Blended learning combines the strengths of both instructor-led sessions and e-learning to create training that’s even more effective. You get the flexibility of self-paced online learning, along with the collaboration and engagement of being in a physical or virtual classroom.
This has quite a few benefits. Blended learning:
- takes into account the different learning styles of your employees
- saves on costs associated with in-person training
- is a more efficient use of the learner’s time
- improves the amount of information learners retain
- gives instructors more visibility into how learners are doing in the course
Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.
John F. Kennedy
Here are some ideas for how to use blended learning in your training.
Flip the classroom
Rather than sit through a lecture with an instructor and then complete homework on their own time, the flipped classroom model has students learn the materials ahead of time and then uses in-class time for discussion and group collaboration.
For example, Boeing flipped the classroom when training capture team leaders (CTLs) in their sales teams. They wanted CTL trainees to get maximum benefit from the short amount of in-person instruction time they would have with experienced CTLs, so they decided to teach the basics in a series of eight online training lessons. That allowed them to explore more nuanced topics during a four-day live session.
Another big benefit of the flipped classroom model is that it lets instructors focus in on the places where learners struggled.
Instructors can assign readings, videos, or pre-recorded lectures, along with quizzes to assess comprehension. Before the in-person session, they can check the quiz results to see if there are any patterns in which questions got missed. Then, instructors can tailor their in-person lesson to address these gaps.
Complement in-person training with self-guided e-learning
Often, in-person training can feel like a firehose of information, and can be difficult for learners to absorb. Adding elements of online learning to in-person training lectures can make them more effective by offering additional opportunities for learners to engage with the material.
For example, you can add interactive microlearning opportunities that employees can engage with outside of classroom instruction, such as short videos, quizzes, and gamified modules. These interactive e-learning modules can be accessed on an employee’s mobile device, meaning they can more easily fit them into their day.
Conversely, if your training is already primarily self-guided and online, you can implement blended learning by scheduling live virtual or in-person meetings that augment the online material. In these sessions, instructors can answer student questions or go over more complicated aspects of the online learning to make sure everyone understands.
Get better results with blended learning
The improvement in e-learning technology and learning management systems has made it easier than ever to offer blended learning opportunities as part of your training program.
Whether that’s adding online components to existing in-person sessions or completely rewriting your training to flip the classroom, Opigno’s customizable e-learning platform can help you deliver more effective and engaging training using blended learning. Learn more today.