Team One Project Summaries

Question #1: What are a few possibilities that could constitute a blended learning approach for the roll out?

Answers: With any new software rollout, training is usually involved in two ways.

Teaching how to use the software

Addressing change management issues

Here are a few learning solutions that can be blended together to address these.

Teaching software usage

The key is to develop user centric learning that is focused on how learners will use the software on the job.

Delivery options:

• Self-paced software simulation e-Learning
• second Online classroom demonstration via WebEx or a similar tool
• third Performance support oriented web site including answers to frequently asked questions and "How To" task animations
• fourth Face to face classroom instruction with hands on practice
• fifth Web-based and printable job aids
• sixth Individual mentoring

Dealing with change management issues

The key is to address people’s natural discomfort with change by highlighting the benefits to the user and the organization of the change.

Delivery options to discuss the change:

• Face to face meetings
• second Online synchronous meetings
• third Self-paced multimedia introductions (audio narrated PowerPoint movies, video introductions, etc.)
• fourth Individual mentoring

The best combination of these options will vary based on many things including the scope of the change, the ease of use level of the software, the climate of the organization, and the target audience.

Question #2: Name a key factor to consider in selecting the right blended learning approach and explain why you chose that factor.

Answers: A key factor to consider are the characteristics of your audience. You need to know your audience and what prompts them to learn. Will they respond better to a job aid, a video, etc.?

Question #3: What are some of the biggest business benefits of blended learning?

Answers: Blended learning's three most valuable features:

- You can tailor the delivery mechanism to meet the needs of your audience adjusting the timing, audience size, and geographical distribution.

- With a full range of learning tools, you can use the right tool for the right job:

classroom training, web-based training, webinars, CD-ROM courses, video, EPSS systems, simulations, books, job aids, conference calls, documents, and PowerPoint slides.

- Blended learning can be less expensive and more responsive than other types of training.

The real question is: how do we quickly and proficiently train people at various locations? Blended learning programs are the answer to this challenge.

With blended learning programs we can train large numbers of employees within an extremely short timeframe. The biggest challenge is selecting a combination of media that will drive the biggest impact for the lowest cost.

Computer-based Training

The most effective way to teach a new software package is using computer based training. In this type of training, the participant will be shown the screens that they will be using as well as assistance in navigating the various functions. This will provide the user with hands on experience in the software and how it works. This option will promote low cost compared to the cost of sending a trainer to each of the various locations.

Webinar

A webinar is effective as a follow-up to the CBT. This will allow the users to share insight to what they've learned while going through the CBT and give them the ability to share their knowledge with others.

Blended learning is definitely a smart choice for providing the biggest impact with the lowest cost for a field rollout in software training.

Question #5: Which blended solution is best for your work environment and why?

Answers: The techniques depend on the assignment. We have tried a variety of techniques including these:

- To reach across IT on a topic that may be of limited interest: held several brown-bag virtual classroom sessions and then offered the recorded version on our LMS.

- To provide required fire extinguisher training: Developed a CBT and put it on the LMS, and followed up to make sure everyone took it.

- To offer timely information to people about new topics: Used Camtasia to record PowerPoint presentations and then linked to the Flash version of the recorded presentation on an intranet site devoted to the new topic.

Question #6: How would you explain Blended Learning to your work culture, and how it works?

Answers: Blended learning is selecting the right combination of media to drive the highest business impact for the lowest possible cost. It can reach a more global audience and deploy the information quicker and more consistently.

Question 7: Will blended learning replace instructor class room training?

Answers: Blended learning is the future of training instruction. However, instructor classroom training is an integral part of a blended learning program.

Blended learning involves combining various resources into a training program. It can include computer based initiatives as well as classroom based ones. Although classroom training is more expensive to deliver than a computer based program, there are times when classroom interaction is a necessity.

We are asked if blended learning will replace classroom training, however I think it is more appropriate to say that blended learning will replace e-learning. Computer based training is an asset to the training world, yet they are more effective if combined with other types of training into a "blended" learning experience.

Question #10: Describe some of the ways blended learning is most cost-effective for an organization.

Answers:

1. Minimizes cost associated with travel, private instructors and time away from the office
2. two A larger number of individuals can learn in a shorter amount of time
3. three When learners are moving at their own pace their interest and motivation is maximized and it empowers them to learn quickly and comprehensively.