Blended Learning – Part 2: The Why

Why are companies “blending” their learning strategies? There are at least four reasons:

• Skills are available over a longer time period. For example, classroom training is a one-time event. But when augmented by performance support tools, for example, the skills can be available forever.
  
• A variety of training methods meets more of your employees’ needs. Some prefer the give-and-take of a classroom. Others want answers right now, or don’t have time for a lot of formal training.
  
• Blending permits companies to devote each training method to the things it does best, instead of expecting it to do all things well. Classroom training facilitates the discussion of personal experiences – useful for changing fundamental attitudes about a subject, for example. Performance support provides immediate answers without trying to be a forum for discussion and contemplation.
• Blending allows companies to target training methods to its demographics. Younger employees may prefer one style of training, and older employees may prefer another.