The future of learning is blended!

Covid-19 has send a very clear message to the L&D community: the future of learning is blended. With all our projects going blended we learned so much over the last few months. And for me one of the key lessons learned is that blended learning is (and should be) so much more than ‘just’ combining digital learning tools with classroom learning. 

Blended is fun and impactful

There is so much in store for your participants and your organization to get the most from your investment in learning! I am e.g. thinking of virtual classes, webinars, digital content, assessments, coaching, games and platforms. This helps your participants to learn, support and network. You can combine micro-, and macro learning. Directed, and self-directed learning. And link what they learn directly related to day to day work. All these elements ensure that your learners are intrinsically motivated to learn and do not feel pushed to participate. Does it sound complex? These are some tips to launch your blended learning program.

Launching your blended program

So how to put this together and implement an impactful blended program? 

#Objectives

Creating a blended learning journey starts with understanding the need and defining the concrete objectives. What is the performance issue? It makes the purpose of the program clear for the business and its people.

#Design

Next what we do is that we work together with our client to design the program, based on our best practices and standard building blocks. For example, we define which parts of the learning experience benefit most from an online, self-study approach. And which parts are better to tackle with a group of colleagues. Should we do this face to face or virtual? At which moment in the learning journey do we add workplace assignments to solidify the learning and give people that added sense of purpose? We often add simple gamification elements such as scores, badges and leaderboards. Additional intrinsic motivators are crafted throughout the program. 

#Execution

The program is tested and then introduced to the whole target group. We activate our learners through our learner engagement plan and kick-offs. In addition, our trainers are online facilitators as well; capable of delivering a great learning experience to the group. Using the learning platform’s social features. This links perfectly to the face-to-face moments (be it in-person when possible, or virtual).

#Measurement

We measure results constantly and adjust the program where and when needed. Our learning platform gives us relevant usage and engagement data. Feedback sessions with the client ensure we have a perfect understanding of how well a program connects to the work floor reality. Together, the datapoints generate information for our project leads to act upon, even during the lifecycle of one learning track.

To make our blended programs even more impactful we invest in Artificial Intelligence to further personalize learning (for instance recommendations based on user appreciation), and generally make use of data and feedback to continuously improve programs. We also use various co-working tools to stimulate social learning. 

How do you bring blended to your organization?

Share your tips in the comments or contact me if you want to discuss further. Lets make blended learning fun and impactfull together!