Learning Curve

To Blend Or Not to Blend?

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!
2. It’s cost effective
3. It leads to increased student engagement
4. It maintains the personal element
5. The numbers speak for themselves!

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:

• 68.6% of respondents liked it
• 76% found it more effective than classroom training alone
• 73.6% found the effectiveness of blended learning to be greater than for non-blended approaches

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!