Blended Learning That Works What’s this “blended” talk all about? Content Consideration s: It’s still about learning Defining a blended solution Defining a content solution

Web-based learning Computer-based learning Virtual Classrooms Digital Collaboration Internet delivery Intranet delivery Audio- and Videotape Satellite broadcast CD-ROM E-Learning is a Broad Banner

A single delivery channel cannot meet all learning requirements Blended solutions - a mix of delivery channels - target unique characteristics of: Learners Content Location Technology The Blend Is In

The Solution Should Support All Phases of Learning Learning Cycle Demonstrate Acquire Apply CollaborateValidate

Delivery Choices for Acquiring New Skills Learning Cycle Demonstrate Acquire Apply CollaborateValidate Web-based courses (self-paced) Web-based courses (live) TBT ILT-classroom

Options for Supporting Application of Skills Learning Cycle Demonstrate Acquire Apply CollaborateValidate Practice scenarios Live system demo Practice in training instance

Options for Supporting Collaboration Learning Cycle Demonstrate Acquire Apply CollaborateValidate Live Office Hours Chat Forum

Options for Validating Skills Learning Cycle Demonstrate Acquire Apply CollaborateValidate Lesson level and course level assessment Post training assessment

Options for Supporting Demonstration of Skills Learning Cycle Demonstrate Acquire Apply CollaborateValidate Job aids Super Users On-line support

Three areas to consider: What is being delivered? Who is it being delivered to? How can it be delivered? Determining the Appropriate Blend Requires Careful Analysis

Project Team Live Welcome! Self-paced Project Tools & Overview OJT for functional area End Users Live Welcome! Self-paced Pre- Req/Live Process Overview Self-paced tasks Execs Live Welcome! Self-paced Project Overview Live Updates Super Users MultiNatCo’s Blend for an ERP Implementation

eLearning FastTrack is a multi-week training course that “blends”: ILT Self-study Web-based access to: - content - peers - instructors Uses OLN & iLearning eLearning FastTrack: A Blend Within a Skillset

12 Week eLearning FastTrack in Detail

It’s Your Turn!

The total number of learners in this target learning group (TLG) is relatively large (i.e., greater than 100 employees). True False Defining a Blended Solution Learner Considerations Question 1 L1 L2C1C2T1T2

Defining a Blended Solution Learner Considerations Question 2 The learners in this TLG are located in different countries and time zones. True False L1 L2C1C2T1T2

Defining a Blended Solution Learner Considerations Competence/skill levels Schedules Preferences Other considerations include: L1 L2C1C2T1T2

Defining a Blended Solution Content Considerations Question 1 The subject matter that this TLG must learn tends to be: a)fairly simple to document or teach Simple Complex b) fairly complex L1 L2C1C2T1T2

Defining a Blended Solution Content Considerations Question 2 The subject matter that this TLG must learn will rarely change or require alteration Stable Unstable L1 L2C1C2T1T2

Defining a Blended Solution Content Considerations Delivery timeline Reuse of content Tailored learning tracks Other considerations include: L1 L2C1C2T1T2

Defining a Blended Solution Technology Considerations Question 1 The learners in this TLG will all have access to computers throughout the period projected for delivery of this training. True False L1 L2C1C2T1T2

Defining a Blended Solution Technology Considerations Question 2 The learners in this TLG commonly connect to the Internet/Intranet from: Work Remote a)work facilities that maintain mid to high speed bandwidth capability b) on the road, or at a home office via dial-up modem capability L1 L2C1C2T1T2

Defining a Blended Solution Technology Considerations Investment in technical architecture Other considerations include: Skill set of design, development and delivery resources L1 L2C1C2T1T2

“Oh yeah, content!” At the root of successful training is a match between the objectives of the instruction and the content delivered to the learner.

Information is ‘telling’: Instruction is ‘building’: Focus is on the presenter advising, sharing, communicating Focus is on the participants performing, practicing, demonstrating Information or Instruction: Does it matter? Environmental Educational

Information AND Instruction is the real story EnvironmentalEducational Performance

…but how it will be used that matters: How many people need the content? Where are the people who will receive the content? Will the content be delivered often? Will the content be used often? What is the shelf-life of the content? It’s not just what the content says…

It’s Your Turn! What’s Your Content Strategy?

