Blended Learning Recipe
Many of my clients are interested in moving away from isolated learning events (classroom training, conferences etc.) and moving towards an integrated blended learning program. When strategizing about a workable solution, the question often arises as to what constitutes a good “blend”.
There is no simple answer to this question. Each organization is unique, and what works in one organization will not necessarily work in another. To begin developing a customized blended learning program, I ask clients to work with the following “Blended Learning Recipe”
_________________________________________________________________________
Blended Learning Recipe
Step 1: Examine each of the menu items below.
Menu #1 Live In-Person
Instructor Led Classroom; Coaching and Mentoring; Conference; Presentation; Workshop; Lunch and Learn
Menu #2 Live Virtual
Instructor Led Classroom Web; Webcast; Conference Call; Skype Session; Video Conference; Web Chat
Menu #3 Virtual Collaboration
Web Discussion Forum; E-mail; Blogs; Wiki
Menu #4 Self-Paced
Courseware; Podcasts; Self Assessment Tools; Archived Webcasts; Job Aids; Referenceware; Books; Articles
Step 2: Select one learning activity from each of the 4 menus. Choose learning activities that work best with your people.
Step 3: Sequence the 4 learning activities in a way that makes good learning sense.
When the activity is completed you will have a customized blended learning program for your organization!
______________________________________________________________________________
Now, of course, it is not as simple as this. A lot of time and effort has to be out into linking learning activities to performace competencies, and to aligning learning goals with business objectives.
I use the “blended learning recipe” as a starting point towards developing a customized blended learning program for clients. It provokes a lot of discussion, and it helps to establish a framework for some of the decisions we will make.