Blended Learning: Why It’s Important For Upskilling Employees
Blended learning came on the learning and development scene in recent years and has certainly caused a stir. With the perfect mix of online training and in-person led classes, this method of training employees is increasing in popularity on a daily basis.
Interested in finding out more? We thought that you might be.
What Is Blended Learning?
Blended learning didn’t enter the L&D industry with the intention of being the new kid on the block. Instead, it is a reimaging of a training trend that has been used by companies for decades. Like with all things in the business world, old processes need to be reinvented to keep the current workforce engaged. And that is exactly what this training method has done.
When we say blended, what exactly do we mean?
Essentially, it is a mixture of two ways of receiving employee training: online and in-person. The blend of eLearning and Instructor-Led Training.
For years, in-person training was the only known way. Whereas now, online training is supplementing it to make training delivery so much more accessible and engaging.
Many companies that have incorporated the blended training model into their employee training plans have noted multiple benefits including:
- Cost savings
- Increase employee engagement
- Allows learners to learn at their own pace
- Provides flexibility
- Can be easily customized
What Is eLearning?
Now that we’ve gone over what blended learning is, let’s look at the two components that make it what it is.
Online learning, also known as eLearning, provides training opportunities in an online learning space. While it is based on formalized training, the main difference is that this training method can be accessed using digital devices such as smartphones and laptops.
Many companies have begun to realize the importance of having online training as part of their training plan. Since 2020 many companies have transitioned to working remotely or a combination of working in office and from home. Some companies have noted that their employees prefer this method of training as it allows for accessible learning anytime, anywhere without any restrictions.
What Is Instructor-Led Learning?
Instructor-led learning, as the name suggests, is the traditional form of employee training that involves a company spending a certain amount of allotted time participating in classroom-style learning. In this situation, a training instructor will deliver content to learners in real-time.
This form of training encourages engagement and interaction from employees which has been known to increase learning retention and success. It is important to note that due to advances in technology, instructor-led learning can both be facilitated in-person and online.
Is Virtual Instructor-Led Training As Impactful As In Class?
Many business owners wonder whether virtual instructor-led training (VILT) will be as meaningful and valuable as in-class training.
This is an understandable question. While we can never definitely answer that question with a yes or a no (as this ultimately depends on the preferences of your employees), there is evidence to suggest that many employees prefer the accessibility that virtual instructor-led training provides.
VILT as a training method is facilitated by live webinars, videos and other online means. This allows employees to learn at their own pace and more importantly, return to content modules to re-familiarize themselves with information as often as they want. When it is supplemented with in-class training, it can strengthen the chances of employees retaining knowledge and practising it within their daily roles.
How Does Blended Learning Benefit All Types Of Learners?
Each individual has their own unique learning style and each behavioural learning style has a particular way in which they prefer to digest information.
While not all forms of training will suit every employee, it has been found that a blended learning experience can cater to many different styles of learning. For example, those who are visual learners can gain access to interactive graphs and infographics. While reading/writing learners will be given the opportunity to partake in online quizzes.
Blended learning training truly offers companies the unique opportunity to personalize aspects of employee training so that it caters and delights all. Whether you choose to split training 50/50 between in-person led training and eLearning or not, you can design a training program that is truly beneficial for upskilling your employees. Interested in learning more? Here at the Training Company, we work with many companies of all sizes to create the perfect blended learning plan for their company. Through our Learning Management System, employees can easily upskill while also benefiting from in-person classes facilitated by us. Get in touch with our team today for more information.