An example would be a mix of traditional classroom training supported by prerequisite digital learning modules.
Blended learning can be a particularly effective approach, as it offers all the benefits of both traditional classroom-based, and online training.
However, for blended learning courses to be effective, you must design them carefully, and use the correct tools for the job.
Like any other training effort, you need a strategy so that you can deliver a meaningful and immersive training experience to your learners based on sound instructional design principles.
Challenges exist with traditional training solutions, including:
In many cases, eLearning can go some way to mitigating these challenges, however, simply taking your classroom based powerpoints and throwing them into an elearning format isn’t usually the answer.
Both employers and individual students are using digital platforms and purchasing digital course subscriptions that enable them to learn what they want, when they want, via website content, video training, and content-rich mobile learning apps.
Digital Learning can be defined as any instructional practice that effectively uses technology to build a student’s learning experience and provides opportunities for on-demand learning.
The move to web and app-based digital learning responds to learner needs for both broad and deep knowledge, and it addresses workplace skills that require frequent updating.
Increasing desire for digital learning coincides with decreasing costs for hosted content platforms, Microlearning platform subscriptions, and production of video-based courses. This has led to a growth of digital-only training vendors and solutions.
It’s often the very flexibility of digital learning that can lose learners in terms of engagement. A self-directed learner can decide to stop learning any time, and will do so if the content is not engaging.
Time spent creating a great eLearning course is wasted if learners do not complete the course, or are able to ‘skip through it’ when their engagement level wanes.
Key challenges when delivering effective Digital Learning include:
The training industry is shifting, and offerings that blend live or virtual training with digital assets and assessments are growing in importance.
Blended learning solutions address some of the challenges we discussed above so can help to avoid the major pitfalls of using either of these formats as the sole training deliverable.
There are several ways you can combine digital and traditional learning methods to make a blended solution:
Blended learning is cost-effective, but it can also be a more natural way to learn and work concurrently.
A blended solution can be used for almost any training approach or objective; however, it is often best used when a mix of core skills and deep learning is required.
These requirements can be met using pre-and post-course digital elements combined with deep instructor-led learning.
Mobile and micro-learning can also fit into almost any training strategy, however, the types of training where this approach really shines are often those where location independent delivery, and dripped content feature, for instance:
Do four or more apply to your organization? If so it may be time to consider a blended approach!
Please count how often you answered with a yes. Each ‘yes’ equals one point.
0-3 points:
Your organization is small and simple. All your employees work in the same office and do not travel much. Under these circumstances, you do not need digital enhancement. Just watch the space if and when you grow.
4-6 points:
Your organization faces a few training challenges. A blended approach would help to mitigate some of these challenges and should be investigated further.
7-9 points:
Your employees would benefit from being able to access the course curriculum before or after the training. Both the acquisition of complex product knowledge, and behavior change need time to take effect and cannot be delivered in one off classroom events. A blended solution will deliver better learning outcomes, that in turn will drive customer satisfaction and sales.
You can easily create courseware and using these microlearning design tips using MyEcontentFactory. Our authoring tool allows you to import content, media, and assessments, make real-time changes and collaborate with your colleagues.