“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.” – Confucius
It’s no secret that everyone learns differently, whether it be through auditory, visual, or kinesthetic methods. Given the diverse learning preferences among employees, organizations have embraced learning in the new normal by adopting a more creative blended approach. In doing so, they can better meet the needs of any learner, reinforce learning objectives through multiple modalities, and see higher knowledge retention rates in their employees.
Let’s talk blended learning.
What is Blended Learning?
Blended learning utilizes multiple learning modalities as part of a fully comprehensive program that engages learners in different ways and allows them to better connect with their learning content.
The great thing about blended learning is that there are so many ways to build a program. The overall structure of a blended learning program can vary from one organization to the next.
An example of a program would include these steps:
- Introduce the training topic with pre-work that outlines key concepts and objectives.
- Practice with hands-on experiential learning activities that put the concepts into action.
- Conclude with post-work to review, solidify understanding, and plan the next steps.
Blended learning pushes the boundaries of corporate learning by adopting a more creative training approach that blends the use of learning modalities and experiential learning technologies. You can cater to your learners’ needs by combining modalities and meet them where they learn best.
The Big 3 Benefits of Blended Learning
Caters to different learning needs and preferences. Everyone has their own unique learning style. Some learners prefer more individualized activities, while others thrive in group sessions where they collaborate with others. Regardless of what learners prefer, blended learning offers something for everyone.
Increased convenience for learners. With blended learning, organizations can design learning programs around their employees’ schedules and capabilities. Learners can complete certain training tasks, like an eLearning or virtual reality (VR) module, on their own schedule from wherever they want, making the learning experience more widely available and convenient.
High engagement levels through hands-on skills practice. By using multiple modalities in a blended approach, organizations have expanded opportunities to engage learners through hands-on activities.
Whether you have hands-on workshops and face-to-face group sessions or take those activities digital with VR, a blended program gives learners more opportunities to put concepts they learn into practice and test their skills until they master them.
Take Onboarding and Upskilling to New Heights
Blended learning can be used to address challenges in virtually any training area. Take the following two training topics for example.
Onboarding. Welcoming new employees is a challenging task that organizations must do well to ensure high levels of retention, productivity, and proficiency. Lucky enough, a blended learning program for onboarding can be a meaningful solution.
From the comfort of their home, new hires kick off their blended onboarding program by joining virtual instructor-led training (VILT) where they’re introduced to key personnel from their team. Next, learners complete a series of e-learning modules where they learn about the organization’s culture, internal programs, and history. These modules can even include educational videos about the products and services your organization offers.
Following the e-learning modules, learners can use a VR headset to access a role training exercise that requires active participation to practice the critical components of their job. Perhaps they’re a warehouse employee and their VR activity teaches them how to properly fulfill orders and stack shipments with the correct orientation.
Upskilling and reskilling. It’s critical that organizations invest in their employees’ training to keep them up to date on the knowledge they need to succeed. A blended learning program can effectively upskill and reskill a workforce by focusing on newer trends and areas of interest, such as advancements in equipment, updates in processes, or logistical changes.
Learners start the blended program by completing an e-learning program that introduces them to key concepts and equipment. After the e-learning, participants complete an AR activity that allows them to apply what they’ve learned in the e-learning by placing digital models of updated equipment in front of them. Learners can rotate and resize the object, examine its external and internal components, and practice repairing and operating it.
For the final activity, learners meet for an ILT session where learning is reinforced in a collaborative atmosphere. At this session, a facilitator ensures that key concepts are being retained by prompting participants with questions and answering other questions learners may have based on the e-learning and AR activity.
Revolutionize Training with Blended Learning
With the ever-changing needs of businesses and the focus on employee growth, learning has become more flexible, personalized, and continuous. A blended training program enables a more creative, engaging approach to learning that’s inclusive of all learning styles. It also provides flexibility whether your workforce is working from home, on-site, or a combination of the two. Consider blended learning to meet your unique learning objectives and desired performance outcomes by developing a program every learner will enjoy.
