Article

Blended learning: the path to training success

14 Nov 2022 | Lesson Desk Team2 min read

Our workforce is made up of a variety of generations, each with its own likes and dislikes, differences, and characteristics. Similarly, when it comes to their preferences for upskilling and development, these too vary.

According to Generational Insight, Baby Boomers value one-on-one training suggestions and find training provided by a qualified professional to be more credible than digital forms of training. In fact, many Boomers are more comfortable using technology for its main features, such as basic communication via email or phone calls. In addition, teamwork is important for Boomers as it unites individuals by working together towards the company’s goals and objectives.

On the other hand, Generation X loves flying solo when it comes to performance and focuses on efficiency as the top goal. Gen Xers prefer open and transparent lines of communication and flourish on knowledge and feedback, creating a need for quick and constant streams of information as soon as it is available. Generation X embraces technology and utilises its benefits.

Much like Gen Xers, Millennials require constant communication and feedback and lean on accomplishments and achievements to boost their self-esteem. They are completely tech-savvy and rely heavily on technology to perform their everyday duties. While Millennials love to claim their own standing in the hierarchy and their successes, they gravitate towards their peers and being involved.

Generation Z functions with short bursts of information (think Instagram or TikTok) and can switch from platform to platform continuously in a short span of time. They seek information at their fingertips and know where to find it – they practically grew up with technology. Gen Zers are usually confident when working independently and have to solve problems and seek information on their own.

The predicament thus comes in when the question is asked, “How do we solve everyone’s training needs with one solution?” The answer is that you can’t—that is why a blended learning approach is your best bet.

A blended approach to learning is when a hybrid model of both traditional training and online training is used. For example, using both face-to-face training sessions along with online learning experiences.

Traditional training sessions are vital for one-on-one connections, creating a human aspect to build connections, answer questions, and explain information, et cetera. Traditional training also facilitates group interactions, opening communication lines and enabling knowledge-sharing.

The benefits of e-learning include enabling upskilling to happen faster by being readily available and easily accessible online, training isn’t limited to a room with a projector—it can be taken anywhere, information is provided in smaller chunks, and at the end of the day has less operational costs than traditional learning.

In very niche companies, the exclusive use of a traditional training approach might be successful due to the homogenous workforce. However, for many other multigenerational companies, a blended approach has shown to be the most popular method of upskilling.

Providing training in both a traditional and digital approach can reinforce employee engagement and retention by combining different delivery methods. By engaging more than one sense when learning, a learner can better process and retain information.

Blended learning is not only beneficial when it comes to optimising the training experiences for your employees but it also enables them to get the most out of training sessions, allowing them to demonstrate their new newly acquired knowledge in the workplace more quickly and confidently.

Lesson Desk can help you implement a blended approach to your training programme by combining the benefits of traditional learning with those of online learning. Our solutions are easy to implement and use across all industries and business sizes, creating a more engaged and effective workforce.