The Blended Learning is a hybrid learning device that uses both classical training in real time with a teacher and online self-training with educational tools. It varies from company to company, as each training process conforms to the level of the target learners. Even in its basic principle, blended learning is a rich and extremely flexible teaching method. We can therefore teach people who have never touched a computer to use it, and this (partially) using... a computer. Yes, it still exists. There are even a lot of them. Frankly, if he got the idea of making the revolution, we would be less smart, used to complaining by email - or even on Twitter - when we are not happy. But thanks to blended learning, we will be able to teach them how to do the same. So what are the methods?
The rotation method
This learning system is designed to rotate internally within a single class or department. The rotation is organized around two parts: classical education with a trainer and online learning. It is up to the trainer to plan a rotation schedule for the modules to be followed. To this end, each learner goes from one course to another according to the program pre-established by the instructor. This system has the same objective: full participation of learners in all courses. Theories, collective work and practical applications can be carried out in a short time. The trainer can focus on one group of learners while another group does digital self-training. If he is a bit cunning, he can even offer an independent activity to all groups and take care of another task. Or to watch kitty videos. It's not very useful, but it's still too cute.
To set up this model, you need to create a canvas elearning in which learners can explore a variety of topics. Afterwards, they deepen this subject during classical training to increase their skills. This learning system is available in four sub-models that can be adapted to all circumstances:
- One Job rotation : it is only applicable in a physical room. The principle is that each learner goes around the stations. Each station covers a different subject and teaches a variety of skills. For example, on cats, each learner will go through the cuddling workshop, the game workshop, the workshop to avoid being scratched, the workshop managing unwanted pee, the workshop to get the cat out of your keyboard, the workshop to prevent the cat from throwing the cat out of your keyboard, the workshop to prevent yourself from throwing the cat out of the window, etc.
- One individual rotation : this method consists in providing learners with a list of positions to be visited. It is personalized and can be submitted to a specific order. Each position leads to new knowledge. Learners rotate individually to visit the stations in turn in order to better understand the various constraints. To illustrate, it is a bit the same principle as before but the learner may only choose, for example, the workshop to learn how to throw the cat out the window. No, not to do it. In short.
- One Rotation lab : in this case, learners are taken to a computer lab to refine their online training. They follow a pre-established e-learning scenario, perform simulations and do an assessment, always online, to complete their self-training. We can also think of a process of Gamification and offer mini-games. Yes, that's it, throwing cats out of windows, for example.
- One Flipped classroom rotation : learners are divided into groups. Each group carries out a collective project and is subject to an online evaluation. Afterwards, traditional face-to-face training is organized to discuss the project, exchange with other learners and reinforce the knowledge acquired. A calendar should be established to define class schedule rotations. This model is highly recommended for complex topics that require the involvement of several people. So throwing a tiger out the window can be a good subject. It is complex, and it is better to be several.
The flexible method
This apprenticeship system focuses primarily on online training. Access to classical training is limited to a small group of learners. Concretely, face-to-face support is not pre-defined It is set up according to the needs of the learner. Some situations even involve an online course in the same room for a direct exchange with the trainers. If necessary, learners form groups to help each other on a specific subject, in a process of Social learning. Let's take an example. We're always going to talk about cats, but this time it's about training them. All learners try, fail, give each other tips to fail in a less dismal way. The trainer, on the other hand, is present by videoconference to specify that it would be better to try it with dogs because you can't train a cat, in fact.
The flexible model is favorable to the development of learners' autonomy. Activity change does not happen collectively, but when the learner is ready to tackle a new activity. With regard to face-to-face support, it is possible to define a certain number of physical appointments to assess the achievement of objectives and check the progress of the training. In short, this approach allows learners to benefit from additional assistance, whether from the instructor or from other learners. And now, for the moment, the cat is in the mood: it's hard to do more independently (except for opening the cans of pie).
The à la carte approach
This method works mainly on online training. In practice, trainers create videos or an audio explanation to support online learners. These supports are offered through collective forums, e-mails or even instant chat (a chat in the sense of a messenger, huh, sorry if we confuse you by talking about felines). It is an online supplement that reduces in-person support.
To implement this approach, creativity must be there. Each multimedia element created refers to a specific e-learning model. It complements the learner's self-study. In addition to these materials, online support is also in place for an in-depth exchange of the subject. To do this, scheduling a Skype appointment or creating a discussion forum is recommended. They consolidate learners' knowledge and skills without requiring each party to travel. It is a particularly suitable model when learners are far away, confined due to a virus or allergic to animal hair.
The enriched model
This apprenticeship system focuses primarily on face-to-face training. It is reinforced by a few online resources when traditional education comes to an end. To use this approach, it is necessary to create an online educational tool that is accessible to learners. The trainer can use links to explanatory videos or informative sites. These supports allow you to learn more about the subject when no classical training is scheduled. It should be noted, however, that we can break the traditional side of the process, for example an original place to teach. Like in a cat bar, or “cat café”, which is not a place where cats are served, but an establishment where you drink coffee surrounded by cats. Well, it seems that as servers, they suck.
To get an idea of what the enriched model is, It is necessary to ask for the participation of learners after a course. An online simulation, an educational game, or a creative scenario (such as Story learning) are possible to practice the knowledge acquired. A variety of online resources can also be used to adopt the enriched model within the business. A cat, on the other hand, is not necessary, given its tendency to disturb you every five minutes under the pretext that meow.
Blended learning is an evolving training system. It does not remain fixed on a specific model, but improves according to circumstances. To make an informed choice, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the possible models and adapt them for the benefit of target learners. For animals, you do as you feel: if you don't like cats, dogs, elephants, or venomous snakes can be very interesting to study. Remember to have the required approvals.
