The Future of Blended Corporate Learning in 2021

One of the results of the current pandemic situation is its multiple effects on workplace training. Organizations have been forced to change the way they deliver learning sessions. And this includes introducing multiple tweaks in the existing Learning Management System as well. Many companies are redesigning and opting for blended aka hybrid learning. In this new normal, the time has arrived to think of creating and implementing an impactful blended learning model. But how do you do that? How do you curate the ideal eLearning Management System, which is sure to not break down in the event of another disruptive change. Let’s see.

Businesses are dealing with this unexpected shift from offline learning to remote training. Within a short time frame, we have witnessed a huge transformation from well-structured and well-planned corporate learning to a more agile operational learning model. Blended learning is now preferred by many companies since it is a flexible and cost-effective option. It gives learners the option to work and learn at the same time. A combination of conventional training and online training enables corporates to assume complete control of how, when, and where their workforce chooses to learn.

Blended learning brings in the best of both worlds -- face-to-face aka instructor-led training and eLearning aka digital training. When you implement a hybrid model, you can achieve that rare combination of synchronous learning and learning at your own place and pace. You can additionally use blended learning to serve as a part of the continuous learning journey experience for the learner.

A continuous learning journey or a culture of learning is defined as a practice where the learner can access knowledge -- not only during offline and online learning sessions but also during the forgetting period. If you already did not know this, learners, after absorbing a piece of information, tend to forget it, within a few days of the class. In order to overcome this obstacle, companies can come up with a blended corporate training program, composed of content segmented in bite-sized nuggets -- also known as microlearning. Microlearning proves extremely efficient in helping trainees to recall the learning and apply it better on the job.

Another strategy to make blended learning interesting is to embed the sessions with online games. They can additionally be given the option to download a PDF of the best practices covered in training. This helps in ensuring that the blended learning program offers a complete and full-fledged experience.

The future blended learning model can start with pre-training reading material, followed up by virtual learning sessions, or eLearning modules. It can also include an eLearning program as an introduction awareness session, coupled with hands-on workshop classes plus microlearning nuggets. Additionally, since virtual training sessions have already become a norm, you can use a combination of tools like Zoom, Webex, and Google Hangout, among others, to boost learning and deliver the required business impact.