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Hello everyone, this is Tom Hallett from the Learn Grow Succeed Podcast.
Today, I’m going to be talking all about blended learning – what is it, and the three things – there might even be more – that you didn’t appreciate could work for your organisation.
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Let’s start with a definition of what blended learning is and why now, more than ever, it needs to be on your L and D agenda.
What is Blended Learning?
Pre-lockdown the definition of blended learning – often called hybrid learning too according to Wikipedia – describes a ‘teaching style’ that allows students to learn using a combination of technology, exercises and traditional hands-on and in-person lessons so that students can customise their own learning experience.
When we look at a blended learning approach in business, it’s a similar scenario, only our ‘students’ are called employees or participants in our case, and classroom sessions can now take place online too.
Here at Excel, we use other elements of the learning process, which also fall under a blended learning definition, from:
- pre-learning planning,
- through to post learning follow up,
- forums and private groups,
- polls and quizzes
- and group and one to one coaching sessions
The last few months have been strange, and yet when it comes to learning new information and skills most people have developed their flexibility and embraced video tech like never before. Who would have expected the brand name Zoom to turn into a verb?
So is a blended approach a better way to learn?
The evidence of how people learn, retain and implement learning shouts out a huge YES!
So today, let me share three reasons why blended learning now needs to be your ‘go-to’ approach.
1. You Are Using A Multiple Modality Approach
As human beings, we have various preferences for our favourite modality through which we receive information.
Some of us have a visual preference, some auditory and others are much more kinaesthetic. The power of a blended approach can leverage all these different areas.
2. Blended Learning Can Improve Recall
It’s not uncommon for people to attend a face to face training event, leave all fired up and then forget the detail of what happened.
The presenter or facilitator went too fast, or the participant felt nervous asking for something to be repeated.
A classic case of an individual falling through the loop and consequently not learning or retaining what was originally the goal of the training session in the first place!
Recall is one of the huge benefits attributed to blended learning. How useful would it be to have both pre-call and then post-call follow up?
What about the session being recorded and hosted on a learning platform that could be accessed on any device at any time no matter where in the world you are?
3. Blended Learning Is A Great Investment
We have already talked about the untold benefits of recall so let’s share something self-evident; budgets.
Blended learning is a great investment too. An online learning platform might have an initial cost, yet compare this to flying people around the globe to attend a training event, and you will understand the point I am making.
Of course, face to face training is something most people still enjoy, and something companies will continue to invest in when they can.
However, the blended approach speaks into the business landscape in which we all find ourselves operating within.
Summary
So, to summarise, the main benefits of blended learning again are.
- It’s a great investment where multiple people can be trained across the globe with zero travel costs – particularly relevant in the landscape today.
- People have different learning styles, and today’s modern technology can embrace all of our modality preferences.
- Then, of course, there is a huge benefit of recall.
There you have it: three reasons why it just might be time to implement this process in your organisation too.
For more information on developing your leadership skills, head to our blog, which contains hundreds of articles on all aspects of leadership. I’ll leave the link in the comments.
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This is Tom from the Learn Grow Succeed Podcast saying bye for now.
Thanks
Tom
About Excel Communications
LEARN, GROW, SUCCEED
Excel Communications is a learning and development consultancy based near London in the U.K. For more than 30 years, we have been collaborating with clients across the globe.
Partnering with Excel empowers you to evolve your people and business by fuelling a love for learning.
We work with you to create unforgettable, customised learning experiences to achieve your vision of success and growth, with tangible results.
View our case studies here.
We have a team of expert trainers delivering programmes across five continents in multiple languages. Call us now on +44 (0) 1628 488 854.
Important
If you would like to watch our leadership masterclass recordings, you can access the latest leadership complimentary guide here.
For more information on post-Covid leadership topics, head to our blog, additionally, click here to view our range of free leadership resources to help you become a better leader starting today.
Thanks,
Tom
P.S. If you would like to attend one of our complimentary taster workshops on working with remote teams call us on +44(0) 1628488 854.
About Excel Communications
LEARN, GROW, SUCCEED
Excel Communications is a learning and development consultancy based near London in the U.K. For more than 30 years, we have been collaborating with clients across the globe.
Partnering with Excel empowers you to evolve your people and business by fuelling a love for learning.
We work with you to create unforgettable, customised learning experiences to achieve your vision of success and growth, with tangible results. View our case studies here.
We have a team of expert trainers delivering programmes across five continents in multiple languages. Call us now on +44 (0) 1628 488 854.