Blended Learning for the Modern Workforce

Self-paced learning programs have grown in popularity in recent times as workspaces continue to transform and upgrade. Organizations have spent a lot of capital, effort, and time to create mobile-first learning solutions, which allow students to access learning content on their cellphones. Given the introduction of remote working, millennials prefer to learn on their own at their own pace. However, remote working and learning continue to be only the tip of the iceberg. There are multiple reasons to support this change. This upward trend has been maintained in both academic and workplace learning.

What is Blended Learning?

Blended learning is a teaching technique and a learning methodology that blends face-to-face classroom instruction with computer-mediated activities. It’s a way of education and training that integrates digital learning resources with traditional classroom instruction. A blended learning program’s major goal is to combine the essential modifications in traditional face-to-face learning techniques to provide learners with more effective and bespoke learning methods.

So blended learning, also known as hybrid learning or integrated learning, combines the finest aspects of eLearning with tools such as conventional lectures and self-learning using digital material such as videos, games, textual assets, and immersive technology.

Even though more companies are turning to self-paced learning, some fronts continue to stick to the traditional methods that eventually affect their workflows. Within an organization, not everyone has the same degree of intellect. As a result, what works for one student as a self-paced learning program may not work for a larger group of learners who feel uncomfortable learning on their own and would like to be guided through the eLearning service provider. Blended learning will never go out of style in the current scenario, and it will continue to be relevant in the context of current workplace learning and eLearning design.

The benefits of blended learning

Saves time

The Employee training time is limited, with employees having an average of only 24 minutes per week to devote to it. Blended learning combines online courses with face-to-face encounters with instructors to answer questions, checkin, and measure progress. These comprehensive tools to the training, help the candidates to save time in the process, allowing the learning and development consultant to use this time for other crucial operations.

Employee success may be tracked both online and at in-person check-ins with a high-quality LMS. Employees gain from blended learning because they may discuss with colleagues during the day and apply what they’ve learned online.

Efficiency

You may easily and swiftly offer training to a wide audience with a well-planned blended learning strategy. The potential for re-use with digital assets such as movies, recordings, and eBooks is enormous. After the initial rounds of training are completed, you may simply assist other employees in getting up to speed with applying these aspects to their daily work operations.

Wider reach

Almost usually, using a blended learning method minimizes the amount of time spent in the classroom. Thus, you can reach more people with high-quality information at a fraction of the expense by digitizing the expertise of brilliant teachers or subject-matter experts. This frees up experienced teachers to teach additional classes, provide more training content, or focus on other projects.

Better value for money

Blended learning can save money in terms of lost productivity owing to employee time spent in the classroom and the creation of online programs. Money can also be saved in terms of saving time.

While hiring a learning and development consultant may be costly in the short term, it is an extremely useful method to cut the expenses of issues that change infrequently, such as employee onboarding. It might also be useful as a repository for procedures or information that doesn’t change frequently.

However, instead of overhauling courses, having an expert instructor for fast-changing topics allows them to be altered more quickly or as needed.

Self-paced

Everyone works at a different speed, and training is no exception. We’ve all become disoriented when taking notes while being students. This is almost impossible to happen with blended learning. Employees may go at their speed through the online section of the curriculum and obtain help or ask questions in person at live meetings. It’s a win-win situation for juggling hectic schedules, employee preferences, and learning pace.

Self-paced learning is a significant benefit for highly technical courses. Busy professionals may study more or refresh their knowledge when they have time, with the instructor-led section of the course reserving specific specifics or troubleshooting.

Higher employee engagement

Employees have additional opportunities to learn and interact through blended learning and learn ways to implement these techniques in their life.

They may learn from trainers one-on-one, and if they need to revisit a topic or practice, they can do so at any time by accessing all relevant content online.

Employees may review the content on their own to improve their comprehension, and they can also meet with eLearning service providers in person to address questions and difficulties. These improvements in their comprehension can help the employees to reflect on the firm’s learning and development strategy.

A scalable approach

Blended learning is particularly effective for large, multinational businesses since it is modular and scalable. Setting up and participating in dedicated classroom training takes a lot of time, and might not even be possible at times, therefore it’s not cost-effective.

Online learning libraries lack the engagement, practical practice, and personalized feedback that make learning more effective. A blended learning program allows employees to swiftly upskill in a certain technology or subject by delivering conveniently available training content along with possibilities for live virtual-instructor interaction and applicable projects.

Improves communication

Employees may not be able to interact effectively with the teacher through face-to-face training alone, especially in big groups.

Because the in-person training session is restricted in time, a trainer can only answer a few questions to cover all topics of the training module.

Online platforms become a component of the learning process with blended learning.

At the same time, the dashboard and other built-in communication tools provide many possibilities for employees to engage with the instructor and their team members.

Employers and teachers may also use the online platform to communicate with their staff more effectively, assigning different assignments, addressing difficulties, and discussing ideas.

Key takeaways

Blended learning systems have various advantages and will be widely utilized by businesses in the next few years. Blended learning programs may be an important aspect of a learner-centric corporate training strategy for organizations and corporations as it helps them reap benefits in the long turn.

This further helps these firms to make their workforce align with the learning and development strategy of the changing times.