For a company to remain relevant, there must be a need for consistent training of employees. One of the factors that determine the effectiveness of the training program is how learning is delivered.
Notwithstanding, many organizations still make use of the traditional method of delivering training inside a classroom. However, with the rapid evolution in technology, companies now adopt a more effective training method.
Now, the blended method of delivering training is becoming increasingly popular in the L&D industry. In this post, we’ll discuss how blended learning can benefit a company’s corporate training.
What is blended learning
Blended learning is a method of learning delivery, which blends online materials with traditional place-based classroom methods.
In a nutshell, it’s the combination of eLearning and the classroom method of learning. It involves the presence of both instructor and learners in a classroom and face-to-face interaction.
Benefits of learning in the organization
1. Offers unmatched flexibility
People learn differently. While some may prefer visual learning, some prefer audio, and some can mix the two. If there is a need to train more than one employee in a different learning style in your organization, blended learning is the right solution.
Every learner can tailor their training irrespective of the kind of materials they prefer. Furthermore, apart from the fact that learners can choose from different learning material, it enables the learners to access online course material from anywhere, at any time, and on any device.
Learners also have the privilege to ask the instructor question relating to the classroom discussion or online materials.
2. Saves money and increases ROI
Blended learning requires a few numbers of instructors and physical space compared to the traditional method. It is an approach that cuts the cost of training programs. It also boosts the ROI as it reduces the cost of training material, instructor fees, and travel expenses.
It encourages distance learning from anywhere around the world and also saves money. For example, your organization may be spending money on traditional training materials like whiteboard maker, officer writing materials, employer’s travel flight ticket. But with blended learning, costs of training material are reduced to a bare minimum.
3. Improves learning engagement
Blended learning, because it integrates eLearning, boosts employees training in many ways. E-learning with the combination of face-to-face instructions helps to deliver a rich learning experience that can be repeated severally.
That improves learner’s engagement and retention of improving learning. Furthermore, with the use of eLearning training methods like multimedia, face-to-face classroom learning, presentation, gamification, virtual reality, Artificial intelligence, and more, the blended learning strategy will achieve higher employee engagement that will improve employee training.
4. Gives learners more control
The pace at which an individual can learn can be different. Therefore, you need to allow your employees to learn at their own pace. Effective learning is achieved when individuals take control of their training pace.
That is important because your employee might be a tight schedule as a result of the nature of their work. Employees must be given the freedom to determine their learning schedules accordingly.
That will allow individuals to study online at their own pace instead of setting the pace based on the fastest or slowest employee. Furthermore, employees can skip or return to a course module anytime they need to.
5. Easy to track
Blended learning enables the easy tracking of employees’ improvement in the training program because it incorporates eLearning. Evaluation of employee performance is vital in the assessment of the effectiveness of the training program.
Unlike the traditional method that grades learners based on the test, blended learning uses online Evaluation. Through the use of built-in analytics, data collected can evaluate the employee’s performance and training productivity. Similarly, feedback can be generated from employees through this method.
6. Can be fun
Generally, eLearning training like Artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and gamification are fun to use. Some employees will avoid traditional training in a classroom but ill be very happy to participate in virtual reality training.
Many employees may even find themselves finishing more training modules more easily and even repeating some deliberately. Group discussions are also fun.
7. Improves feedback
Blended learning allows feedback. Online examinations, quizzes, and projects are to determine an employee’s retention and engagement. Also, employees can contact the instructor about areas of the training course that look difficult to understand. Furthermore, instructors can spot and address learners and motivate them.
8. Encourages collaborative learning
The blend of different learning techniques will encourage collaboration among employees. For example, Zoom calls or face-to-face interaction creates a dynamic learning environment for collaboration among colleagues. The combination of technology with a face-to-face learning strategy is a great way to ensure all of your learners connect in the training experience.