpersonal relationships within the company.
