Blended learning, also known as « learning mixt », is a form of training that began to develop in the early 2000s. This method is rapidly gaining ground, and many companies are trying to make it their own. But how can you use blended learning in your business? Here’s what you need to know!

1. What is blended learning?

To understand what blended learning means, you first need to know what a traditional training model is. Not all training courses are alike. In the 60s, the grandes écoles were created to compensate for the lack of education. The idea was to allow the most motivated students to learn on their own during this time.

In most schools, a teacher holds lectures in front of a class. Students sit in a circle to listen to the teacher and ask questions. The course is followed by an examination and assessment, and then the class is replaced by another.

Today, many training courses have evolved to meet the needs of the world of work. Blended learning made its appearance in the early 2000s. This training model is a blend of face-to-face training and e-learning. In other words, some courses are taken face-to-face, while others are delivered via an e-learning platform.

Blended learning is very practical, as it allows you to attend face-to-face courses and take other courses via an e-learning platform. Although the number of courses using this training model is still limited, it looks set to expand in the years to come.

Why have the grandes écoles developed a training model like blended learning?

Quite simply, because it enables schools to stand out from the crowd and offer courses that are better adapted to the needs of the job market. Most of these schools have implemented this training model to attract a larger number of students.

When you were asked why you didn’t prefer this training over others, you probably replied that it was because this training model better suited your situation. You didn’t necessarily want to go to face-to-face classes every day, but that didn’t stop you from being interested in the training you were going to take. So you can choose to take e-learning or face-to-face courses, as you wish.

While we agree that the grandes écoles have developed this training model to attract more students, we can also say that it has helped them stand out from the crowd. Indeed, it’s not just the grandes écoles that offer this training model. Many private and public schools offer blended learning courses. So if you want to stand out from the crowd, it’s best not to follow this training model!

Finally, it can be said that blended learning is a training model that adapts to the needs of the job market.

2. The benefits of blended learning

It’s true that blended learning is a training model that is very popular with companies. In today’s fast-paced world, where everything has to be done in less time, companies need to develop training methods that are both effective and fast. Blended learning seems to be one of the solutions best adapted to the expectations of the job market.

On the other hand, blended learning is also very popular with students. It allows them to work at their own pace, without having to rush. What’s more, it lets them choose for themselves when they want to work and what they want to work on.

But blended learning isn’t just a training model! No, it’s a model that adapts to all audiences and can be used in all situations. In fact, it can be used in any industry.

Furthermore, blended learning can take many different forms. We have seen that this is a training model that adapts to the needs of the job market. However, it is also used by companies to become more competitive and successful in the marketplace.

This training model can also be used by students who want to train while working. It allows students to follow their training without having to travel, and to work at their own pace. What’s more, it can enable them to supplement their training with work experience.

In short, blended learning is a training model that adapts to all audiences and situations. It enables companies to be more effective in the marketplace, and students to combine training with professional experience.

3. Blended learning pedagogy

When using blended learning, pedagogy must be adapted to each situation. The learner is required to adapt to different situations. He has to be prepared for the unexpected. However, we mustn’t forget that rules are important in this training model.

Furthermore, teaching methods can vary for the same learner. It all depends on your situation and level of experience. Indeed, it makes sense for blended learning to be used to train learners with professional experience. However, it is also conceivable that this type of training could be used to train someone who has never worked before.

What’s more, blended learning lends itself well to group work. We can imagine a group of learners getting together to learn about the same subject. This will help them realize their differences and commonalities.

The shape of blended learning pedagogy

It’s important to know that pedagogy must be varied and adapted to the learner and the content. Indeed, the same training model cannot be applied to all learners. What’s more, it’s not necessary to use only traditional teaching methods to train learners.

New technologies such as social networks and discussion forums can also be used.

For example, to train a new learner, it’s possible to teach him or her a first part of the content in the traditional way. However, the second part of the course will be taught using an innovative teaching method. If this method works well and the learner has understood the content, it will be possible to use this method for all learners.

4. Why choose a blended learning approach?

There are several reasons why blended learning is becoming increasingly popular. Here are just a few examples:

Blended learning is changing the way learners are trained. It is therefore highly beneficial for both the company and the learner. The learner does his or her own work, enabling fast, effective learning. Training is tailored to your needs and can be taken at your own pace.

Blended learning reduces training costs. Whether it’s a question of premises, trainers, IT resources or learner equipment, blended learning reduces costs.

Blended learning is best suited to online training. Indeed, the latter often requires a great deal of motivation to be followed. It’s not always possible to attract learners to the school or training center. Blended learning helps to keep them motivated, by offering training at their own pace.

Blended learning helps bridge the digital divide between the rich and the poor. Online training is now accessible to everyone. In this way, the most disadvantaged have access to the same knowledge as everyone else.

Blended learning increases learner motivation. In fact, online training is often more motivating and interesting than on-site training. Learners can use their own work devices and follow the program at their own pace.

Text source: www.instants-web-formation.fr