Today, blended learning is becoming increasingly popular. Employees now have access to both online and classroom-based training.
Blended learning is advantageous since not all instructional content is presented in a single format. Businesses have a few options when it comes to training employees. They can use the standard instructor-led training method, virtual ILT sessions, and self-paced eLearning courses, or they can provide a combination of these with searchable microlearning assets and resources.
Using a blended learning method for your online training has numerous noticeable benefits, one of the prominent ones being improved training program efficiency.
However, developing a blended learning program has its challenges which are discussed in this article. But first, let us find out what is a blended learning approach.
What Is Blended Learning?
Blended learning is an instructional strategy that gives employees more control over their training. It combines traditional classroom activities with online media, offering employees online and offline learning opportunities.
Corporate learners are given online resources with assessments to complete training at home and self-evaluate their performance. Then, they can clarify their doubts or participate in discussions in live sessions (online or offline) with the instructor, who may also evaluate them.
The online component of the training does not replace traditional classroom instruction; instead, instructors use it to supplement live discussions and provide a deeper understanding of key concepts.
By now, you must understand the concept of blended learning. Let’s discuss the associated challenges.
Difficulty in Seeking Help
Corporate learners may require assistance from instructors and senior members throughout their training. But getting in touch with an instructor or mentor may not happen in real-time when learners practice self-paced learning.
In the traditional setting, learners could immediately clear their doubts. To get in touch with the instructors now, learners must use technology or make phone calls, which can be challenging.
Some online learners may also experience issues with available resources. Learners may be missing essential training resources due to issues with logging into systems or gaining access to course materials.
The help desk must be readily available to learners to tackle this. Learners will realize they can resolve potential issues on time if their company has a well-organized service desk.
Blended Learning Is Viewed Negatively by Many
The effectiveness of blended learning is a frequent topic of concern for instructors. Many instructors still prefer face-to-face instruction, which makes sense, given that it has been the standard method of training for centuries.
Too often, digital or online components of training are overlooked or considered a nuisance, resulting in lost time and money when purchasing new eLearning technology. Instructors may even fail to emphasize the need for digital training adequately, and learners may view digital tasks as a choice and not bother to complete them.
This is a tricky problem, and while technology can certainly assist, it won’t be able to solve it entirely on its own. However, it can be much simpler if you have access to high-quality technology and tools, as you’ll have something concrete to show instructors to convince them of the merits of blended learning.
When you have access to high-quality digital learning technology, developing and disseminating a curriculum that graphically depicts what you’ll instruct and how is much simpler. Instructors may be able to see how blended learning is ideal; instead of replacing their mode of training, it’ll help supplement it and make training more engaging for learners.
Struggle with Online Learning or Technology
Learners’ resistance to technology-based or online learning is another difficulty instructors face.
Blended learning necessitates the use of technology in its delivery. Learners’ reluctance to embrace blended learning sometimes stems from their unwillingness to acquire the necessary infrastructure, such as a reliable internet connection and a personal computer. Or, learners may feel overwhelmed by the technology required for blended learning, such as a web-conferencing application or a learning management system.
You can lessen the effect of this difficulty by spreading out the introduction of accessible technologies and emphasizing the most elementary ones. Does the virtual classroom need to be a part of your web conferences if your usual format is online conference calls? A simple telephone often serves the same purpose with much less technical impact. Be sure the facilitator is prepared to handle the most typical tech issues and that skilled support is available for each technology you plan on employing for your online training programs.
Taking Advantage of Modern Tools Since They Exist
Having access to cutting-edge tools does not automatically guarantee that they will be adequate for your training purposes. In their rush to increase their return on investment, many companies incorrectly deploy tools and technology to revamp their existing blended-learning strategies.
However, before implementing the technology into programs, organizations should take the time to learn about them as much as possible about it. It’s fine to rework your course material to accommodate a blended learning strategy, but it would be best to begin with the tools you already know.
Active Engagement and Presence
To a large extent, remote learning, which accounts for half of what we call “blended learning,” is the same as working from home. A lot of self-control is needed, and you’ll be “attacked” by all diversions.
Learners using their laptops, tablets, and cellphones might easily become distracted by games and videos on YouTube, Instagram, and similar apps. Some instructors could even be tempted to do something like that. Skype calls and background noise are also a few of the sources of disruption.
However, one can solve this issue by making blended learning so interesting that it can easily compete with any other distraction. It is possible with high-quality equipment, such as unified interactive flat panels, which allow instructors to add a playful element to their lessons. Although the term “gamification” may be familiar, its precise meaning is still unclear. It involves using components of games that have been shown to improve training outcomes. Many factors contribute to training success, but the most significant are teamwork, experience, and accomplishments (certifications).
Staying Consistent
The last difficulty in using the blended learning strategy is maintaining uniformity. It has been established that more work is required to successfully adopt a blended learning strategy.
From a technological perspective, staying consistent can be difficult for the learner and the instructor. The instructor and the learner can soon lose interest in the training if, for example, the number of online learners is too small or if the online learner does not perceive the relevance of the training.
To solve this, apart from ensuring your training content is interesting and relevant to learners, you must also make sure you are establishing training goals in the beginning. Try to set your learner’s expectations right and help them understand how training will help in their professional and personal growth. When your learners engage in your training, your instructors automatically stay interested.
Conclusion
Like every other project, blended learning also has its set of challenges that organizations must overcome. Tackling these challenges will provide your staff with a superior learning experience. We hope this article will help you find the right solutions and make it easy for you to promote blended learning in your organization.