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Introduction
Organizations are increasingly opting for Managed Learning approaches to sustain their learning and development strategies. The new approach is driven by the constant changes in training technologies and different learning abilities. People’s attention span was found to have drastically dropped from 12 seconds in the year 2000 to less than 8 seconds, compelling corporate leadership development programs to consider newer modes to sustain learner interest. Highly-interactive method of learning is found to be an ideal solution. But not all concepts can be delivered in a gaming format or a quiz. Some topics need conventional, instructor-led sessions. Hence, organizations are opting for blended learning to achieve their learning goals.
Primarily, blended learning addresses the problem of shorter retention rates in conventional learning modes. Secondly, it improves the effectiveness and impact of the training programs. Thirdly, organizations can leverage better ROI from managed learning and are witnessing higher employee engagement with blended learning.
What is Blended Learning?
The combined use of traditional instructor-led training with the best of eLearning features, such as videos, and games is called blended learning. It is also known as hybrid learning since employees can switch between self-based learning and instructor-led classes.
Hence, the key characteristics of blended learning is:
- In-person classroom sessions
- eLearning tools such as audio sessions, podcast videos, or other rich media learning materials
- Dedicated self-study sessions based on eLearning material and classroom sessions
Hence blended learning is a managed learning process that is scientifically designed to overcome the limitations of learning abilities and changes in teaching technologies.
How is blended learning effective?
The qualities which make blended learning effective are the flexibility and the fun factor it brings to learning programs.
Blended Learning is based on a process that personalizes feedback to the learners. Instructors provide impactful feedback via digital tools such that there is acceleration in the learning programs. It is a flexible learning method since it gives learners easy access to resources from anywhere or at any time. It also encourages a social learning environments learners can share their thoughts and explore them with peers. The support system with instructors providing inputs as and when necessary is another vital feature of interactive programs.
One of the critical aspects of blending learning is empowering learners’ capabilities. While eLearning can be defined as the use of the internet to deliver sessions and study materials in the form of graphics or videos, or podcasts, blended learning moves the learning process to the next level. Gamification of the learning process has been a game-changer in blended learning. The designing of these programs is based on the experience of the learners. A reward is established for achieving every learning goal. In the process, learners engage more with the concept. It also gives them a competitive environment to use tools to track their progress regularly.
Blended learning can also be defined as an adaptive form of instructional design such that the learner can monitor and pace their learning for their capabilities or convenience. More importantly, it gives a practical and hands-on -feeling to understand and explore real-world projects. Advanced technologies such as virtual reality give an exciting new dimension to master new concepts or explore complex topics. In fact, virtual reality is increasingly being used as a practical method in real-world project training. The result of these technologies is that employees are progressively in alignment with the learning and development needs of the organization.
Moreover, the entire blended learning process itself is a continuous process. This is because at every stage, impactful feedback is given, allowing learners to make necessary changes and iterate to the next level. At a technology level, introducing Learner Management Systems in an organization leads to managed learning mode.
Managed learning services give organizations better control on the delivery process of its strategies and help employees monitor progress. At the same time managed learning services serve asa powerful support system for the learners to explore their options in a progressive manner.
Wrapping Up
Managed learning and development processing processes improve the efficiency of programs in an organization and gain higher ROI. LMS are effective platforms for blended learning, as employees and organizations have quick access to learning material and key performance indicators for effective implementation of L&D strategies.
To know more about blended Learning and managed learning speak to our experts at Infopro Learning now!
