Determine the right Blended Learning mix for your organisation in five steps

Every organization is different and has a different mission, vision, goals, KPIs and employees. This means that e-learning is not automatically designed in the same way in every organisation.

Whether your organization prefers online or classroom learning, in this blog, we'll help you determine the right “Blended Learning mix” for your organisation. We base these tips on the Social Flex Model, a blended learning model that focuses on effective learning in organizations.

First, let's dive a little deeper into the Blended Learning models for organisations.

Step 1: explore the Blended learning models for your organisation

Blended learning is”the thoughtful combination of online and physical learning activities with the aim of creating a powerful and student-centered learning environment.”

Most blended learning studies focus mainly on education in schools. But what about blended learning in organisations?

We explain a few models and highlight the features, advantages and disadvantages.

Online Driver Model

features

• Most of the learning activities are online
• A few classroom learning moments are required

Benefits

• Flexibility
• Useful when employees live around the world
• Saves time (compared to classroom learning methods)
• Saves money (compared to classroom learning methods)

Disadvantages

• Students still have to travel to the classroom meetings.
• Travel expenses
• Investment in technology required by organisation to make online learning activities effective

Self-blend model

features

• The majority of the learning activities are classroom
• Extra course material available online
• Extra range of specific courses that students can choose themselves

Benefits

• Flexibility
• Additional content available for students
• Option to personalise curriculum by using the range of additional content/courses

Disadvantages

• Most organisations are not located in one building where teaching activities can take place, which makes it difficult to bring students together and teach in one location
• Precious
  

Social Flex Modell

The Social Flex Model combines the benefits of the Online Driver Model and it Self-Blend Modell and is extremely suitable for determining the right blended learning mix in organisations.

That's why we also base our following four tips on this model:

Step 2: determine to what extent classroom and online learning are desirable for your organisation

How dispersed do your employees live? Do they all live within an hour's drive from the head office? Or maybe you also work with employees from other provinces, or even from other countries?

As you can imagine, it will be very expensive if you have to let employees fly in to participate in professional development.

In this case, blended learning or e-learning is a better option that saves you time & money and offers your employees freedom & flexibility.

Please explain clearly what the expectations are in terms of timeline for completing the e-learning component and make it practical. In our previous blog post about blended learning, we gave a number of tips on how to switch to blended learning easily and without too much extra cost.

Step 3: investigate to what extent the students need support and how this is designed

If you decide that most of the learning will take place online, make sure students feel supported. That they can go somewhere with their questions and feedback.

In our blog about user-friendliness in e-learning we described how important it is to provide clear instructions and take students' feedback to heart.

You could also consider implementing a virtual resource (F.A.Q) and a chat so that employees can expect quick answers to their questions.

This prevents students from dropping out as soon as they encounter a question or problem and increases the chance that they have the actually complete e-learning.

Step 4: give the student the lead

Give students as much freedom as possible. E-learning is ideal for learning anytime, anywhere. After all, some people are morning people and others are evening people.

In addition, some students prefer to read an article and other students prefer watching a video clip or listening to a podcast.

Therefore, offer an always accessible learning environment, which can be viewed on the computer, tablet or phone. A variety of teaching materials (videos, podcasts, articles) ensures that each student can learn in a way that suits them.

Despite the fact that the student is in charge of his or her learning process, the organisation can keep an eye on the learning process if desired.

If a student isn't making enough progress or doesn't seem to be passing a quiz or exam, for example, you might consider hiring a mentor. This mentor can discuss the cause with the student and motivate the student to continue with the e-learning successfully.

Step 5: Take into account the importance of social learning

Blended Learning is an effective way to combine offline and online learning. The advantage of Blended Learning is that an optimal connection takes place. Students meet each other offline as well as online, which further strengthens the connection that occurs during offline learning during online learning.

Learning Management Systems often offer ample opportunities to somewhat structure Social E-learning. For example, you can set up a virtual community and encourage students from the start to share ideas, give each other feedback on their contribution, share new ideas, and post valuable information.

In short, although there is not much research into Blended Learning in organisations yet, it is certainly an effective way to help shape professional development activities.

Start with Pluvo today to get started with Blended Learning.