What You Need To Consider When Developing A Hybrid Learning Program
Simply having a hybrid learning strategy in place won't suffice if you really want your program to succeed. You must come up with the right model for your organization. However, do you truly understand how your hybrid learning program can meet your business needs? What are the implications and limitations of hybrid learning? Which solutions will meet your L&D requirements?
What Are The Technology Implications Or Limitations Of Hybrid Learning?
When migrating from traditional training to digital approaches and platforms, new technologies will need to be implemented. This has certain implications.
Cost
How much will you be required to invest in new software or technology? You may need to purchase a Learning Management System (LMS) or a proven content editing tool. Or to create training videos, you will need to buy proper cameras, lighting, microphones, and editing software.
Trainer Training
Will you need to invest in training the trainers? Your L&D team will need to learn how to use these new tools to their full potential. The teachers will suddenly become the students!
In-House Or Outsource?
Is it worth the effort to train your L&D team on complex software or technologies that require a certain creative flair? Or are you better to outsource?
Where Does The Training Material Live?
This will be a question for your IT team. They may advise keeping everything on the internal network, or they may advise on a cloud-based platform. Security, privacy, and data protection will all be key considerations.
How Is Learning Delivered?
If all trainees have PCs or laptops, there is one less hurdle to clear. If they’re not desk workers, your training platform will need to be accessible on a myriad of platforms/ devices (i.e.. mobile, desktop, PC, Mac, IOS, Android). If employees do not have access to technology, this may justify in-person training. Again, flexibility is a huge benefit of hybrid learning.
What Medium Or Solution Is Best To Meet Your Learning Requirements?
With hybrid learning, you now have more tools in your toolbox. Deciding which you want
to use will come down to convenience, efficiency, cost, proficiency, and learning.
Demonstrations
In-person learning is incredibly helpful. It’s tangible and visceral. Learners can observe and ask questions. Yet, the same thing can be accomplished using video if there is a chance to get questions answered. Virtual reality can simulate real-world environments to allow for safe, consequence-free training. Or it could be a bit of this and a bit of that.
Educational Presentations
These can be done in person, through LMS software, or through webinars. By moving to a digital training platform, you can easily integrate knowledge testing into the technology solution. Platforms such as LMS or content editors create professional courses and handle all the details, from testing to scoring to certifications.
What Are The Business Objectives And Any Potential Implications?
While last on our list, this question is typically the first thing companies will need to examine before considering hybrid learning. As mentioned, there are costs to invest in new technologies and the training required to get the L&D team up to speed. With hybrid training, there are many benefits that align with business objectives. For example:
- Save money on in-person training costs
- Provide more consistent training across the team
- Utilize technology to improve efficiency
- Improve your ability to hire, onboard, and train remote workers
- Expand training to improve quality standards
- Make employees more efficient and more profitable
Conclusion
Download the eBook Hybrid Learning: The Ultimate Guide To Customizing Learning Experiences For Your Team by The Learning Network to discover how you can launch personalized programs for your remote workforce and overcome the limitations of hybrid learning. You can also join the webinar to explore a roadmap for customizing learning experiences with a leading industry expert.
