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Blended learning is a dynamic approach to corporate training programs.
It combines online and in-person education for an engaging, personalized, flexible and globally accessible learning experience.
Research shows inadequate training accounts for up to 40% of resignations. Moreover, companies with poor training programs have 218% lower income per employee.
The stakes are high, and the old methods are failing to deliver.
With blended learning, you can drive up your retention rates, increase employee engagement and bring in more revenue for your business.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to create a blended learning program that boosts employee engagement, increases retention and ultimately drives business growth.
Blended learning is an education style that combines online and offline learning methods.
It’s your go-to strategy for effective corporate training as it brings together the best of both worlds: traditional face-to-face training sessions and interactive online modules.
This approach makes learning flexible and personalized, which is ideal for busy professionals. Employees can review online training materials at their own pace while still enjoying the social interaction and immediate feedback that come from in-person sessions.
The result? A more engaged workforce, better retention of material and ultimately, improved performance on the job.
Hybrid learning means using a mix of different learning methods. You might have in-person workshops for some topics and webinars for others.
You could even include real-world experiences like job shadowing or internships. Each training method can stand alone but can also work well with the others.
Blended learning, on the other hand, is more integrated. The online and in-person elements are deliberately designed to interact, creating a more cohesive and unified learning experience.
For instance, an online module might prepare employees for a hands-on activity in an upcoming in-person session, or an in-person discussion might be used to debrief an online simulation.
The key is that the different methods are not just supplementary but are intentionally structured to enhance the overall learning experience.
There are tons of advantages of taking the blended learning approach for your company’s training programs. The effects of blended learning are unmatched, especially now that remote work is becoming the norm.
Here are some top benefits that highlight the importance of blended learning:
As great as it is, blended learning comes with its own challenges. So, what are the key problems of blended learning? Here are a few of them:
Blended learning combines online and offline learning methods — but there are various approaches to achieving that “blend.”
Picking the right one makes it easier for your company and your employees to deliver, complete and benefit from training programs on their preferred terms.
Here are six blended learning models you need to know:
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The face-to-face driver model is very similar to traditional classroom learning. In this approach, most training activities take place in a face-to-face classroom setting guided by an instructor.
Online learning components such as videos, simulations, case studies and other materials are often used to supplement classroom instruction. However, only trainees who need additional support will take advantage of the online offerings.
The face-to-face driver model works well for hands-on skills training or courses where in-person interaction and supervision are essential.
This model is the opposite of the face-to-face driver model; here, the primary mode of training is online.
Learners engage in self-paced online modules, readings and simulations. But they can also arrange face-to-face meetings with instructors for additional support and coaching.
The online driver model offers greater flexibility and access but requires strong self-motivation and time-management skills from trainees.
In the rotation model, learners rotate through different learning modes on a fixed schedule, such as online lectures, in-person workshops and group discussions.
It’s easier to track progress with the rotation model as everything is dictated by a schedule. But this model is still highly adaptable and you can easily adjust it to your training needs.
The flex model gives learners maximum flexibility and control over their training. This also means it delivers a more personalized learning experience.
Trainees can easily move between different types of learning methods at their own pace. For example, they can follow varying schedules and take customized paths to complete their individual training.
Learners also have access to instructors for further clarification and help. This model is best suited for self-directed learners who may need occasional face-to-face support.
Pro Tip: Visme’s dynamic fields let you create personalized, interactive training content that adapts itself to each individual learner’s data, such as name, preferences and more.The flipped classroom model is exactly what it sounds like—a traditional classroom setting in reverse.
Learners complete the theoretical part of their training online before coming together for practical sessions. For example, they might view a video lecture or read a PDF online prior to attending an in-person class.
The face-to-face class sessions are then focused on discussions, collaborative exercises, case studies and other hands-on activities with the instructor available for guidance.
The flipped classroom method blends online learning with more meaningful interactions, allowing learners to apply what they've learned in a real-world collaborative environment.
The enriched virtual model is an online-first blended learning type ideal for training remote workers. It’s similar to the flex model but follows a more fixed, instructor-led schedule.
Most of the training is delivered online through self-paced activities, videos, discussions and assignments. Face-to-face sessions may be scheduled periodically throughout the course for hands-on practice or networking — but the learning mostly happens online.
Blended learning is an exciting concept but it can be tricky to get started. This section will break down the exact process so you know what to do.
