Blended Learning: The best of Video and ILT training

Blended learning is a much heard word that has been thrown around quite a bit lately and takes together the best of both e-learning and classroom learning. In fact, it appears to be the best solution overall since it appeals to all learning settings, styles, demands and needs. It synergizes the support of the classroom learning with the flexibility of e-learning. When it comes to blended learning, yourtrainingedge.com[1] has developed a model that incorporates the best of video ad ILT (Instructor Led Training). It implies integrating the best practices and principles of both learning forms and applying in any learning environment to get synergized learning outcomes, which could otherwise not have been possible being alone[2]. In this post, I am going to share some background information, previous literature and the way blended learning is getting the best out of video and ILT training.

Formally, the blended learning is defined as a formal education program where the learners learn at least in part through online delivery of the instruction and content with some component of student control over place, time, path or pace. The supporter of blended training argue that by integrating the asynchronous internet communication technologies into simultaneous collaborative and independent learning experience is facilitated, and this aids massively to learners satisfaction and success in those courses[3]. Blended training however is mainly based on the technical resources with which the learning experience is transmitted-those tools are required to be updated, user friendly and reliable so as to give a meaningful impact. These tools aid learners to review or learn main concepts, stay well organized, show their progress, submit tasks and assignments, track their achievement and interact. Blended training for instance, uses a learning management system (LMS) in order to teach and support classroom learning[4]. Having an access to the LMS, learners can have an easy access to high quality course materials, calendars and assignments at any time. This is the core or the basic explanation of a blended learning.

Now let’s come to the side of training. Blended learning is probably one of the hottest buzzes in the training world and is generally implied as mixing the traditional ILT (Instructor Led training) training or face to face interaction or classroom facilitation to computer based modules or communication technologies, which are usually safe paced online training. In this regard, blending of ILT with interactive video training is gaining more momentum than other blended forms. This is because this blended training form extends the training beyond single event, enables trainees and learners to absorb training on their own time, leaves meaningful classroom time for more skill development activities and saves cost by reducing the work stoppages and travel costs of classroom based training[5]. In one of my last posts, I have already explained the significance of video training for learning and problem solving skill development among the learners. Though it was mainly in the context of corporate training, academia is also getting benefited from this digital learning mode.

Most of the corporate trainers seem to adopt blended learning; integrating specifically the best practices of video training blended with best principles of Instructor Led Training (ILT). Latest advances in communication and multimedia technologies have led to powerful learning systems with the best training video elements. The emergence of interactive, digital and non-linear video training enables learners to interact with it. This enhances learner’s engagement and, thus improves problem solving skills. A key media trait of training video is random access to the video content. It implies that users are able to select or play a particular segment with minimal search time. The idea is not new but passing through time, to be in new forms.

When you blend the best features of video training and ILT principles, your training goals possess higher chances to reap the following benefits[6]:

• Provision of an effective learner oriented pedagogy
• Enhancement and improvement in traditional Instructor Led Training sessions
• Maximized hands-on and classroom participation
• Provision of easy and faster access to participants and learners to resources and technologies
• Increased student engagement and learning activities
• Possibility of flexible scheduling both for the instructors and learners
• It is a cost effective solution

I could not be more simpler than saying this, imagine yourself as a learner loosing concentration in 2 hours Instructor Led Training, and suddenly you are exposed to some interesting, informative and appealing video just demonstrating whatever your instructor has just told. It won’t be just an energizer for you but also helps to gather concentration for the rest of the session, along with increasing the percentage of active participation.

Blended training is becoming the norm of the day, becoming a constituent of the modern corporate training strategy today and soon we will be experience its advancer forms.

[1] Yourtrainingedge.com
[2] https://elearningindustry.com/why-blended-learning-is-better
[3] https://www.mindflash.com/blog/why-blended-learning-is-really-just-blended-training/
[4] http://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelhorn/2016/02/04/blended-learning-universe-upgrades-to-drive-educator-learning-networking/#69062b0669e5
[5] http://www.christenseninstitute.org/advancing-personalized-learning-with-purpose/

 Copyright 2016 Bryant Nielson. All Rights Reserved.

Bryant Nielson – Managing Director of CapitalWave Inc.– Being a big believer in Technology Enabled Learning, Bryant seeks to create awareness, motivate adoption and engage organizations and people in the changing business of education. Bryant is a entrepreneur, trainer, and strategic training adviser for many organizations. Bryant’s business career has been based on his results-oriented style of empowering the individual.  Learn more about Bryant at LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bryantnielson