This week’s task was to create a “best practices” guide for a training manager who has gained his company’s permission to convert his current classroom-only training courses to a blended learning format. Blended learning combines classroom time with online time, and requires a change in the materials used as well as the methods of instruction. In blended learning, the trainer becomes a facilitator, guiding and encouraging the employee learners as they make their way through training. The learners, in the meantime, are removed from their passive classroom roles and compelled to interact with one another and with a variety of online resources. They will be involved in discussion boards with the guidance of the trainer. They may view video instruction or narrated presentations. They might listen to podcasts created for their courses. Above all, they will begin to interact with one another in discussion board environments, and possibly in the creation of problem-solving, collaborative online wikis. In addition to the increased interaction among learners, blended learning offers the advantages of time savings, and allows the diverse employee population to be trained with consideration for a variety of learning styles.

          As the conclusion of my “Best Practices” guide says, the move from classroom-only to blended instruction for job training requires careful planning, and with consideration to the various elements included in this type of learning experience, will provide a successful outcome for the employee/learners and for the company. The use of pre-planning strategies, along with thoughtful choice of materials and attention to the needs of the learners, will ensure that company objectives for training are met while employees benefit from the instruction and apply it to their own work performance. Encouraging interactivity among learners will have positive effects in the workplace, as team performance is improved through meaningful discussion and constructive group work. While there are many differences to be found between traditional classroom training and blended learning, the advantages to be gained from the blended training method are worth the effort and will prove themselves in a well-trained, team-oriented workforce.


The PDF of the entire "Best Practices" guide can be found at 
Best Practices Guide to Blended Training (Click on link to open document)