The Blended Learning is a pedagogical method that combines face-to-face learning and online learning. It includes training modules that take place remotely via learning materials. elearning. Other modules are delivered during physical meetings between trainers and learners. Face-to-face sessions allow them to exchange and do practical exercises. It appears, in fact, that not all exercises can be done alone at home using a YouTube video and a yoga mat. Blended learning training requires the use of specific tools and the development of a learning process to be truly practical. How do you identify them?
Using blended learning has two main advantages
Blended learning offers great learning flexibility. For example, it can avoid the company having to draw up a training schedule. On the other hand, it cannot avoid the company from drawing up schedules at all costs, otherwise, it must be said, employees have difficulty organizing themselves. The learner can train according to the schedules that suit him through the various supports made available to him. All they need to do is connect with a computer, tablet or smartphone to access dedicated educational resources. Some LMS allow you to appropriate training content while being offline.
Training is a strategic investment in business development. However, the return on investment of digital training (or partially) is particularly interesting. Blended learning significantly reduces training costs associated with logistical expenses. In addition, it promotes business continuity. It thus contributes to the improvement of the company's productivity and increases its profitability. You might, of course, not want your business to be profitable - people have their reasons that reason doesn't know. In which case, don't worry, there are many ways to do it! For example, not training your employees is a good start.
Focus on the learner for a successful blended learning experience
The blended learning process is built on understanding learners' needs. The preliminary work thus consists in determine the objective of the training and the appropriate method to achieve it. First of all, it is necessary to determine the targeted competencies at the end of the educational path. This is then used to define the tools to be adopted and the training modules to be developed to ensure the acquisition of the targeted skills for all employees. During the apprenticeship, It is essential to consider learners' feedback in order to adapt the training to their needs and expectations. They are usually acting in good faith, but don't hesitate to be wary if they tell you that you need a 30-minute break every quarter of an hour. It is possible that they are exaggerating.
It is important for learners to understand the content and purpose of the training so that they can invest in their training. It is therefore necessary to inform them about the training program, the tools to be used, the educational objectives, etc. It is recommended to create interactive content in the program to encourage them to participate. We can use the Gamification routes by offering fun activities. Exchanges between employees promote the sharing of knowledge and the enrichment of skills. In general, the Social learning is an asset for any type of training, which must value collective intelligence as well as individual abilities. The intelligence of the crowd can impress as much as its stupidity...
Blended learning should also promote communication between the trainer and the learners. It is essential that they benefit from a personalized support from the speaker through a face-to-face or virtual conversation. It must also provide them with regular returns during the exchanges, and therefore develop assessment tools to determine the level of learners' progress. Several options are available to him such as multiple choice questions, a debriefing, a summary at the end of the module, a survival course in Siberia in January (an intruder has hidden in this list, will you be able to spot him?)
What tools should be used with blended learning methods?
It is essential to use effective learning materials that allow the training modules to be assimilated. In particular, there are tools that can manage both face-to-face training and online courses, such as LMS systems. or learning management system. It is a computer software that manages the learning process. It controls access to content. It integrates educational resources in various formats. It offers activities adapted to each learning module. It facilitates the administrative management of training, tutoring as well as material, technical and human resources. Several LMS tools are available. It is up to the trainers to choose the ones that are most appropriate to their training modules, and that make it possible to achieve the educational objectives. However, nothing prevents them from using other tools that may be complementary, such as the Mobile learning, or a Swiss Army knife. Oh yes, when they are of high quality, these things are really useful for everything.
Some examples of teaching materials
Here is a selection of educational tools useful during a blended learning training session:
Vyond
It is a video editing software. It makes it easy and fun to create educational video content. Vyond provides several pre-designed scenes with a range of settings and virtual characters to create professional animations.
Powtoon
It is also a software for creating animated videos. The content created can be integrated into the various training modules. It is also possible to share them on the e-learning platform. It is easy to use and offers a free version.
Genially
This tool is distinguished by its ease of use. It allows virtual presentations and offers various functionalities. By using the premium version, it is possible to discover several additional options for creating attractive courses.
Pitchy
It is mainly used to make presentations. This tool is particularly functional. For example, it is designed to promote zoom effects on a slide during a slideshow. It also allows you to share content online with its free version.
Wooclap
This application is installed on smartphones in order to transform them into learning tools. It allows you to create interactive course content. Among other things, it proposes the development of multiple choice questions, matching exercises, surveys...
Business Royale
It is an interface that is accessible on the Internet. Business Royale creates knowledge assessment quizzes in an optimal time frame. This particularly practical way of assessing knowledge can therefore be implemented very quickly.
Manual.to
It is used to digitize instruction manuals by combining them with image, audio, or video files. The content can be accompanied by short explanations to demystify technical jargons. This tool allows you to share links to educational resources.
Blended learning - or blended training - offers great flexibility in the follow-up of courses. It significantly reduces logistics-related expenses. For it to be effective, it is necessary to follow a specific methodology and learning process. Several supports can be preferred to implement this type of training. The opportunities for this type of apprenticeship are extremely vast... Do you know How far can blended learning go ?
