How to implement Blended Learning in Corporate training. Learning technology and face-to-face instruction can be an unbeatable team, but only when a successful corporate training strategy is in place.However, some blended learning best practices you can follow to implement a blended learning program that boosts employees performance and gets them excited about using learning technology to their advantage.
1) Set goals and expectations in advance
you should have a clear idea of what learning technologies are going to be used, as well as how you will be using them. You need to have clearly defined expectations and performance goals in place before you roll out your blended learning program. Corporate learners must know why the learning technology tools are there,how they can benefit from them, and to what part technology plays in the overall training process. If you are using it as a supplemental training resource, then clarify when they need to use the learning technology tools and what portion of the program will still involve face-to-face instruction.
2) Research employee needs and preferences
Send out surveys, conduct one-on-one interviews,and observe them on the job to figure out what they need to get out of the corporate training experience. Are they resistant to a blended learning training plan, or are they ready and willing to hop on board? You will also need to determine if there are any special requirements to keep in mind. For example, are there employees with learning disabilities who might benefit from subtitles, or employees who speak English as a second language?
3) Cultivate a blended learning community
Employees must feel as though they are part of a larger community that supports technology-assisted training. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by cultivating a blended learning culture that is collaborative and encourages employee participation. Start an online forum where employees can ask questions or communicate with their co-workers or instructors anytime. Develop a social media strategy that gives employees the chance to receive frequent updates and share their thoughts.
4) Offer moments of need online support resources
There are times when employees need a step-by-step guide to completing a work task or want to learn more about policies or procedures. This is when blended learning steps in and saves the day. You can offer your employees “moment of need” support resources so that they don’t have to wait for the scheduled training time. They can view manuals, interactive presentations, and access simulations directly on their mobile devices or work terminals. You may also want to create a website that gives them all of the information and guidance they need to properly use the tools you have included in your blended learning program.
5) Develop effective online assessment
Assessments give you the opportunity to gauge whether an employee actually absorbed the information, or further support may need to be offered. Though work performance is a good indicator of effectiveness, multiple choice exams and other interactive types of assessment, such as branching scenarios, simulations,take the risk out of the testing process. Rather than having an employee interact with customers or clients without knowing if they have the proper knowledge, you can determine their level of understanding and skill set mastery in advance.
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