Innovation:
Use of Blended Learning
Many corporate trainers, colleges and universities have begun to use the term “Blended Learning” for what is essentially a combination of technology, classroom, self-paced and group learning. Allison Rossett and Rebecca Vaughn Frazee define it as integrating “seemingly opposite approaches” such as formal and informal learning, face-to-face and online experiences, and directed paths and reliance on self-direction (Rossett, 2006). It allows employers to combine different kinds of training methods in order to minimize time away from work and reinforce learning for the benefit of different learning styles in the workforce. Other benefits include:
- the strengthening of the transfer of knowledge to the workplace because the various delivery methods encourage learners and organizations to “find, store, stir, and share what they know” (Rossett, 2006)
- the reduction of conventional expenses such as materials and instructors as well as time away from the office (Snipes, 2005)
- improved cost effectiveness and productivity (Rossett, 2006)
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