How to Create an Effective Blended Learning Program

Blended learning programs combine traditional, in-person learning with online training courses to create a holistic learning experience. Taking a blended learning approach empowers learners to work at their own pace and convenience, while also providing opportunities for in-person interaction and hands-on learning.

Blended learning programs can include a variety of learning modalities, such as e-learning modules, instructor-led training, group discussions, project work, job shadowing, or on-the-job training. The goal of blended learning is to create a more engaging and effective learning experience by leveraging the strengths of different learning modalities and catering to the individual needs and preferences of learners.

Selecting the right mix of learning modalities:

A successful blended learning approach should incorporate a mix of learning modalities, including both online and offline components, to provide learners with various ways to engage with the material.

Some examples of different learning modalities that could be included in a blended learning program are:

• E-learning modules: These can be self-paced, allowing learners to complete them at their own speed and convenience. Using online training courses to introduce a topic or skill prior to instructor-led training can be particularly effective. This is often referred to as ‘flipped learning’.
• Instructor-led training: This can include classroom sessions or virtual instructor-led training (VILT) sessions, where learners can interact with an instructor in real-time. When content has already been introduced via online modules, face-to-face sessions can be used more effectively to embed the knowledge or skill.
• Group discussions or collaboration: These can be facilitated through online discussion boards, video conferencing, or in-person meetings.
• Job shadowing or on-the-job training: This can provide learners with hands-on experience and practical application of the concepts they are learning.

When selecting the right mix of learning modalities, it’s important to consider the learning objectives, the preferences of the learners, and the available resources.

Aligning learning objectives with business goals:

When the learning objectives of the blended learning program align with the business goals of the organisation, the program will have greater relevance and impact. To do this make sure you follow these steps:

1. Identify the specific skills or knowledge gaps that need to be addressed to support the business goals.
2. Develop learning objectives that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
3. Incorporate case studies or examples relevant to the specific challenges the learner or organisation is facing.
4. Provide opportunities for learners to apply what they have learned to real-world scenarios or projects.

Measuring the effectiveness of the program:

Measuring the effectiveness of a blended learning program is essential to understand how well it is meeting the learning objectives and contributing to business goals. You can do this by:

• Conducting pre and post-assessments to measure changes in knowledge or skills.
• Collecting feedback from learners through surveys or focus groups to understand their experience with the program.
• Analysing data on program completion rates, time spent on different activities, and performance metrics to identify areas for improvement.
• Monitoring the application of skills or knowledge gained from the program on the job to understand the impact on business goals.

Our expertise

At Adaptable Learning, we understand the importance of designing an effective and impactful blended learning approach. Our comprehensive e-learning courses cover a range of topics, from leadership and sales to emotional intelligence and customer service, providing learners with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. We will work with you to identify the best approach for your program and business goals and can customise our courses to suit the specific needs and preferences of your learners.

By partnering with us, you can leverage our expertise to create a successful blended learning program that empowers your learners to perform at their best and helps your business achieve its goals.