Blended learning has become a go-to option for organizations looking to overcome complex challenges in corporate learning and deliver learner-centric training. It symbolizes the perfect symphony of classroom-based learning and digital learning experiences that cater to the diverse needs of modern learners.
Today’s fast-paced business environment demands innovative ways to modernize L&D programs and build a resilient and agile workforce. That’s where blended learning can help. It can successfully connect the dots between in-person instruction and eLearning with utmost scalability.
In this blog post, you’ll understand the nitty-gritty of blended learning and how it helps organizations exceed their business goals. You’ll learn about different blended learning models and best practices to consider before implementation. You’ll also explore the essential steps to optimize your blended learning strategy. Let’s start.
What is Blended Learning?
Blended learning refers to a transformative approach that combines face-to-face classroom learning methods with digital learning resources and activities. It bridges the gap between instructor-led sessions and self-paced eLearning modules to enable skill development, cater to learner-centric needs, ensure accessibility for all, and maximize business impact.
According to Technavio, the corporate blended learning market size is anticipated to increase by $54.55 billion at a CAGR of 15.91% between 2023 and 2028. The two key factors driving this market growth are the rising incorporation of microlearning and application of eye-tracking in corporate training.
Implementing blended learning in corporate training programs enables organizations to provide learners with access to games, videos, tutorials, quizzes and social media components. It helps create a learning ecosystem backed by diverse, interactive, and flexible learning content that can enhance employee experience like never before.
To get a better idea of blended learning, let’s understand the concept with an example.
Consider a blended learning program for onboarding new sales representatives. It may combine one-to-one in-person orientation with self-paced online modules on sales techniques, CRM software, and compliance guidelines. These modules can feature interactive videos, scenario-based quizzes, and discussion forums for peer interaction.
Why Invest in Blended Learning?
After understanding what blended learning exactly means, it’s time to dive deep into the significant benefits this advanced approach brings to the table. Experiencing these benefits can help organizations ensure L&D success, strategize corporate training, and drive business performance.
1. Seamless Training Delivery
Blended learning helps organizations cater to the diverse needs and preferences of learners. It ensures consistent and efficient delivery of in-person instruction and eLearning modules. It allows for the customization of training content to streamline the learning process to the best.
2. Enhanced Accessibility and Flexibility
Blended learning allows learners to access learning resources online at their convenience, fitting self-paced learning around their work schedules. It eliminates geographical constraints, supports continuous learning and skill development, and offers equitable learning opportunities for all.
3. Increased Learner Engagement
Blended learning combines interactive eLearning modules with in-person sessions, making training more engaging and varied. It allows organizations to integrate learning content with videos, simulations, and eLearning modules to increase learner engagement, participation, experience, and satisfaction.
Know how Harbinger helped a global non-profit association combine the capabilities of eLearning, video, and simulation to build a blended learning program. The program introduced asynchronous and synchronous modalities to help achieve the goal of ‘Understanding the 2020 Accreditation Standards Philosophy’ with about 94% completion rate.
4. Data-Driven Decision Making
Blended learning platforms leverage targeted analytics to track learner progress and performance. It helps organizations assess the effectiveness of learning programs and identify areas of improvement. It enables data-driven decision-making to enhance future learning initiatives.
5. Reduced Training Costs
Blended learning reduces the need for extensive in-person sessions, cutting down on travel and logistical expenses. It introduces eLearning modules that can be reused and updated easily, lowering long-term costs. It allows organizations to scale training programs without additional investment.
6. Improved Business Outcomes
Blended learning perfectly aligns eLearning initiatives with business objectives by hosting a creative mix of effective instructional methods and real-world applications. This approach leads to better skill acquisition and on-the-job performance, ultimately maximizing business productivity and growth.
10 Blended Learning Models You Should Know
Now that you know the advantages of blended learning, let’s move forward to understand different types of blended learning models. This will help you supercharge L&D, optimize your training delivery, and create a lasting business impact.
1. Face-to-Face Driver Model
This blended learning model includes traditional in-person instruction as the fundamental method of learning, supplemented by online resources. It focuses on integrating digital tools to enhance classroom learning, allowing for more interactive and personalized instruction.
