Blended Approach 2.0: What Is It And Why Do You Need To Incorporate It In Learning Design?
A median offering of the two modes, the blended learning approach is often the optimal mode that uses the ideal mix of Instructor-Led Training (ILT)/classroom sessions and online training. The COVID-19 pandemic has redefined the workplace dynamics. With employees working remotely and the norm of social distancing at the workplace, there is an immediate need to evaluate the options for replacing the facilitated classroom training session.
In today’s context—where learners and trainers need to connect virtually—delivering blended learning goes fully virtual and is termed as blended learning 2.0. It is a combination of Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT sessions) and self-paced online training.
What Is Causing The Acceleration In The Conversion Of ILT To VILT And Beyond?
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a different workplace. With social distancing at play, the majority of the organizations offer work from home. Over the last few months, several organizations have had to use this approach as a standard practice, and this is likely to be the case for several months in the near future.
- Remote operations have led to the reconsideration of how ILT/classroom training should be handled. Blended learning 2.0 is the optimal way forward, although a smaller percentage of training may convert to VILT or fully online mode.
- Besides the pandemic-based trigger, the acceleration in the adoption of the blended learning design approach over ILT is on account of the way learners prefer to learn. They want higher control over the way they want to learn and they would prefer to see a combination of instructor-led sessions and self-paced online learning.
- Additional reasons for the acceleration in the adoption of the blended learning approach are challenges on budgets, limited trainers, and the need to reach a distributed audience in a short time.
Hence, blended training and notably [1] its next-gen variant, the blended 2.0 mode, must be a core part of any organization’s overall training delivery.
Note
The ideal blending (what should be handled in the instructor-led mode and what should be provided in the online mode) can be achieved by looking at the content, the audience expectations, and at how the learning goals will be met optimally. Each blended learning design approach can differ, based on objectives and training needs.
What Are The Benefits That Blended Learning Offers?
Blended learning provides several advantages over the traditional ILT mode of training. Take a look at the key benefits of blended learning:
Benefits Of Blended Learning For The Learners
- The key benefit of blended learning is that it aligns better with learner needs and it enables learners to leverage the best of both mediums.
- Access to online resources provides additional flexibility to the learners, particularly since a large percentage of the workforce is working from home—they can access the training post the facilitated session. They get access to supporting resources online and on demand, having control over accessing them when required and consuming it at the pace they are comfortable with. This is particularly useful to refresh or review the learning.
- The collaboration features of the platforms (like threaded discussions or chats) enable learners to retain the connection with their peers as well as the trainers—even after completing the planned session successfully. This way, they can exchange ideas on the learning or knowledge application. In today’s remote operations, this connection is a great way to foster social or collaborative learning.
- It has been confirmed by research that online training facilitates a stickier learning experience, and 24/7 access to online resources makes it easier for learners to review and refresh the training course and related resources. As an extension, the blended learning approach offers better retention vis-a-vis ILT programs [2].
Benefits Of Blended Learning For The Organizations
- From an organizational perspective, the key benefit of the blended learning approach is that it enables organizations to reach remote learners—a necessity today. In the blended learning 2.0 mode, both learners and trainers can connect virtually.
- Furthermore, they can easily reach out to a geographically dispersed audience in a shorter time.
- It also enables organizations to reduce their budget outlay.
- The conversion of ILT to the blended learning mode reduces the time required to meet the same learning mandate. Typically, the revised seat time for the blended mode is 33%-50% of the ILT seat time.
- For the online learning part, organizations can use immersive learning strategies that offer high engagement quotient and create sticky learning experiences [3].
- The learning pathways created to deliver blended learning can be extended to provide further connections after the completion of the planned sessions, including curated content to foster self-directed learning or social and collaborative learning.
I hope this article helps you see the value and benefits of adopting a blended learning approach that goes beyond the current pressing need to offer virtual training [4] [5]. Download the eBook Blended Learning 2.0: Adopting The Next Gen Blended Learning Model For The Digital Workplace and discover how to maximize the impact of your virtual training transformation with blended learning.
References:
[1] How to Use mLearning to Maximize the Impact of Your Blended Training
[2] ILT To Blended Or Online Training Transformation – Featuring 5 Examples
[3] Tips and Strategies to Convert Your Existing Training to an Immersive Virtual Learning Experience
[4] A Complete Guide On Blended Learning Solutions
[5] 5 Amazingly Effective Strategies to Convert Your ILT Program to High-impact Virtual Training
