At first glance, blended learning appears like every other chance to learn that a web-based component continues to be integrated. Although this is true, there’s much more as to the you would think, to create a course purely and solely ‘blended’.
You will find three factors that should be covered right into a program to really make it considered fit to become referred to as “blended.” These 4 elements could be referred to as the three I’s of blended learning – Integration, Interdependence and knowledge. Let us check out these terms individually to know the way they interact.
Integration: Probably the most apparent feature of the blended learning program is it includes two components – (a) face-to-face learning and (b) online learning. There’s no dearth of programs that provide these two components together however, these programs don’t become qualified as blended learning or BL.
For understanding how to be qualified as ‘blended’ the 2 components should be integrated or connected.
In the chapter around the “Emerging Practice and Research in Blended Learning,” Charles R. Graham addresses the publication of the disagreement among authors concerning the percentage that must definitely be focused on face-to-face learning and also to blended learning, when integrating the 2. While there’s a haziness all around the exact number of time that must definitely be dedicated to all these two components, they ought to be integrated in a way that online learning replaces how long allocated to face-to-face interaction, significantly.
Interdependence: Online learning and face-to-face learning can’t be separate from one another. Actually, the 2 components must complement one another in a way that certain type of learning canrrrt do with no other. Quite simply, it should be mandatory for learners to consult both online, along with the face-to-face interactions to be able to derive optimum take advantage of the program.
If learners could gain all of the understanding needed through one of the constituents, they’d choose both of the two kinds of learning – which may defeat the objective of blended learning.
The right BL course might have learners gain some quantity of understanding in the online program, and that might be complemented with a face-to-face, and the other way around.
Information: More generally referred to as reporting and documenting, this can be a method of understanding how much a learner is really ‘learning’ and ‘gaining’ in the two aspects of BL. While reports and documents are often accessible with the online program by means of an electronic footprint, and lots of hype is produced round the success/failure of the online program, it’s overlooked that face-to-face discussions will always be an astonishing success. It might be a surprise to a lot of that this isn’t always the situation.
Inside a true, blended chance to learn, the end result from both components are evaluated and reviewed only if this is accomplished could it be known how effective all these components are – as two entities, so that as a double edged sword that comprise an entire.
How L&D Utilizes Blended Learning
L&D professionals have discovered the right response to make drastic cuts in costs also to save money on large chunks of your time by using blended learning. However the benefits exceed saving costs and time – it is the perfect means to fix train employees who’re on the run or who come in different countries or perhaps continents. Webinars, teleconferences, podcasts an internet-based self-study workbooks happen to be utilized in various combinations to provide blended learning.
Today, eLearning is regarded as probably the most effective contributors to blended learning. Industries like Pharmaceuticals and Oil & Gas who constantly have employees on the run, do not need to be worried about their employees’ training any longer. ELearning and mobile learning enables employees to gain access to their training anywhere and anytime, using a multitude of devices, offline or online so that they don’t lose out on anything.
Trainers who’re running lacking some time and need to meet training deadlines integrate eLearning with face-to-face interactions – voila! A blended learning course!
Everything L&D must do is have that perfect mixture of eLearning and face-to-face interaction. When the perfect amalgamation is arrived at, blended learning gets control and offers probably the most effective, interesting, time-saving, and price-effective training.