Follow the steps below to successfully launch blended learning in your company and transform your regular training programs into amazing employee experiences.
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Before you can build a successful blended learning program, you need to understand your organization's current training landscape.
This involves evaluating existing programs, identifying skills gaps and understanding the learning preferences of your employees.
Conduct internal surveys and interviews to gather this information. For example, ask employees to rate their current skill levels in areas like project management or software proficiency.
Here’s a training needs assessment worksheet you can use:
You can also analyze performance metrics across different departments and functions to identify where training could help. Then, visualize survey results and share them with HR managers and trainers to craft the perfect training program.
Learning objectives are the backbone of any training program. They guide your curriculum, content and methods, and help you measure the program’s effectiveness.
It’s important to set SMART learning objectives — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. Here are some examples:
Use this SMART goals template to visualize your training objectives:
Work with key stakeholders and subject matter experts to define these objectives. Also, make sure they align with larger business goals and the needs identified in your initial assessment.
Blended learning is a broad term.
As discussed above, there are various models like the flipped classroom, rotation and flex — each with its own pros and cons. You need to choose one that works for your business.
This will ultimately depend on your learning objectives and needs, as well as factors like logistical constraints, technology infrastructure and employee preferences.
Ask yourself:
Visme’s SCORM and xAPI export features help you easily integrate your chosen online learning method into your existing LMS. This creates a seamless blend between online and offline resources, improving your program’s effectiveness.
Once you've chosen a blended learning model, the next step is to develop the curriculum and training content. Make sure to create a “blend” of different formats and methods.
Here are some things you might want to do at this point:
Collaborate with team leads and trainers to develop content that aligns with your learning objectives.
Pro Tip: Visme lets you create presentations, documents, infographics and more together with your team. Leave comments and feedback, annotate and customize access permissions for different users.Remember, your training materials should be engaging no matter what format you use. Make your lectures, online activities and in-person classes as interactive and dynamic as possible.
Need help? Use a digital content creation and content authoring tool like Visme. Here are some materials you can create (and that’s just the tip of the iceberg):
For example, check out this sales training presentation template in Visme:
Here’s an example of an infographic template you can use as part of your training program:
Here’s a good one you can use right away:
Here’s a training activity worksheet as an example:
There’s a lot more you can create in Visme. Check out our full template library to browse all the creative options spread across 40+ categories.
This is where all that planning pays off. But before you can roll out the program, remember to prep the technology and the humans in charge of delivering the training.
Then, sort out scheduling, resource allocation and other logistical details. Create a timeline detailing when each component of your training will take place.
Here’s a training plan template to document everything and share with your team:
Then, execute the program as planned, collecting feedback and monitoring the program’s effectiveness along the way.
Visme’s project management and collaboration features help keep your team aligned throughout these steps. Use announcement templates for the rollout like the one below:
It’s also a good idea to host a kick-off meeting to introduce the program, get everyone excited and address any questions.
Don’t forget to take advantage of Visme’s SCORM and xAPI export features to enable smooth delivery and tracking within your preferred LMS.
Just like anything else, you need to track the effectiveness of your blended learning program to learn from your mistakes, continuously improve and pivot if needed.
In addition to collecting feedback during the program, you need to monitor key metrics, especially when it comes to the online/digital course modules.
Here are some KPIs and areas to keep an eye on:
Pro Tip: Visme’s analytics tools allow you to monitor user engagement and performance in real-time. You can also create insightful, professional reports with data visualizations and live data to share with key stakeholders.
Compare the collected data against your initial objectives to assess the program's success and craft recommendations for future training.
Finally, compile all your findings into a comprehensive report to share with team members, HR managers and directors, and discuss the next steps. Here’s a report template you can use:
Blended learning is a powerful approach that brings the best of both traditional classroom training and online education to your corporate training program. It offers a personalized, flexible learning experience and can help save costs in the long run.
However, it's essential to be aware of the challenges, such as using the right technology and developing engaging blended learning modules. This is where Visme can help.
Visme is a one-stop solution for training and development teams. With its SCORM and xAPI features, you can easily export high-quality, interactive online modules into your existing learning management system (LMS)
From crafting engaging presentations and quizzes to visualizing complex data, Visme makes it easier than ever to create compelling, effective training materials.
Plus, you can tap into powerful interactivity features like links, multimedia embeds, animation and more to create immersive training materials that keep learners hooked.
Ready to elevate your corporate training programs with Visme? Sign up now and get started for free.
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