B-learning (or blended learning) is now recognized as one of the best employee training methods in use today and is, therefore, being used in more and more companies around the world. The combination of classroom sessions and online courses (or any other digital resource) offers students a more enriching, varied, and effective experience. The key to b-learning (also called the “hybrid model”) lies precisely in its flexibility and ability to incorporate the best practices of each method.
If you are still not convinced, here are 7 great benefits of b-learning:
1. The human touch
We’re all aware of the useful tools available to us today online, but that doesn’t have to mean giving up the human factor. Classroom sessions can be used to answer individual questions, encourage discussion among colleagues, and facilitate networking. Having a tutor also helps to further personalize the learning process.
2. Cost savings
Using online courses to explain basic concepts, do exercises, or practice skills has the huge advantage of saving your organization a lot of money. You don’t have to spend money on travel, meals or accommodation, nor will you have to force your employees to travel for hours or sleep in a hotel away from their families. Additionally, if you have to update content, online courses will allow you to do it much faster and more cheaply.
3. Different learning methods, more effective results
By using both online and offline training, b-learning allows you to reach all your employees in a more effective way. Whether there are those who prefer digital courses or others who prefer to establish a relationship with a teacher, these two types of profiles (and all those in between) are included in this learning methodology. In addition, the use of different formats leaves a deeper imprint on employees and allows them to reinforce the skills and knowledge they’ve learned.
4. More flexibility for your employees
Flexibility is one of the most highly demanded features by employees. B-learning, and specifically the incorporation of online courses, allow students to carry out training sessions whenever and wherever they want. In most cases, you only need an internet connection and a computer, tablet, or cell phone. Your employees will appreciate it.
5. More efficient classroom learning
Nowadays, one of the most frequent problems faced by classroom learning is that too much time is spent explaining things that could be studied online. The b-learning model seeks to correct this error: students should attend classes after they have already completed part of the training at home, so classes can then focus on everything else: discussions with colleagues, practicing what they’ve learned, group dynamics, problem-solving, teamwork, questions for tutors, etc. This way, both online and offline training become more intensive and effective.
6. Better feedback
Thanks to online courses, you can quickly gather lots of feedback regarding your training program; furthermore, classroom sessions will help you get more in-depth feedback, as well as more personal and elaborate responses. If you take it seriously, the b-learning model offers you a lot of (quality) information, which you can then use to assess and improve your training program.
7. The best of both worlds
In short, b-learning offers the best of both worlds. On the one hand, you get cost savings and great flexibility thanks to digital training, breaking geographical barriers and making learning fast and easy along the way. On the other, your employees will continue to receive personalized training programs, they can work in teams, they are treated like humans, and they can answer any questions they may have with a tutor. The idea behind blended learning lies precisely in not having to choose between one method or another, but in using both based on the objectives and benefits each one offers.