The *New* Influential Trends, July 2, 2001
Volume 3, Issue #15 - A Learner's Perspective on Blended Learning

The Full Story

By Bob Mosher, Computer Training World Faculty and Executive Director of Education
Element K, www.elementk.com

Blended Learning is a way in which a learner is allowed to mix and match different learning mediums, from print to on-line, so that they best help learners achieve their learning objectives and outcomes. It doesn't mean only on-line and it doesn't mean just a bunch of options from which learners select one. Blended means that the learner moves in and out of these options throughout the learning journey.

Every learner and learning scenario is different. We know how complex an adult learner can be since the early 1900's yet we consistently put learners into classrooms or single solutions and wonder why these approaches don't meet everyone's learning styles. TRUE blended solutions are the learners’ training portfolio, not a component to be added.

The biggest challenge is selling the option and assessing it appropriately. More "blended implementations" fail because of very poor execution, not poor content or delivery materials. The content and materials are just tools, not a blended solution in and of themselves.

A learning organization needs to be introduced and taught a new learning paradigm in order for blended learning to work. Blended solutions are new and need to be accepted in an evolutionary, and well planned, way in order for them to work.

Learners also need to be assessed properly to use the correct approach and that means more then just simple skills assessment. Competencies and roles also need to be included in the assessments so the students are sure to be using their time wisely and on tasks they actually do in their daily jobs. Boredom is a killer in e-learning and much of this comes from learners taking options and sections they never should have in the first place because they didn't map to their need and outcomes.

The biggest drawback to Blended Learning is overkill! The training industry tends to go overboard with everything, particularly new things like blended learning. Put quite simply, it's just one more way to reach a learner and have them succeed in their learning.

Blended Learning is clearly here to stay and will find it's way into the existing learning options we have now. Classrooms didn't take the placeof books, VCR's didn't close classrooms, CBT didn't remove VCR's, and the list goes on. The Training Industry is always looking for the "golden goose" of learning. The "one size fits all approach" which will finally be the ONE way all learners will succeed. Why can't trainers look at all the research and realize that learners like, and deserve, it ALL! Rather then replace, why can't a new method like e-learning make the others better?

We have a golden opportunity to look at where we've been, what's been successful, and what needs to change now that we have a wonderful option like eLearning to add to our offerings!! That's a blended solution....

Computer Training World IS Blended Learning. Come experience it for yourself by registering online at http://www.influent.com/ctw2001 and click on the red Register button.

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