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Best
Practices in Blended Learning
While the
term "blended learning" has become a
buzzword in the industry, it has, in fact,
always been the way that organizations have
provided learning and training. After all, any
combination of different delivery methods (e.g.,
an instructor-led session with take-away print
materials) is a blended learning solution.
Learning technologies have expanded the
boundaries of blended learning over the past
few years. The creation and delivery of
information and learning experiences through
Web-based learning management systems (LMS),
learning content management systems (LCMS) and
virtual classrooms have allowed companies to
explore more ways to mix and match learning
delivery methods. And the approach is paying
off in a greater impact on organizational
productivity.
A Thompson NETg study found that a structured
curriculum of blended learning will generate a
30% increase in performance accuracy and 41%
increase in performance speed over
single-method delivery options.
Although most organizations have begun to
deliver blended learning to their workforces,
many have not implemented these solutions in
such a way as to truly maximize the potential
of this approach. Following is a short list of
best practices to consider when designing a
blended learning solution to help increase
your organization’s productivity and
performance.
1. Create a structured, core curriculum of
learning activities.
In terms of blended learning, these formal
learning activities may include a combination
of Web-based courseware, ILT, virtual
Webinars, enhanced knowledge documents and
mentoring.
2. Support an environment in which people can
learn in small chunks.
This has been widely proven to be a more
effective training delivery method than
lengthy, information-heavy training sessions.
3. Create a system through which people can
learn informally.
Employees learn much of what they need to do
their jobs by observing how others solve
similar problems, or through incidental,
over-the-cubicle conversations with colleagues
or other subject matter experts (SMEs).
4. Provide an information management
repository.
Since just about everybody will need to review
learning content more than once to really
understand and be able to use it, the
repository will be the place where anyone can
view or print "just enough, just in
time" information, reference documents
and other performance support materials to
help them do their day-to-day jobs.
5. Provide your development team with a
comprehensive set of tools that can create
Web-based courseware; publish performance
support materials; repurpose and enhance
existing content; support instructor-led
training and provide live
"synchronous" events.
6. Build a shared development environment.
The Delphi Group found that 7% to 20% of
employees' time-on-job is spent replicating
existing solutions for others. To avoid this
situation, a company looking to develop
learning in-house will need a repository to
store, organize and manage documentation and
assets as well as a robust collaboration
center that can foster communication and
support during the development process. This
will significantly reduce development time,
maintain consistent information, and ensure a
high level of instructional quality.
-- David
Green
Senior Aspen Business
Consultant
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