FAQs

Including online learning as part of your development program  offers a variety of benefits, including:

• Increased flexibility and convenience: Learners can learn at their own pace and in their own time, from anywhere with an internet connection. This can be especially beneficial for learners who have busy schedules or who need to learn from home.
• Improved engagement and motivation: Learners are engaged by providing a variety of learning activities and resources., which can help to keep learners interested in the material and motivated to learn.
• Personalised learning: Learners are able to focus on the areas where they need the most help. This can be done through online quizzes, assessments, and other personalised learning tools.
• Cost-effectiveness: Online learning reduces the need for extensive classroom infrastructure and allows for the reuse of digital materials. It also makes it possible to deliver instruction to a wider range of learners.
• Increased transfer of learning: People are more able to transfer what they learn to real-world situations. This is because online learning often includes activities that require learners to apply what they have learned to solve problems or complete tasks.

Blended learning is a learning approach that combines traditional face-to-face instruction with online learning activities. It integrates the strengths of both in-person and digital learning to create a comprehensive and flexible learning experience.

Studies have shown that learners who participate in blended learning programs tend to retain information better than those who do not. This is likely because blended learning provides a variety of learning activities and resources that can help to reinforce the material.

Overall, blended learning is a versatile and effective learning approach that can benefit learners, instructors, and organisations alike. Read more here.

Formal instruction examples:

• Face-to-face training workshops
• Seminars
• Conferences
• Lectures

Online learning examples:

• eLearning courses
• Video Conferencing (e.g. for coaching, or peer-to-peer learning)
• Videos (e.g. YouTube)
• Blogs
• Digital user guides
• Webinars
• Podcasts
• Online assessments or surveys
• eBooks

Here are some examples of a blended learning approach:

• An employee might watch an instructional video before coming to a face-to-face workshop, where they can ask questions and discuss the material with their peers, then work on a group project that applies what they have learned.
• An individual might complete an online module on a particular topic, then attend a group coaching session where they can ask questions and practice new skills in a safe environment.
• An employee might take a hybrid course, which is a course that is taught both online and in person.

If you are considering using a blended learning approach, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Clear learning objectives: Clearly define the learning objectives for each component of the blended learning approach to ensure alignment and focus.
• Thoughtful content selection: Select appropriate online resources and activities that enhance the learning experience and support the achievement of the desired outcomes.
• Seamless integration: Ensure seamless integration between in-person and online components, ensuring they complement and reinforce each other.
• Interactive and engaging activities: Use interactive and engaging online activities, such as quizzes, discussions, and simulations, to promote learner participation and understanding.
• Effective communication: Maintain effective communication channels, both online and offline, to support learner engagement, provide guidance, and address questions or concerns.
• Regular assessment and feedback: Incorporate regular assessments and feedback mechanisms to monitor learner progress and provide timely guidance and support.
• Continuous improvement: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the blended learning approach, gather learner feedback, and make necessary adjustments to enhance the learning experience.

Implementing these best practices can help create a successful blended learning environment that maximises the benefits of both online and face-to-face learning modalities. Read more here.