2. Online Driver Model
This blended learning model is primarily online with minimal face-to-face interactions. Here, learners complete most of their coursework through digital platforms and occasionally meet in person for assessments or collaborative activities.
3. Rotation Model
This blended learning model enables learners to rotate from one learning activity to another. The activities may either be driven by a structured learning session directed by in-person instruction or a self-paced online learning session.
4. Flipped Classroom Model
This blended learning model provides learners with online access to instructional content like Q&A before attending in-person classes. It not only maximizes the value of face-to-face interactions but also encourages active learning.
5. Self-Blend Model
This blended learning model helps learners dig deeper into a particular subject through supplemental content, such as video tutorials, webinars, whitepapers, and blog posts. It allows learners to select courses that meet their specific learning needs and styles.
6. Flex Model
This blended learning model is one of the best options to create personalized learning experiences. It includes online learning as the key mode of instruction, with in-person support available as needed. Learners follow a customized learning plan with the flexibility to learn at their own pace.
7. Gamification Model
This blended learning model incorporates game elements into the learning process to increase engagement and motivation. Learners participate in training activities that include points, badges, rewards, leaderboards, and other game mechanics.
Learn how Harbinger helped a global healthcare products and services provider implement gamification in sales training to transform blended learning for their medical sales team. We designed and implemented one of the digital components of their blended learning program. Our game-based eLearning modules proved helpful for 100% of learners, received a higher than 80% useful score, and improved sales training.
8. Online Lab Model
This blended learning model prioritizes digital learning with less-to-no in-person instruction. It provides access to eLearning content via various mobile devices and helps learners take full advantage of training even from a remote setting.
9. A La Carte Model
This blended learning model enables learners to take an online course in addition to their core curriculum, giving them greater control over their schedules. It can help organizations supplement L&D by reaching and training more employees with fewer resources.
10. Enriched Virtual Model
This blended learning model concentrates on establishing a remote learning environment. Learners can complete most of their coursework online followed by one-to-one training sessions with instructors along with collaborative group tasks with peers.
5 Best Practices to Make the Most of Blended Learning
To create an effective blended learning environment, it’s important to have the right strategies in place. Here are some best practices to consider for maximizing the impact and success of your blended learning programs.
1. Balance Online and In-Person Activities
Ensure an effective mix and balance of online and in-person sessions tailored to the learning objectives. Strategically allocate learning content that benefits from in-person interactions while leveraging digital tools for flexible, self-paced learning. Use each learning format’s strengths to create a cohesive and engaging learning experience.
2. Build Collaborative Activities
Incorporate activities that encourage interaction among learners to sustain engagement over the course duration. Integrate both synchronous and asynchronous opportunities for learners to work together, keeping them motivated. Provide channels for consistent learner-instructor communication during online and offline modes of learning.
3. Blend Learning Modalities
Combine online resources, in-person instructional sessions, and interactive activities to cater to diverse learning styles and preferences. A creative mix of blended learning modalities keeps learners engaged and allows for a more comprehensive learning experience.
4. Streamline Assessment and Feedback
Conduct ongoing assessments to monitor progress and gather feedback throughout the learning journey. Regularly evaluate learning outcomes and adjust content delivery strategies based on learner participation and input. Refine learning effectiveness and improve learner experience by integrating insights from assessments and feedback loops.
5. Provide Comprehensive Support
Establish clear communication protocols and technical support systems to guide learners across various tools and platforms. Anticipate challenges learners may face and offer resources to troubleshoot issues promptly. Maintain seamless learner support to ensure a smooth and error-free learning journey.
Final Thought
Blended learning undoubtedly plays a vital role in transforming the way organizations create and deliver corporate learning programs. It creates flexible learning environments to accommodate diverse learning styles, enhance knowledge retention, improve training outcomes, and drive business growth and ROI.
If you are looking to create a blended learning program for your organization or need dedicated assistance to modernize your blended learning strategies, write to us. Our eLearning and technology experts would be more than happy to help you achieve your business goals.
