Modes of training can include classroom courses, online eLearning, webinars, audio and video casts, mobile messaging and role-plays. There’s also some less interactive options such as books, journals, conference calls, PowerPoint presentations and job tools. More modern approaches involve new collaborate learning technologies, such as blogs, wikis and forums for knowledge sharing. All types of media have their strengths and weaknesses, so the right mix is very important. One successful strategy is to blend a simple and a more complex form together, for example an online introduction course followed by a practical classroom session.

Blended learning can allow students to practically apply and embed first level knowledge, before moving onto level two. A sample format could look something like the example below.

Day 1             1 hour introduction webinar

Content             Students ‘virtually’ meet the trainer and explain their reasons for attending the course. Trainer presents the course overview and concept one to the group. Trainer sets out an exercise for students to complete prior to the face-to-face session.

Purpose            Trainer gathers information on the skill levels and needs of the group so they can tailor the next session around competencies and gaps. The exercise gets students thinking about the course material, ensures that they come prepared and with a base level of practical knowledge.

Advantages       Students arrive to the group training session already engaged in the course material. As the trainer has already met the group they can swiftly move on to the next concepts.

Day 10 & 11    2 day group training course

Content             The bulk of the course material is delivered in this session.

Purpose            Group sessions enable discussion and role-playing of job scenarios, which ensures that the teaching is relevant and practical for the group.

Advantages:      Face-to-face learning is highly engaging for students and there are no outside distractions. The trainer can guage personal learning styles throughout the session and tailor teaching accordingly. Students develop a network with others in the organisation and the course workbook provides a future reference point for what they have learnt.

Day 14            Online eLearning module with assessment

Content             Key concepts are revisited in brief. An assessment or testing activity is completed.

Purpose            Provides refresher content from the course and enables students and learning departments to evaluate competencies.

Advantages       Further embeds course content.  Provides a record that training was completed and accreditation was achieved. Content is self-paced and can be reused time and time again as a reference.

Few providers can offer the range and combination of learning styles that A.S.K Learning can. We will work with you to devise unbeatable blended learning strategies using creativity, interactivity and job-related scenarios to engage audiences in the content. Utilising the latest technologies, we can ensure that the maintenance and management of any strategy is streamlined and simple. At the heart of our philosophy is a determination to connect with the end user to prolong the learning experience and create maximum business impact.