The adoption of Blended Learning has become a must in terms of training to engage learners and offer them more flexibility. This learning system is evolving at a rapid pace and makes use of the various possible technologies. It combines classroom training with the use of digital educational tools. What are the best practices to adopt in order for the training to be both attractive and effective? Overview.
Setting goals when designing training
It is not enough to combine two types of pedagogical approaches to address the True blended learning. Training must be designed wisely. To achieve optimal results, the setting of the objectives to be achieved must be done well before designing or putting into practice the training plan. Knowledge of the objectives guides towards the ideal pedagogical approach.
If young learners are not very engaged, the use of technology is recommended. One mobile learning strategy, for example, allows learners to access information from anywhere, anytime, and on any device. However, if the knowledge acquired by the learners remains insufficient after the training, frequent evaluations should be carried out. The ideal is to offer a short quiz or a practical exercise during classroom training to instantly assess the level of information retention.
Varying learning approaches
In terms of blended learning strategy, it is recommended to switch from one pedagogical approach to another for more flexibility. The classroom sessions and the sessions in Mobile learning Or in elearning must be alternated wisely, because they are complementary. The presentation of the subject to be studied can be done during classical training, while online training ensures that the subject is remembered and put into practice. This alternation allows better assimilation of knowledge. The tutor is in a position to assess the learner's level of adaptation during the classroom session to guide them towards the appropriate online training. Note that the latter can be adjusted at the level of each person to evolve at their own pace.
Create a personalized training itinerary
Each learner has their own level and pace of learning. In order for him to acquire the required skills, the tutor must create a training itinerary at his level. This personalization is done via the e-learning or mobile learning platform used. However, it requires some prerequisites, including the use of a questionnaire to analyze expectations or assess skills.
The idea is to provide as explicit information as possible by providing him with animation materials (explanatory video, animated slideshow, educational film, visual, etc.) and training tools for remote sessions. The evolution of the learner must be at the center of training.
Equipping yourself with the right tools
Blended learning is a learning device that allows you to learn anywhere and anytime. Les preferred tools must allow this accessibility so that learners can review and revise a specific subject or module. Concretely, they should have the opportunity to focus on a module already studied in order to better assimilate it or tackle another subject, at any time. For a successful pedagogical approach, the use of the right tools is essential, including:
- One information base up to date and accessible on various terminals: it must allow documentation, the creation of quizzes and FAQs while recording each session in order to measure its impact, etc.
- One mobile learning platform to reinforce classroom and distance learning: it may include the microlearning (ideal tool for remembering information) and the Gamification (ideal tool to make training fun and attractive).
Request feedback from learners
Learners' feedback is of paramount importance in determining the effectiveness of the pedagogical approach put in place. Feedback allows you to know the opinion of participants about the training in order to improve it. If more than an hour of face-to-face training reduces their concentration, another approach should be taken to capture their attention. Likewise, if digital e-learning tools receive constructive criticism (need for an update, an easy option, etc.), improvement is required.
Feedback should be collected regularly to deploy an effective blended learning strategy adapted to learners. This initiative makes it possible to review all the areas for improvement. It is essential to capitalize on the difficulties encountered in order to solve them in the best possible way.
Assessing the impact of blended learning
To verify that the blended learning strategy is really effective, all you have to do is assess its impact on the learners and on the organization. It should lead to positive and productive changes for the benefit of each party. To assess it, reference should be made to specific indicators, such as the rate of participation and completion of courses, the modules most taken, the average score of quizzes and assessment exercises, etc. Of course, these indicators can be calculated automatically via the digital training tools used. Even the amount of time the learner spends studying is recorded.
Apart from assessing learner involvement, the impact can also be measured on the ground. If training is effective, interaction and communication between employees become more fluid. The same is true when it comes to sales, as customer relationships are improved and productivity increases.
These best practices aim at the total understanding and assimilation of training in order to meet the needs of learners and achieve predefined objectives. It is important to choose the right approach, to invest in good tools and to measure the evolution of learners to ensure the success of blended learning.
