How is blended learning implemented in corporate?

Blended learning incorporate education is basically uniting face-to-face and distance training formats. In this article, I will present, in general, how blended learning can increase the learning of your employees.

The objective is not to show a ready-made formula for implementing blended learning in companies, but rather to expose the main aspects and benefits of this solution. Come on?

What is blended learning?

As I said initially,  blended learning  ( b-learning ), or hybrid learning, refers to a training system that mixes classroom and distance pedagogical activities.

This concept of mixed education is quite present in the academic environment, with the so-called blended courses.

Blended  learning  in the corporate environment

On the training modalities offered on a larger scale:

• 50% of companies reported  predominantly using face-to-face teaching ;
• 35% of companies reported  predominantly using distance learning (internet and intranet) ;
• 14% of companies reported predominantly using blended learning.

Why use blended learning

• 50% of the companies mentioned the  reduction of the time of face-to-face training  as the main reason;
• 29% of the companies mentioned the reduction in the amount of travel by instructors/multipliers as the main reason;
• 7% of the companies indicated the  increase in sales  as the main reason;
• 7% of companies mentioned  agility in launching new products  as the main reason;
• 7% of the companies mentioned the greater speed in answering specific questions as the main reason.

Face-to-face teaching X distance learning

Blended learning seeks to bring together two very different teaching methodologies, each with its own characteristics. Face-to-face teaching and distance learning.

Features of face-to-face training

Face-to-face teaching, due to the physical proximity between specialist and collaborator (or teacher and student), has a more personal air and usually generates greater engagement and lower dropout rates.

In face-to-face teaching, the specialist immediately receives feedback from employees and is able to easily adapt the content to better serve each of the classes. In addition, in the classroom, the student has fewer distractions and can focus their attention more fully on the content presented. 

Features of distance training

Distance learning makes it possible to reach a greater number of employees (commonly used by companies with a lot of geographic dispersion) and, therefore, usually has a  very low cost in the long run. In addition, all the content can be consulted, updated, and tracked without great difficulties. Distance learning also allows flexibility of time and place of performance, bringing practicality and control to the employee.

Advantages of  blended learning

Using the blended learning format in corporate education is an interesting option for those who want to combine the benefits of each of the learning modalities (face-to-face and distance learning).

Here are some of the main advantages of this training format:

• Cost reduction: In a  blended learning strategy, distance education can reduce the face-to-face workload. In this way, costs for specialists and professors are reduced. In addition, online content can be easily updated, which eliminates the need for new face-to-face training in case of occasional changes to the content.
• Diversification of learning: Different people learn in different ways. Therefore, blended learning is more likely to be effective for more employees, who have different levels of skills and abilities. Therefore, enabling multiple learning environments is a way to optimize training in your organization.
• Introducing the e-Learning culture into the organization: Blended learning is an interesting way to introduce the e-Learning culture into organizations that have a predominant history of face-to-face training. Merging face-to-face training with distance learning can make employees better adapt to this technological scenario that has been transforming corporate education worldwide. (and that accelerated so much with the coming of the pandemic)

What approach to use in  blended learning

Different contents require different approaches in relation to their teaching. In blended learning,  we have the possibility to present each content in the most appropriate way.

Here are some  tips  on which topics to cover in each of the methodologies:

What to teach remotely

More objective contents, despite being able to be taught face-to-face, are very well suited to distance approaches.

See some examples:

•  More theoretical and conceptual contents, which require careful reading;
• Demonstration of systems and software, which can be tried out by employees virtually;
• Presentation of processes, which can be visually explained through schematics and among others.

What to teach face to face

More complex and subjective contents, although they can be addressed at a distance, are enhanced in face-to-face teaching.

See some examples:

• Behavioral contents, which require social interaction and are based on experiences;
• Manual operations  of tools and equipment, which can be demonstrated directly by the specialist;
• Contents that seek transformation and improvement of processes, since discussions are fundamental.

Assessment strategies in  blended learning

Training that mixes face-to-face and distance learning also allows the trainee to be evaluated in these different environments.

Here are some  advantages of assessment  in each of the teaching modalities: 

Face-to-face assessment

The face-to-face assessment allows:

• Total  control over the student's activities and sources of consultation  during the assessment;
• Cover, in an easy and direct way, the quality of student participation.

Remote assessment

Remote assessment allows:

• Generate  automated notes, which reduces the work of the specialist or leader;
• Reach a greater number of collaborators.

Would you like to know about this live? Request a Demo. It is totally free, you will be able to observe SuccessFactors operating live, with business scenarios similar to those of your business, and resolve any questions you may have with the advice of a specialized consultant.