Leadership Lessons: Blended Learning

Two for one... From a training perspective, sophisticated technologies provide endless opportunities for the delivery of training. They offer just about every combination you can think of between the classroom and online. In a recent study on lifelong learning trends, students preferred a moderate amount of technology in their learning programs, viewing it as supplemental to classroom instruction.

Technology can be one of the major keys to success when applied properly. It satisfies the need to keep employees engaged; it satisfies customers both internally and externally; it also offers employees learning opportunities.

Some Perspective

Originally, most people thought "blended" learning would save them time in the classroom. What we are finding is that rather than saving time, blended learning offers higher value and more effective training. Thus, when participants complete an online module prior to an upcoming class, they come to class armed with the basic terminology and skill points. This knowledge positions them to be ready for discussion and practice. With blended learning, they have the additional advantage of returning online for reinforcement and practice to further ingrain their new skills. This is what real blended learning is all about.

In a recent study conducted by the University Continuing Education Association (UCEA), more than 80 percent of Chief Learning Officers indicated that online learning strategies would play an increasing role in their companies over the next two or three years.

Studies also indicated that learners appreciated trainers, who used the technology wisely to guide participants through online learning and add value to the process.

It is also important to have high quality and alignment with the content -- There needs to be a strong connection between the material taught and the practices and objectives of the organization. When training and business practices are in sync, productivity and improved performance are not far behind.

A Solution Look for organizations that provide both online components and classroom elements that mirror each other. These components might include fully- accessible online videos and skill practice exercises that can support the classroom component and that can be replayed by the learner at a later time for reinforcement of the skills learned. The flexibility of the online component should allow you to structure the learning segments for use before and after the classroom portion of the course.

At Vital Learning Corporation we have readily available programs in formats that allow you to transition and blend traditional classroom training with online. Blended learning has gone strategic. Is it time for your organization to follow?

The Vital Learning curriculum is designed to meet your training and budgetary needs. Want to learn more about "Blended Learning" or the complete Vital Learning leadership development curriculum? Available in Classroom, Online, or Blended delivery options, the Vital Learning curriculum includes the following essential topics.

• Delegating - understanding when to use delegation and how to make it motivating
• Complaints - being able to effectively manage complaints
  
• Coaching - knowing how to productively coach job skills
  
• Project Management - being able to run projects, both on-time and on-budget
  
• Conflict - understanding how to successfully resolve conflict
  
• Hiring Winning Talent- knowing what to do to consistently hire the right talent
  
• Providing Feedback - understanding how to establish performance goals and standards and give feedback
  
• And more...

For detail go to www.TheLearningEngine.org