The e-learning element

I hope it goes without saying that the e-learning element needs to constantly reinforce the motivation to learn.  Its focus should be on creating an interactive, engaging and memorable presentation of new material.  Preferably a learner’s route through the programme will be personalised, recognising knowledge they already have and supplementing it with highly relevant examples.

The tracking system can also assist with the engagement of line managers. My first ever online programme used this facility to great effect.  Learners who hadn’t completed the e-learning successfully, didn’t gain access to the workshop which followed it! This way, the experiential skills based learning is prioritised upfront without compromising on the sound base of knowledge required for the skills to make sense.

Summary

The mix of elements within your blend may include workshops, e-learning programmes alongside work-based implementation with support from other learners, facilitators and coaches.

The important factor to consider in developing your blend is the role you expect each of these elements to play in the learning journey you have created and in achieving learning objectives in a logical sequence.

I believe there are real advantages in creating a coherent blend of interventions.  Most importantly, the well designed blended programme mirrors the way we learn in real life – matching our preferences and our needs more precisely than any approach based on a single mode of delivery