Blended Learning: more than a buzz word

Blended Learning is a hot topic, but simply put it means training by whatever methods are most suitable.

Often blended learning refers to a mix of e-Learning and class room based teaching. Worse still, it can sometimes mean independent e-learning and classroom courses sold together. Yet two reports this month brighten the picture.

The first, a nice piece of research into blended learning attitudes, found that 81% of organisations surveyed believe blended learning is an effective means of learning. In the second report, firms offering blended learning feature highly in the Top 50 IT Training Providers.

The best approaches to blended learning employ an mix of delivery media, appropriate to the topic and the trainees. This should include classroom training, practical training, web-based training, virtual classrooms, books and on-the-job training. Put like this, blended learning is an idea that all training courses should employ. It is simply applying common sense to the form of training.

If you are looking for a training provider, UK Training News recommends that you find one who can cater to your needs. Don't be talked into accepting inappropriate elements simply because it is part of a "balanced learning approach". e-Learning is not always appropriate, but a classroom based element usually is. Let's keep blended learning hot, by using it appropriately.

 

Written by Dick James, the editor of UK Training News.