Employees Learn More with a Blended Approach

Once upon a time, education came in one form—a teacher and a classroom.  Although this traditional learning environment is still utilized, today’s workplace has changed so dramatically that relying exclusively on the classroom setting for employee training is no longer effective.

More emphasis on productivity means less time available to sit in classes.  A mobile workforce that operates from remote locations makes centralized classes counterproductive.  Younger workers that are more accustomed to gaining information through a variety of channels are bored by a single delivery system of education.  Put it all together, and the prospect of continually training employees using the same old methods seems unlikely to succeed.

Today’s employees can learn more effectively with a blended learning approach.  Blended learning uses a variety of methods that reinforce each other and engage learners in different ways.  Blended learning takes advantage of the power, flexibility, and ease of online learning delivery, while still utilizing the best features of classroom interaction and live instruction.

As traditional training methods become less feasible due to cost, geography, and time constraints, and less effective because of the learning preferences of new entrants to the workforce, blended learning is emerging as the best option for successful workplace learning.

Blended Learning in Action: Employees learn best when they have some control over their learning schedule.  At the same time, having a high-level scheduled framework with assignments due on specified dates can help to hold learners accountable.  Blended learning programs are designed to give students the control they desire and the accountability they require.  Webinars, conference calls, online collaborative distance learning programs, and teleclasses are utilized to engage learners in a classroom-like environment where they can encourage and challenge each other, forming relationships that can extend beyond the class environment.  Blended learning may also involve interaction with a live facilitator through group conference calls and one-on-one phone or web coaching to address individual needs.