Blended learning improves the learning experience for both learners and trainers.
Key Takeaways:
Blended Learning improves learner engagement by giving them greater control on their learning.
The use of multimedia content makes learning more exciting for learners.
Blended Learning moves the focus from delivering lectures to the specific needs of each learner.
Every stakeholder can access quick and objective feedback on their performance.
Cost-effective and time-efficient, Blended Learning is very suitable for businesses recovering from the impact of COVID19.
What is Blended Learning?
Blended Learning is a form of digital learning. It ‘blends together’ advanced technology and the traditional trainer-led classroom. Charles R Graham, co-author of the first important handbook on Blended Learning, defines it as a system which “combines face-to-face instruction with computer-mediated instruction.”
One example of Blended Learning in practice is the ‘Flipped Classroom’ method. Learners are given self-paced learning material, accessible digitally, to go through at home. The classroom, with trained educators is, in turn, used for learning through application. This ‘flips’ the traditional logic of classwork and homework.
Several studies have verified the effectiveness of such systems. In one such study, researchers from University of British Columbia in Canada found that learners in flipped classrooms scored 33% higher, on average, than those who learned conventionally.
Why is Blended Learning important?
The global shutdowns in response to the COVID19 pandemic has made it impossible for trainers and learners to come together. This has pushed organisations to prioritise their transition to e-learning. They are also supported by the increased availability of affordable smartphones and data packs.
The hybrid approach of Blended Learning combines the best of both worlds. It makes it easier for learners to adapt to this new mode of education without facing too much friction.
Benefits of Blended Learning.
1. Increases Learner Engagement.
Blended Learning excites the learners by giving them access to interactive digital content. Trainers can use videos, images, and audio to deliver their lessons. This keeps the learners more engaged than the traditional text-book.
The learner can access this content at their own pace, which gives them greater control on their learning journeys. The blended nature of these programs ensures that they can also reach out to the trainers for support. These factors, multimedia content and ownership, work wonders together for learner motivation.
A two-year study, conducted by the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation and Sattva Consulting, found that blended models saw far less drop-outs than purely online models. As on-ground mobilisation and training partner in this study, Leap had the opportunity to train over 8000 learners. We learned that combining trainer instruction and digital learning content is very effective. The learner does not have to sit through boring lectures and they can seek the support of trainers, if need arises — the best of both worlds.
The hybrid approach of Blended Learning combines the best of both worlds. It makes it easier for learners to adapt to this new mode of education without facing too much friction.
2. Allows Quick and Detailed Feedback.
Digital technology makes it possible for the trainers and learner to access immediate feedback. These feedback mechanisms allow the learner to gauge the success of their learning. They can timely revisit portions that are unclear. Feedback from trainers often takes time and is hard to turn into actionable insights. Moreover, self-evaluation builds important critical thinking skills in learners.
Trainers can use this feedback to adapt their lessons for individual learner competencies. This helps them support the learner to achieve their learning objectives, more effectively.
3. Customised and Personal.
Different people learn differently. Content can be customised for specific learner needs, if delivered digitally. The quick and immediate feedback facilitates customisation of learning by pointing toward each learner’s personal interaction with the course.
This helps trainers build custom modules for learners on different stages of the learning journey. Use of various communication channels, such as messages and phone calls, also helps trainers pay more attention to individual learners while communicating with them.
4. Cost Effective and Time Efficient.
Digital delivery of learning content makes Blended Learning more cost effective for organisations. Moreover, focusing on specific learner needs cuts out any duplication of work and costs associated with mass lectures.
Trainers can also become more time efficient because learners can access content anywhere and anytime. This allows them to focus more effectively on learner competencies and fill any particular gaps. Quick and detailed feedback also saves the trainers time from marking traditional assessments.