What is blended learning?

Le hybrid learning is a mixed training that combines classroom (when the coach provides classroom theoretical and practical lessons participants) and distance learning (when participants train through a digital training platform).Face-to-face training is comprehensive and effective, but restrictive, as participants need to be absent from work to attend. This represents a significant deficiency for the company.

E-learning training allows participants to train at their own pace, without jeopardizing their working hours. However, trainees miss the presence of a trainer who takes care of the trainees' follow-up and reinforcing their achievements. Although tools like video conferencing are used in a virtual classroom, nothing beats human presence.

It is to reconcile the two methods that blended learning training was designed. Includes classroom and distance courses. This learning medium is, therefore, comprehensive and allows participants to organize their time as they wish. For more details click what is a learning management system.

Why switch to blended learning?

Reduced training costs
Combined learning allows to reduce training costs without neglecting human presence and direct knowledge sharing. In fact, the advantage of this training method is that it can adapt courses according to the needs and schedules of the participants. Thus, companies can train a large number of employees and, at the same time, optimize their time through digital media, which represents savings in relation to travel costs.

A fast, efficient and instinctive training alternative
This teaching method is successful because of its effectiveness. Training is provided according to a pedagogical training program adapted to the needs of the trainees and using the latest technology.

Flexibility adapted to the needs of the participants
Combined learning is a personalized and combined learning method. It can fully adapt to the needs of an intern in order to promote their autonomy and optimize their organization.

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Best Practices in Blended Learning

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Originally, blended learning referred to adding an online component to instructor-led training or classroom education. But now that technology offers so many varied options, a combined approach has evolved to mean using more than one delivery method to share and improve training and support. This is the way of the future.

Advantages of blended learning

Some of the advantages of using an effective combined strategy include:
- Designers and students are not limited to a delivery medium or channel to meet learning objectives.

- Promotes a continuous learning approach that is most effective in creating change and meaningful learning.

- Provides more opportunities for social learning, collaboration, greater participation and informal strategies.

- The use of synchronous and asynchronous approaches can offer more opportunities for students to cultivate skills and apply them.

- There is the potential for faster development and reduced costs, depending on the selected approaches.

- Delivery with technology can reach a geographically dispersed audience.

In workplace training, combined instruction can incorporate any strategies that improve performance and job satisfaction. For example, a combined approach could mean an enhanced webinar with forum discussions and equipped with mobile support tools. Or it can involve an inverted virtual classroom and work with a mentor. 

Ten best practices

Designing for combined instructions will be different than designing for a standalone course, see ten best practices below. 

1. Design to meet learning outcomes, not to use specific technologies.

Choose approaches that satisfy learning outcomes, rather than focusing on a specific technology. The adequacy of meeting the learning objectives must take precedence in the design.

2. Design to meet organizational drivers.

Know the underlying purpose of using a combined approach. Is it to reach a wider audience or to meet the needs of varied students? Whatever the organization's motivators, make sure you also achieve those goals.

3. Design for synergy.

Determine how the components of a combined strategy will fit together as a whole. Link the learning experiences of each component of the merge together so that they work to reinforce and extend each other. Think in terms of weaving a tapestry.

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