Defining a Content Strategy Question 1 Does the audience already have the correct skill set, but is not performing as expected? Yes No

Defining a Content Strategy Question 2 Has the delivery method been determined? Yes No

Defining a Content Strategy Question 3 Is the subject matter stable (not subject to frequent changes before delivery)? Yes No

Defining a Content Strategy Question 4 Does the content target intellectual skills (require the learner to perform an activity or solve a problem with new information)? Yes No

Defining a Content Strategy Question 4 Does the content target intellectual skills (require the learner to perform an activity or solve a problem with new information)? Verbal Attitudes NO Motor Specific responses w/out applying rules Specific choices in specific situations Perform a physical skill

Defining a Content Strategy Question 5 Will you deliver the content in multiple languages? Yes No

Defining a Blended Solution Learner Considerations Question 1 The total number of learners in this target learning group (TLG) is relatively large (i.e., greater than 200 employees). True Large audiences require scalability Trend towards technology-based channels: virtual instructor-led, computer-based or web-based training L1 L2C1C2T1T2

Defining a Blended Solution Learner Considerations Question 1 The total number of learners in this target learning group (TLG) is relatively large (i.e., greater than 100 employees). Smaller audiences can be addressed with text-based or classroom instructor-led training …some CBT Technical channels may apply but costs of development and delivery may negate ROI per learner False L1 L2C1C2T1T2

Defining a Blended Solution Learner Considerations Question 2 The learners in this TLG are located in different countries and time zones Consider self-paced delivery channels such as text-based training, recorded instructor-led training, computer- based training, or web- based training in your blend Blend with virtual instructor-led to delivery content expertise across geographical boundaries True L1 L2C1C2T1T2

Defining a Blended Solution Learner Considerations Question 2 The learners in this TLG are located in different countries and time zones Lack of geographical hurdles means more choices are available Don’t have to consider where to host content, 24/7 support, language, etc. False L1 L2C1C2T1T2

Defining a Blended Solution Content Considerations Question 1 The subject matter that this TLG must learn tends to be More flexibility in design and delivery choices, including the use of computer-based and web-based training. Focus on the objectives of the instruction, the characteristics of the audience, how often the instruction will be delivered and technology options Simple a)Simple b)Complex L1 L2C1C2T1T2

Defining a Blended Solution Content Considerations Question 1 The subject matter that this TLG must learn tends to be Increased SME dependency results in longer design and development timelines as designers spend more time content gathering, and SMEs spend more time on review. Go classroom for small audiences; virtual instructor-led for larger, dispersed audiences Complex a)Simple b)Complex L1 L2C1C2T1T2

Defining a Blended Solution Content Considerations Question 2 The subject matter that this TLG must learn will rarely change or require alteration All options are open Maintenance costs less of an issue Conducive to self- paced delivery Stable L1 L2C1C2T1T2

Defining a Blended Solution Content Considerations Question 2 The subject matter that this TLG must learn will rarely change or require alteration Steer toward delivery channels that allow the flexibility to maintain the training without significant rework costs Live delivery formats are most flexible and least painful to update Unstable L1 L2C1C2T1T2

Defining a Blended Solution Technology Considerations Question 1 The learners in this TLG will all have access to computers throughout the period projected for delivery of this training. Multiple delivery choices due to positive accessibility Maximum return on investment in the use of options such as virtual instructor-led training, computer- based and web-based training True L1 L2C1C2T1T2

Defining a Blended Solution Technology Considerations Question 1 The learners in this TLG will all have access to computers throughout the period projected for delivery of this training. Access issues make it difficult to meet right place, right time expectations Stick to more traditional forms of instruction in your blended solution False L1 L2C1C2T1T2

Defining a Blended Solution Technology Considerations Question 2 Delivery channels are open to use of technology-based learning methods offered through web- based training and/or virtual instructor-led training If the business case concurs: Take advantage of the tremendous advantages provided by this higher bandwidth capability Work The learners in this TLG commonly connect to the Internet/Intranet from: a)work facilities that maintain mid to high speed bandwidth capability b)on the road, or at a home office via dial-up modem capability L1 L2C1C2T1T2

