Examples of blended learning to improve employee engagement scores
Online learning is praised for its convenience, affordability, and flexibility. Offline learning provides a sense of camaraderie and a human touch. Either option has drawbacks, but when you merge them in the right combination, you get the best results. So what are some actionable techniques you can apply to improve the effectiveness of blended training? Let’s look at some top-notch blended learning examples to improve employee engagement using your new blended learning LMS.
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Boost sales statistics with blended learning: choose the best solution for your team
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5 examples of blended learning to increase employee engagement
1. ILT sessions followed by social media discussions
Usually, a blended learning program will include online lessons that will be summarized through in-person discussions. So you could study for five days on your own and then have class sessions on the weekend or even at the end of the month. Because they are so few in number and so far apart, classroom sessions will often cram a lot of material into a short period of time. Instructors can distribute handouts or slideshows for trainees to study on their own. Then they can have formal discussions on closed social media groups to further analyze the content. These discussions can be moderated by the instructor, just to keep everyone on task. Additionally, the instructor will notice any passive trainees and gently entice them with focused questions. It shouldn’t be done in an arrogant format. Instead, the instructor can ask the “silent” trainee specific questions to tap into their expertise. It makes them feel seen, valued and therefore engaged.
2. Live events paired with tracking simulations that provide a real-world experience
This is similar to the example above, except instead of a class, it’s more social. A class may have a teacher who lectures while the trainees sit and listen. An event may have multiple speakers who do not engage individuals directly. Instead of lectures, they could give speeches or multimedia presentations. They demonstrate relevant skills and tasks. There could also be a series of smaller booths for each speaker and trainees would circulate around the booths. Or even webinars that cover different aspects of the subject. Later, L&D can select specific tasks from the event and design simulations. These virtual exercises invite trainees to practice the skills they observed during the event. Simulations are also a useful way to take these skills and present them in a more realistic way. For example, an event demo may have explained Google Maps. A simulation can have trainees apply mapping skills to help them find a safer and cheaper transportation route, or direct a customer to a nearby branch.
3. Give employees access to a JIT library so they can fill in the gaps on their own
Asking for help is sometimes seen as a sign of weakness. It could be the product of childhood experiences or the result of office politics and corporate sabotage. Either way, it’s a crucial balance. You want to allow employees to retain their sense of competence, both in themselves and in the eyes of their colleagues. But you don’t want to sacrifice company mistakes at the feet of pride. JIT libraries are a good way to solve both. Unlike a fleshed-out lesson, JIT blended learning LMS resources focus on the exact task. When you need a refresh in parallel parking, you won’t waste your time with auto parts and product labels. It will give you a quick plan of direct steps you can follow. And it will put them in plain, easy-to-digest language because you only have a few minutes. They are specially designed for quick consumption and application, as they are often used when you only have a few seconds.
4. Branching Scenarios Involving Offline Components
Decision making is a key skill, especially cause and effect. Branching scenarios help you make tough choices under pressure. But they also show you the consequences of those selections. It trains you to always think three or four steps ahead, even for the smallest workplace decision. With blended learning software, scenarios can be presented as simple text messages or detailed animations. Add some realism by having some of these scenarios take trainees offline. For example, they are presented with a dilemma and asked to choose door A or door B. Behind the digital door, there is an instruction to log off. Let’s say they’ve been asked to venture into the electronics or housewares department. They must physically go to the place of their choice to search for the product in question or meet the needs of a customer. It’s good exercise, it gets the adrenaline pumping and increases their investment in the course. It’s also more fun, and they’ll likely remember the material better, thanks to environmental (and physical) cues.
5. Flipped classroom session based on virtual pre-assignments
In most school scenarios, students listen to a lecture, take notes, and then revise them at home. One of the best examples of blended learning reverses the model. Send trainees their notes and study materials ahead of time. Ask them to go through the content and list all the questions. During the classroom session, give them the reins. They can ask anything that is unclear or explain concepts to their colleagues. It’s kind of like a book report, but more in-depth and with added interaction.
Conclusion
In theory, a blended learning LMS is a boon for your budget. But it can be just as useless as any other form of training unless you do it right. So what are some practical tips you can apply to get the most out of your blended training program? Ask the instructor to lead a class and then orchestrate more social media discussions. Invite trainees to live events and create simulations around what they see and hear at those events. Provide a comprehensive JIT library and design branching scenarios that go from inline to off and back. Send learning materials to your trainees via email. Then set a date to meet and discuss the material in class.
It all starts with a realistic budget, an action plan, and the right compliance training LMS. One online directory is a great place to review your best options and choose a system that fits your budget.
You can also download the e-book Boost sales statistics with blended learning: choose the best solution for your team to find out which blended learning LMS is a wise investment for your organization.
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