"Blended learning" is the carefully-managed integration of formal training programs and informal knowledge-enhancing opportunities. It is becoming an increasingly popular business strategy for two primary reasons:
- As opposed to traditional training, which tends to be a series of isolated or unrelated events, a blended approach is self-reinforcing. Additionally, as an important first step in communicating learning as a core corporate value, it has the power to improve performance at both the individual and organizational level.
- Thanks to the Web's robust collaborative capabilities, face-to-face gatherings are no longer a prerequisite for knowledge transfer, brainstorming, and teamwork. This translates into significant cost savings for employers, particularly those with geographically-dispersed workgroups.
There are many Web-based applications on the market that support synchronous ("virtual") meetings and classes. These include Centra, HorizonLive, and PlaceWare, to name just a few. While several noteworthy differences exist between them, most of their features and functions are quite similar - and specifically designed to mirror the activities of a traditional classroom.
That being the case, why is learner engagement such a tough challenge for synchronous trainers? It's not that the necessary tools and utilities aren't available; in fact, they're built right into the software we're using! Instead, it seems that we're simply not leveraging them to their fullest extent.
PrimeLearning, a leading provider of business and professional skills eLearning, utilizes Centra for its synchronous events, and has graciously allowed me to share information included in a virtual class I designed for them. Its goal was to demonstrate "best practices" for developing and delivering training via Centra, but the advice - which focuses on strategy rather than mechanics - applies equally well to other platforms.
Strategy #1: Vary the "look and feel" of the presentation
Synchronous classrooms contain a "content window" in which information is displayed. Slides uploaded from a presentation application such as Microsoft PowerPoint are commonly used, just as "overheads" might be employed in a traditional setting.
During the Development Phase:
While your slide set should be consistent in terms of background color, placement of company logo, etc., diversify the way the subject matter itself is presented as much as possible. Bulleted lists are certainly preferable over paragraphs, but also be creative in your use of tables, single-item screens (for impact), and simple graphics in lieu of text when appropriate.
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