The approaches to delivering learning are diverse and varied. However, for the best companies, it is no longer a question of whether to engage in e-learning as a method to deliver learning, but when to use e-learning. Typically, when the learning must be fast-paced, enterprise-wide and focused on strategic business objectives, e-learning is an integral component of the blended model.
A quick look into the future of Blended Model learning indicates that:
There will be an increased use of internal subject matter experts, both in the development of content and in the delivery of the learning program.
With experience, organizations are learning where the hidden costs of e-learning are found and are more able to include these explicitly in their budget projections.
Increasingly, there will be a strategic contribution required from the learning, in the application of knowledge gained to real-time business problems.
Blending design and delivery options maximizes the learning and allows an extended learning continuum, rather than a limited and individual event focus.
As blended models become more popular, the learning management system will give way as the one and only end-to-end solution to a more effective holistic solution that includes HR management, learning and content management, and extends both internally and externally to suppliers and customers.
Companies need to take a hard look at their overall learning curriculum and approach, and deliberately use all the appropriate facets of the blended model to create a total learning environment. Many of the cases in this book provide best practices and ideas for designing blended learning solutions.
The ultimate goal is to meet learner expectations and requirements by converting classroom content to e-learning only where this conversion adds real value, by redesigning classroom experiences for high impact when face-to-face interactions are essential, and by ensuring that the online learning experience offered is dynamic, engaging, and fun.
In the next chapter, we will explore the technology that provides the platform for e-learning.
A blended learning model often enables you to make maximum use of all resources while providing the most benefit to learners.
The needs and context of the target audience must be well understood.
Instructional design is key.
Lecture-type material is best covered in self-paced or live e-learning sessions, not wasting valuable face-to-face time. This approach also maximizes the contribution of the subject matter experts.
Blended solutions do not need to be a 50/50 split between classroom and e-learning. In some cases, it can be 20/80.
A focus on quality deliverables promotes a positive first experience and prevents resistance to future e-learning programs.
Don't underestimate the time and resources required to define, design, develop, deploy, and maintain effective e-learning and blended programs.
Consider early in the design process the deployment strategy for your learning solution, as the deployment will have design and development implications.