Training packages - Blended learning

Recent moves have been towards a training approach called 'blended learning'.

This is not because e-learning has proven less successful than at first anticipated, rather that developers have realised the online learning environment can use a range of training techniques to cater for all learning types and preferences, thereby leveraging achievement.

Textbooks online

When the option of online learning was first mooted, initial material just went up online. The user referred to it as if they were reading a book. Material was text based, and the only indication it was web based was the use of colour and colour photos.

Later material became highly graphic, audio was added and tiny slivers of video could be shown, just because these technologies were developing. It all looked highly colourful, but it didn't suit learners at home on low-spec computers, and even some organisations or schools.

CD-ROMs

CD-ROMs became the way to go because they allowed high-end, multi-media learning on the user's computer and not over a network system. The creation of this learning software was done on expensive authoring programs.

When video and audio was added the costs skyrocketed. These learning programs certainly built-in a lot of interactivity, but on the whole they were an expert-to-learner push of information, even if the information was delivered in a creative way that developed higher level skills.

Blended learning

Nowadays the move is toward blended learning. This type of learning gives the learner less information and expects them to fill in the gaps from their own research. Blended learning gives the learner clues as to where the knowledge could be found and rewards them when they find it.

The blend may include:

• Online research
• Programmed activities
• Access to a range of media such as video and audio tracks, that the learner listens to or views off-line
• Reading from books and papers
• Group work
• Conference calls
• Real-time chat
• Postings on bulletin boards
• Experiential learning activities

Some blended learning allows the learner to direct what they learn, but this means a tutor must be actively involved in the process and assess for development of skills rather than knowledge - definitely appropriate for some business application training.

Our example

When the RNZ Navy wanted to pilot some learning online, Edutech KM was one of the successful tenders and went on to complete three modules. Although the navy needed to impart a lot of knowledge to trainees, we saw that there was a great potential to teach them skills, and have them gather and apply the knowledge, rather than just have it spoon-fed to them.

Scenarios

We built scenarios (text-based) and asked trainees to consult the Navy Defence Force Orders to find out specific answers to a situation. This was to get trainees into the habit of looking up 'the rules'.

After consulting the DFOs they made a selection. Selections were often neither right nor wrong, and could lead to different solutions.

Learners could apply their learning to a number of different scenarios, so building up their general familiarity with the contents of the DFOs as they went. The key outcome, however, was that they were learning an attitude - don't guess … consult.

Experiential learning

Experiential learning can best be described as learning by doing in a safe environment where failure is okay and leads to new learning. Experiential learning exercises parallel real life roles and result in learning that can be applied to real life work situations.

Experiential learning exercises are challenging to design because they must be multi-layered, create enough dead ends and red herrings to keep people thinking and have a logical end point that doesn't need to be the same for every team. In fact, the learning for the group is that there are many ways to achieve the same end, and listening to everyone's ideas may offer different solutions.

Designing an experiential learning exercise is not an easy matter. There are many experiential learning activities on the 'Net that can be adapted to fit a scenario that feels comfortable or fits with worksite culture. Each one will guide participants toward self-discovery or new appreciation of the skills they already possess.

Is blended learning for you?

If you want to discuss the options, the power of blended learning and how it might help your organisation flourish, please phone 64-3-337-0234, or send an inquiry by clicking here.

Edutech KM Ltd

PO Box 25-241, Victoria Street, Christchurch;
phone: 64-3-337-0234
fax: 64-3-337-0235
info@edutechkm.com
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