Training is a crucial factor contributing to successful digital transformation, so it is very important that it is delivered correctly, and with an approach that finds wide acceptability with all employees, even the not so tech-savvy ones. In order for companies to reap the benefits of online learning, while also ensuring employee engagement and optimum retention, a middle path must be sought. In other words, blended learning, or learning that combines the best of face-to-face and online training methods, to offer an enriched learning experience and a better return on investment for you.
Cost Effective: Because it requires fewer instructors, no physical space and no hard copy training materials, as compared to conventional classroom learning, blended learning can significantly cut the cost of up-skilling employees. According to one report, Ernst & Young cut training costs by 35 percent, and condensed approximately 2,900 hours of classroom training into 1,400 hours by using a blended learning approach. It further enables distance learning at a global scale, cutting travel and venue costs. Employees can also access content anytime and anywhere, and learn in their own time, softening the impact on daily operations.
Expands Reach: Blended learning uses the right mix of classroom and eLearning, to reach and appeal to a wider audience with a variety of learning styles and circumstances. Online self-paced video can be beneficial to visual or independent learners, while social and aural learners can benefit from live instructor-led classrooms, and kinaesthetic and logical learners from hands-on labs and projects Moreover, digitalised content enables organisations to deliver digital skills training to employees all over the world and in different time zones, at low costs.
Increases Engagement: Traditional classroom training would need to align with every employee’s schedule, but blended learning provides employees with the flexibility to access online content in their own time, when they are better able to focus and engage with their training. Immersive media formats such as video, audio, graphics, presentations, and texts, cater to different learning styles and further increase learner engagement and retention. After studying the course material, learners can reconvene in the virtual classroom, and apply concepts under the guidance of the instructor.
Simplifies Assessment: Using online tools, instructors can quickly administer quizzes and tests to assess proficiency and progress amongst learners. Some online learning platforms also generate statistics and analytics that instructors can use as a guide for personalised instruction.
Access to References: Blended learning is as time-effective as it is cost-effective. Employees are able to access and familiarise themselves with content before live interactions, allowing for more productive classroom discussion. Blended learning also supports post-training, as employees can access and reference training material at a later date, and re-learn sections they may have forgotten.
Fosters and Supports Collaborations: Blended learning provides learners the opportunity to collaborate both in live virtual classrooms and on online forums. Employees across the world are able to learn together and exchange knowledge and ideas, further deepening their learning experience and improving their business performance.
Convinced about the benefits of blended learning and wish to implement it in your organisation’s digital transformation journey? We at Deviare can help. Talk to our experts to learn more about Deviare’s blended eLearning platform.