Ideas for embedding blended learning into e-learning

Ideas for embedding blended learning into e-learning

Clive Shepherd did an interview on blended learning earlier this year. That might be a good place to start. Part 2 is about design; part 3 includes what methods to use.

* http://clive-shepherd.blogspot.com/2011/04/talking-about-blended-learning-part-1.html
* http://clive-shepherd.blogspot.com/2011/04/talking-about-blended-learning-part-2.html
* http://clive-shepherd.blogspot.com/2011/04/talking-about-blended-learning-part-3.html
* http://clive-shepherd.blogspot.com/2011/04/talking-about-blended-learning-part-4.html
* http://clive-shepherd.blogspot.com/2011/04/talking-about-blended-learning-part-5.html

By default, in today's world what we have is a multi-paradigm, multi-mode learning. The key characteristics of these new paradigm are: 1)asynchronous self paced and self guided learning, 2) some kind of peer community support via discussions forums, study groups, and some kind of synchronous interaction with experts/instructions in real time.

 

First I think we need to define "eLearning." For our purposes, lets define eLearning as interventions aimed at closing knowledge and skills gaps, and are deployed virtually.

Next we need to consider the two types of eLearning; Synchronous; and Asynchronous.

Synchronous eLearning being when learners interact live (conference calls, webinars).

Asynhronous eLearning being all virtual events that are not live (forums, cbt, screencasts, simulations).

My general rule for Synchronous eLearning is to use it when 1) considering the task being trained, human interaction is involved on the job, and/or 2) the content is nuanced enough that it would normally require face-to-face training, but that's not possible due to trainee locations.

My general rule for Asynchronous eLearning is to use it when 1) only knowledge is being presented, 2) the task being trained is not nuanced enough to require face-to-face training, but is still required by the company, 3) practicing of the task is not possible, and simulation is decided to be the next be the next best thing, 4) discussion of the topic would help the learners grasp what is being taught, but that discussion does not need to be synchronous.

They need to be just that, blended, providing a wide enough range of learning methods to appeal to different learning styles.

The key is to look at the topic and see what elements does it make sense to deliver in an e format and what pieces are best saved for F2F.