The blended learning, or blended learning, develops more academically than professionally. With several advantages, it has become the reference training method. It offers more freedom for learners who have the resources they need at all times. It optimizes the time for exchange and feedback during face-to-face sessions. It constitutes an enriching and innovative pedagogical methodology. However, it has some disadvantages that still limit its use. What are the disadvantages of blended learning and how can you overcome them? Focus.
The limits of blended learning
E-learning has a bright future in business, but what about blended learning? Here are some examples of situations that highlight the limitations of blended training.
Low motivation
Some learners do not easily assimilate the theoretical part taught at a distance. The lack of understanding is often the result of a learning method that is not adapted to the intellectual capacity of each individual. It is therefore necessary to review some points that are supposed to be acquired during face-to-face sessions. While some consider this development as an opportunity for exchanges and mutual assistance, others consider it a waste of time. They will prefer to advance their work (for the more serious ones) or hang out on social networks (the advantage is that you can exchange gossip in silence).
In addition, blended learning reduces human interaction between learners. Taking place mostly remotely, courses do not generally promote exchanges or debates.
Moreover, for the particular case of a learner used to practical courses, online theoretical modules can be demotivating. Take a pastry chef who just has to watch videos on how to make iced coconut-raspberry delight (that's an example, huh). Without being able to (literally) put my hands in the dough or taste the result. He might find that, how to put it, a bit rubbish.
Computer knowledge required
You must first know the basic technologies to advance in blended learning. It is in fact necessary to master the computer tools necessary to follow the courses and do the exercises during the theoretical part. A learner who does not yet easily handle learning materials is therefore at risk of failing in his training. On the other hand, fraud attempts are more frequent. For example, the fraudster can copy answers found on the Internet during assessment tests or during exercises. There are several plagiarism checker tools available for free on the Web, but even by confusing the cheater, you miss the objective of the training. Which is to acquire knowledge in general other than looking for answers on Google.
A costly investment
The hybrid training method requires computer equipment that has the learning materials offered by the trainers. The acquisition of this equipment and the installation of the necessary tools can be expensive. Learners do not necessarily have the means to buy them. In the context of professional training, blended learning is a real investment for the company. Note, however, that the return on investment may be worth it. For a session involving many employees or departments, it must therefore provide the computer equipment corresponding to the workforce. It is also essential to maintain the computer equipment regularly in order to ensure its proper functioning. Thus, blended learning incurs maintenance costs for training materials.
How can these disadvantages be solved?
It is possible to remedy the possible limitations of blended learning training. In the case of the abovementioned situations in particular:
A remotivation
Educational professionals suggest vary the activities during the virtual training phase in order to generate engagement on the part of the participants. Instead of offering completely theoretical training, it is preferable to add activities and practical steps to be carried out. You can also use the Gamification contents. These methods avoid getting bored from constantly staying behind a work screen. The poor pastry chef mentioned above will thus prefer a guided recipe for his coconut-raspberry delight. This approach also improves the learner's speed of understanding. The latter will thus consider the face-to-face session as an in-depth training and no longer as a waste of time for rehearsal. It is also recommended to provide materials that promote interaction between learners. Among other things, trainers can offer videoconference courses, exchange forums, collaborative activities, etc. We are getting closer to Social learning, which often creates a strong commitment among learners.
A computer learning workshop
It is recommended to use easy to handle work tools to provide semi-face-to-face training. It is also possible to offer a first face-to-face session. This can take the form of a workshop during which participants meet their trainers, discover the content and the objective of the courses... It will also be used to show learners how to use the materials made available to them. The most advanced can guide the youngest, in a process of Peer learning. Mishandling learning tools risks wasting resources. It should be noted that information technologies play an important role currently, in professional and even personal life. It is therefore essential to encourage learners to become familiar with the necessary tools. When they no longer have difficulty using them, they can invest more in carrying out their tasks.
A profitable investment
Offering hybrid training involves costs that can seem expensive. However, it is only a short-term expense. Once learners are familiar with the modules offered and the learning objective achieved, they will bring real added value to the company. In fact, training makes it possible to increase the skills of each employee and to optimize their qualification in carrying out the work. It thus contributes to the improvement of the company's productivity and allows it to remain competitive on the market. On the learner's side, training promotes personal development and optimizes skills. It allows it to become fully operational and autonomous. So, a pastry shop that offers iced coconut and raspberry delights will gain fame and attract more customers (not because it's super good, really).
Blended learning combines two types of training. On the one hand, it offers distance education, which is generally theoretical. On the other hand, it includes face-to-face sessions for exchanges and adjustments with trainers. It has numerous advantages, establishing it as the current reference pedagogical methodology. However, there are some limitations to its use, such as lack of motivation, the cost of training and the ability to adapt to technological tools. However, the limits and silos of blended learning can be exceeded for an optimized and personalized pedagogy.
