Why Blended Learning Is on the Rise in the Modern-Day Workplace

Although e-learning technology and mobile learning technology are on the rise in the modern workplace, so are blended learning approaches and techniques.

In fact, according to the 2018 Brandon Hall Group Learning Strategy Study, around 80% of companies surveyed claim that blended learning and personalized learning techniques are “important” or “critical to the business.” Continue reading to see more about why.

What Is Blended Learning?

Blended learning entails much more than simply offering some courses or portions of courses to your learners inside a physical classroom and some learning options via e-learning platforms.
It’s more helpful to think of blended learning as a mix of activities and approaches to learning that can be supported by technology if needed for the overall learning effectiveness of each learner. For instance, some blended courses might involve collaborative group forums that can be accessed remotely, as well as quizzes and critical-thinking assignments, and group exercises that are completed in person.
Read “9 Best Practices for Blended Learning in 2018” for more details, and keep reading this post for information about why blended learning is on the rise in the modern-day workplace.

Blended Learning Is Cost-Effective for Organizations and Generates Better ROIs

Blended learning techniques are cost-effective for organizations because they don’t require learners to be in specific locations at specific times for every part or module of each course.
Because learners don’t have to always travel to different locations for all their training requirements, organizations are able to save money on costs associated with travel and boarding for training programs.
In addition, blended learning courses are more effective for learners, which means they tend to yield much higher returns on investment (ROIs) than traditional courses for learning.
In fact, research shows that companies that have seen an annual increase in key performance indicators, such as revenue, customer satisfaction, and market penetration, do a far better job of delivering a well-rounded, blended learning experience than their lower-performing competitors.

Blended Learning Is More Effective for Learners

According to research, blended learning courses increase learners’ understanding and confidence with course material and can even change their mindsets and behaviors in the real world.
Per one survey, 96% of learners were better able to demonstrate their understanding of their module learning outcomes via blended learning, and 97% were able to apply what they learned via blended learning inside their everyday workplace.

Blended Learning Is Easier to Track and Personalize

Blended learning is also much easier to track, as instructors and learning and development professionals can account for what specific modules, learning materials, and information each learner has encountered before he or she enters an in-person classroom setting, as well as what learning materials he or she engages with in between in-person learning modules.
And such professionals can also send learners supplemental learning materials or practice exercises as needed to personalize their individual experiences, too, in between in-person learning sessions or modules.
Succinctly put, more and more organizations are investing in blended learning approaches and technologies because they’re cost-effective for organizations and more effective for each of their individual learners.