Defining a Blended Solution Technology Considerations Question 2 Need to focus on solutions that conform to the limitations of low- bandwidth Take advantage of CD-ROM, e-Learning that can be downloaded from a network and used later Don’t forget the classroom The learners in this TLG commonly connect to the Internet/Intranet from: a)work facilities that maintain mid to high speed bandwidth capability b)on the road, or at a home office via dial-up modem capability Remote L1 L2C1C2T1T2

Defining a Content Strategy Question 1 Does the audience already have the correct skill set, but is not performing as expected? Consider alternatives to instruction Determine if the performers have the right tools, processes, and information to achieve performance expectations Look for opportunities to tweak the work environment to achieve desired results without developing and implementing instruction Yes Q1 Q2Q3Q4Q5

Defining a Content Strategy Question 1 Does the audience already have the correct skill set, but is not performing as expected? Audience needs opportunities to acquire the appropriate skills Provide instruction to target skills/performance gaps No Q1 Q2Q3Q4Q5

Defining a Content Strategy Question 2 Has the delivery method been determined? Designers need to be aware of distinct characteristics of the selected delivery channel Avoid development of content that is a mismatch for the technology Stay focused on meeting the learning objectives Yes Q1 Q2Q3Q4Q5

Defining a Content Strategy Question 2 Has the delivery method been determined? No Remember the questions: What is being delivered? Who is it being delivered to? How can it be delivered? Consider how many people need the content, how often the content will be delivered and where the content will be delivered. Factor in the learners’ status in the learning cycle Q1 Q2Q3Q4Q5

Defining a Content Strategy Question 3 Is the subject matter stable (not subject to frequent changes before delivery)? Content solidity opens the door for inclusion of graphics, animation, video and other multimedia elements that are less suitable for content that will undergo multiple revisions Investment is worth it if the results add to the learning experience, increase comprehension and engage the learners Yes Q1 Q2Q3Q4Q5

Defining a Content Strategy Question 3 No Is the subject matter stable (not subject to frequent changes before delivery)? Limit use of multimedia elements such as graphics, animation and video. The cost of revising and maintaining the content may quickly outweigh the benefits of its use. Q1 Q2Q3Q4Q5

Defining a Content Strategy Question 4 Does the content target intellectual skills (require the learner to perform an activity or solve a problem with new information)? Focus on distinguishing characteristics of the concepts that will enable the learner to solve problems Introduce common errors Practice, Practice, Practice Yes Q1 Q2Q3Q4Q5

Defining a Content Strategy Question 4 Does the content target attitudes? Include modeling the behavior and explain the rationale for the behavior Use goal-based scenarios, in a classroom or on-line, which present the learner with a safe, simulated environment to learn, practice and receive feedback on making the appropriate choices. Use chats and forums for on-going dialogue Yes Q1 Q2Q3Q4Q5

Defining a Content Strategy Question 4 Does the content target verbal information skills? Explain how the information can be used and describe relationships between the new information and information the learners may already know. Encourage use of the information, as opposed to rote memorization Use games and puzzles Very compatible with self-paced delivery Yes Q1 Q2Q3Q4Q5

Defining a Content Strategy Question 4 Does the content target motor skills? Include visual presentation of the skill, practice and feedback Use live demo, video, animation, pictures and drawings Practice and feedback needs can limit content delivery strategies Consider whether to use job aids to support the cognitive aspects of the skill Yes Q1 Q2Q3Q4Q5

Defining a Content Strategy Question 5 Will you deliver the content in multiple languages? Get representatives from the various language groups to help in the translation strategy Minimize use of multimedia elements Do not imbed text with graphics Yes Q1 Q2Q3Q4Q5 i

Defining a Content Strategy Question 5 No SMILE! Content delivered in a single language knocks down several barriers to content strategy selection Will you deliver the content in multiple languages? Q1 Q2Q3Q4Q5 i