What does blended learning offer in the workplace?

We’ve gone through blended learning in classrooms and the challenges it poses in our last few blog posts. But did you know that the model can be implemented at your workplace too? The blended learning approach can be adopted into training sessions and other workplace learning programs.

Training and development programs at a workplace are necessary to upskill employees. Investing in training programs can help improve employee performances by addressing their weaknesses. According to the Centre of Management and Organization Effectiveness, the top three learning challenges in the workplace are:

• Delivering consistent training
• Engaging learners
• Skill application

There is an assumption that online learning is less effective compared to in-person learning. The blended model utilises online and onsite strategies and takes the best that both modes have to offer. With the blended learning model, instructors can easily take the above mentioned challenges head-on. Let’s dive into how blended learning can help overcome these challenges.

What does blended learning offer to employees?

Blended learning is a combination of instructor-led classes and independent online learning. Incorporating the model can build collaboration among employees and ease the burden on instructors. Employees can make use of face-to-face interaction with instructors to gain an understanding of the subject at hand and make use of online material to practise and test their skills.

Boost learning engagement

Adding an online element to your training session can shake things up and offer something new to your employees. Having online learning material that they can access according to their convenience makes it a much more engaging experience. Instead of sitting in on sessions that drone on for hours, the blended model offers an opportunity to take learning into their own hands.

Encourages collaboration

A mix of learning styles allows employees to collaborate. Workshops, webinars, and training exercises all provide opportunities for employees to interact and work together. Having your learners involved in their training sessions can help boost the information they retain.

More reference material

The blended learning model banks on the learner taking ownership of what they learn. Online modules, the in-person training, can also offer additional reading material. Reference material allows employees to read and learn according to their learning requirements. All learners are not the same Some may require more time to learn and can prefer visual media to do so. Others may grasp concepts quickly and might want to read more on the topic. Providing extra material allows those who want to delve deeper or those that require extra information, the room they need to learn.

Flexibility

One of the many benefits that blended learning provides is flexibility. Employees have the flexibility to choose when and where they want to learn. Online modules can be paused, and picked up whenever the learner wishes to. Providing a flexible learning infrastructure allows employees to balance work and learning.

What does blended learning offer to employers?

Saves time

Time for employee training can be in short supply for many. But with blended learning, you can easily minimise this time! Most training sessions have to be meticulously planned and timed. By splitting training sessions into an online and offline model, employers don’t have to rely on instructor-led sessions. Employees can learn at their own pace whenever they deem fit.

Saves money

Employers can invest in online modules that can be easily maintained and updated for future training while relying on experts for fast-changing topics. While [learning management systems](Employers can invest in online modules that can be easily maintained and updated for future training while relying on experts for fast-changing topics. While learning management systems do come with a cost, it pays for itself by being reusable. Since instructor-led sessions aren’t a requirement throughout the program, the blended approach can help slash costs. “Employers can invest in online modules that can be easily maintained and updated for future training while relying on experts for fast-changing topics. While learning management systems do come with a cost, it pays for itself by being reusable. Since instructor-led sessions aren’t a requirement throughout the program, the blended approach can help slash costs.”) do come with a cost, it pays for itself by being reusable. Since instructor-led sessions aren’t a requirement throughout the program, the blended approach can help slash costs.

Easy to track

One of the challenges of in-person training is understanding employee progress during training. Getting feedback can also be a hassle. But, with a learning management system, employers can keep an eye on employee progress. It also makes it easier to gather feedback.

Conclusion

Incorporating the blended learning model into training at the workplace has benefits for the employees as well as the employers! It offers something for everyone. If you’re interested in investing in your employees and get the most out of your training programs, consider the blended learning approach.

What do you expect out of your training sessions? Do you think a blended approach can help make workplace training more engaging? Write to us on contact@beyond8.in