As individuals, your trainees have different skill levels, areas of expertise, and preferred learning methods. Accommodating this variety can make group training a challenge – and blended learning offers a solution.
Making blended strategies more accessible
The premise behind blended learning is pretty straightforward – it’s about combining different techniques and technologies to create teaching options as diverse as your trainees.
There are several interpretations of blended learning. Some organizations, like Skillsoft, chalk it up to simply “establishing a balance between the instructional advantages for the learner and the learning objective.” Fair enough when compared against the shoddy efforts of some training programs, whose sole objective seems to be “let’s just get this done.”
The Clayton Christen Institute divides blended learning into four models. How does new technology fit into the mix of such a precise construct? Pretty perfectly.
The Rotation Blended Learning Model comprises face-to-face instruction and online study time. These elements can happen in any order to appeal to individual learning needs. Some may need to work through information first, and use time with instructors to ask clarifying questions. Others may prefer face-to-face instruction first, with online follow-up to cement live training.
This is exactly how new approaches like 3D Interactive Simulation work as well. Portable modules on iPad-like devices provide trainees with information they can assimilate in advance of classroom training, and/or refresh with after the fact.
3D Interactive Training can take things even further, however, incorporating the four submodels that fall under the Rotation Blended Learning Model into one device:
1. Station Rotation – usually done in a physical classroom, rotating between stations for differing skills
2. Individual Rotation – a customized set of stations from the Station Rotation submodel
3. Lab Rotation – a section of training that happens in a computer lab, focusing on “online scenarios, simulations, and assessments that supplement their training”
4. Flipped Classroom – group projects or online assessments happen first, with classroom portions following; ideal for group training
All of the submodels above can be included in an Interactive Training App – and explored by trainees at any time. And in a classroom setting, trainees can follow along interactively as well, versus simply listening to a lecture.
Fitting seamlessly into updated training technology holds true for the remaining three blended learning models as well. The Flex Blended Learning Model, A La Carte Blended Learning Model, and Enriched Virtual Blended Learning Model each offer varied combinations of face-to-face instruction with online support – all of which can be incorporated into Interactive Training Apps.
And though 3D Interactive Training Apps can’t entirely replace face-to-face training, it can provide much of that support by alerting trainees to errors, and allowing them to keep trying until they get it right. This saves time when instructors are present, allowing prioritization of questions that can’t be resolved using the app.
“In order to create an engaging learning experience, the role of instructor is optional, but the role of learner is essential.”
– Bernard Bull
And there are other benefits
While it’s great for trainees to have training that’s portable, training apps also make training large, mixed groups easier, and less expensive.
The costs of pulling equipment off the production line for training, or the time needed to rotate multiple trainees through training on limited equipment, can both be eliminated. When an instructor can lead everyone through a immersive presentation followed on each individual device at the same time, the ROI is instantaneous – both in terms of cost, decreased risk, and trainee progress.
Odds are, you’re incorporating a form of blended learning into your training already – especially if you believe that “one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to training.” Taking it to the next level with 3D Interactive Simulation Apps will further individualize and streamline your process, saving you time and money while improving your training results. It really is the best of all worlds.
Ready to modernize your blended learning strategy? Get in touch for a consultation and a demo of our 3D Interactive Training apps.
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