The Khan Academy is a truly inspiring idea. Watch Salman Khan talk about why he created the Khan Academy and get a sneak peek at where K-12 education is headed.
We often get the question, should we move to virtual learning or continue with instructor-led training in a classroom setting? Our answer – for the greatest success, do both! There are great advantages to learning online, but despite our bias for e-learning, we recognize that there is still a need for in-person instruction as well. This model of learning – combining online and classroom training – is known as blended learning.
So... why blend? Here are our five top reasons:
1. People like it!
First and foremost, people tend to prefer blended learning. We know that adults – like children – don’t just learn in one way. Everyone absorbs information differently and blended learning offers a range of learning tools, which helps maximize each student’s experience. Including online learning as part of a training program, allows students the opportunity to complete work on their own schedule at their own pace. They can repeat material they don’t understand without being embarrassed or worried about frustrating others. Instructors tend to find students come to class better prepared and as a result, valuable instructor hours are no longer consumed teaching supplementary skills that can easily be delivered online. Instead the focus in the classroom returns to the core curriculum and key learning objectives. Really, it’s a win-win!
2. It’s cost effective
Using e-learning as part of your training mix can reduce travel time, hotel expenses, meeting room rentals, textbooks and instructor salaries. In addition, there are significant costs savings from employees missing less valuable work time.
3. It leads to increased student engagement
Blended courses can go a long way to getting students more engaged. Students have an opportunity to learn on their own time at their own pace in advance of a teacher-led session. In this way, they come to the classroom better prepared, more motivated, and ready to learn.
4. It maintains the personal element
Let’s be honest – there are certain skills that are hard to teach online. Negotiation, public speaking, and presentation skills all come to mind. Business is still done by meeting face-to-face and practicing those skills in-person with a group is important. That said, basic theory behind each of these skill sets can effectively be learned online so that students are well-prepared for classroom sessions.
5. The numbers speak for themselves!
As far back as 2003, statistics showed a growing trend toward a blended approach. The Blended Learning Best Practices Survey conducted by the eLearning Guild in 2003 found that:
We don’t tend to argue with numbers and these ones tell a pretty strong story. Especially as we know this trend has only continued over the years. So… get out there and blend, blend, blend!
I’ve noticed over the last year that e-learning has taken an impressive step forward among educational institutions. E-learning got a boost when courses from one of the largest e-learning vendors in North America gained accreditation from the University of Phoenix. In addition to accreditation, Universities are also looking to e-learning to supplement their traditional curriculums. At Serebra in particular, we’ve noticed that post-secondary schools are keen to use online learning to get students up to speed on skills necessary for completing assignments and being successful in their studies.
Now, to me the next question is, how can we get this training out to non-traditional markets? To be continued...
Developing an effective marketing campaign for your corporate training
Having an effective online corporate training program isn’t just about installing a Learning Management System (LMS) and uploading courses. If you build it, they won’t come. You need an internal marketing plan to get your staff engaged, motivated and on board with the program.
A successfully marketed training program will ensure your investment is fully maximized. You’ll increase the number of staff taking and completing online training. By training people in the skills they need, they’ll be more capable, efficient, and productive at their jobs. In addition, they’re likely to feel more motivated and appreciated at work. It’s a win-win for all!
Here are a few strategies we recommend to help you increase awareness and acceptance of your program, while ensuring maximum use of online training.
It’s important to think about marketing early on in the process – not after your LMS has been built and the courses are all set to take. We recommend you start thinking about an internal marketing strategy at the project initiation stage. This gives you plenty of time to map out an effective plan and to execute efficiently and effectively.
Develop your own training brand
Your company has its own unique brand, culture and product – your training program should reflect that. We highly recommend customizing your LMS with your company’s look and feel, giving your training program its own personality. Branding your educational portal will help make the program part of the company culture and can go a long way to helping learners adopt online learning. Plays on learning or training words mixed with terms related to your company or industry are always a good way to start!
No one wants to feel like they’re wasting time or doing a task that’s not helpful to their job. Be sure to select courses that are going to make a difference to your learners. Offer them skills that will make them more knowledgeable and capable at what they do. It’s also important to regularly update your courses to ensure they remain up-to-date.
In addition, and probably most important, show employees taking online learning directly impacts career growth and development. Clearly demonstrate to your staff that online learning impacts performance reviews, promotions, bonuses, and opportunity within your organization.
No program can be truly successful without someone championing it and pushing it along. The same goes for online learning. Find someone (this might be you!) who is passionate about learning and have them act as your in-house learning cheerleader. By simply demonstrating passion, that person will help make the program successful – passion is contagious! To really go above-and-beyond, have them become the “guru” of e-learning in your organization and:
Develop useful and interesting collateral
Pre-campaign: Items such as teaser emails, posters and a monthly newsletter will help get people interested and accustomed to the idea of online learning.
Launch: To make a big deal of the start of your company’s online learning program try some or all of the following:
Online learning is still new for a lot of people. They need to see that it’s simple, easy to use, and convenient. We suggest a hands-on demonstration to kick things off. Invite everyone to a free lunch and show them first-hand how easy it is to take courses online!
Ongoing: Once you’ve got things rolling, keep up the momentum!
Maintain executive-level support
The team at Serebra is crazy about learning - we like to read about it, write about it, and pass along things we think are interesting. We're committed to excellence, dedicated to innovation, and determined to make a positive impact on the world through our passion for education.
