Blended Learning: Just as in educating kids the multiple intelligence strategies are being adopted to cater to various learning types, so is it with training adults. There is no one size fits all solution. The objective of training vary and so does the participant pool. The training manager needs to juggle and decide between classroom training, VILT(virtual instructor-led training), microlearning, e-learning. What a blessing if all these can be brought together and customized? Well, that’s exactly what blended learning is all about. The L&D Managers can very easily inculcate best practices in their organization by the blended learning strategy.
How beneficial is this training format?
By the use of varied learning experience platforms, the blended learning format is going to be a training manager’s BFF. First and foremost, the logistics of getting the trainer and the trainees altogether at a physical place can be surmounted. Most of the learning happens online such that the participants can interact virtually and the trainee needs to spend less of their work time in classrooms. Sessions could be interactive and collaborative with the instructor facilitating as and when required. Moreover, these sessions can be self-paced, yet interaction is aided through forums, communities, and social media. This is supplemented by classroom interactions too when required.
This proves to be cost-effective, and the reusability of training material is an invaluable asset.
Prerequisites:
*Setting up the LMS
*A dedicated administrator for the LMS
*Devices and net paraphernalia for learners
*Authoring tool
*Suitable Platform
And you are good to go.
Skilling and continuous learning:
Technology is changing by the minute and no one can afford to miss the bus. Be it software training or product training, soft skills, or leadership training, all aspects can be dealt with using the blended learning approach. All new changes in the industry can be introduced to the workforce by an expert. Everything need not be crunched in a too-tight scheduled module, instead, the skilling can be spread over a comfortable period. The training manager can thus ensure continuous learning of his tech teams.
Getting over the quandary:
Shifting to online training could be initially full of doubts. There are many used cases whereby the effectiveness of blended learning could be corroborated. That’s where training the trainer comes to play. The instructors have to be boarded so that they can take the trainees seamlessly using the various learning experience platforms, all the while having the objectives in mind. Once everyone is on the same page Blended Learning is soon to be the BFF for not only the training managers but for all other stakeholders.
