One of the bigger challenges for training teams is determining the best way to deliver training. In-person, classroom training has always been a staple of utilities, but online training can be a better method of communicating information. Many teams struggle with whether online training should replace or supplement classroom training.
On the surface, classroom training may seem like the easier path for development and delivery for overwhelmed training teams. However, it relies on an experienced, engaged instructor to make the learning successful. It also needs learners with roughly the same knowledge level. One or two people who don’t already understand basic concepts can derail an entire class.
Blended learning can incorporate the best of both worlds. It takes advantage of the self-pacing of online training while bringing in the personal approach of classroom training.
Blended learning is gaining ground after a disruption in classroom training during the pandemic. According to the 2021 Training Industry Survey by Training Magazine, 43% of training hours were blended, up from 23% in 2020.
Online and Classroom Work Together
Online and classroom training can blend seamlessly to provide a comprehensive training experience. Online training is consistent and can be delivered multiple times to a large audience. This is good for teaching general concepts and is a perfect fit for information that doesn’t change frequently.
Even better, if concepts are generic, online training can be purchased from a third-party vendor, freeing the utility’s training team to focus on broader strategies.
Once students have the basic knowledge, they are ready for company-specific training which can be delivered in a classroom or on-the-job (OJT). As students apply the concepts to company equipment and situations, an instructor can guide them, answer questions, and facilitate discussion.
Knowledge Support and Retention
Blended learning can be designed so classroom and online training support each other. Utilities can assign prerequisite training online to prepare students for an upcoming in-person class. If students all receive the same training before they enter the classroom, they’re more likely to have a similar base knowledge level. This added preparation allows the instructor to focus on the most important topics since they won’t have to slow down for students who aren’t prepared.
Online training also helps support knowledge retention after a class. After students spend time in a classroom and performing OJT, they can then be assigned online training as reinforcement. Providing continuing training in the weeks and months that follow can help support knowledge retention. Additionally, students can access refresher courses as they need them, such as when just-in-time training is needed before performing an infrequent task.
Training Team Enhancement
Classroom training places a burden on training teams and instructors. While online training can be delivered over and over with no additional work, instructors must be engaging every time they deliver a course. The more a course is delivered, the more risk of an instructor getting burned out or delivery becoming rote.
While online training needs to be developed specifically for asynchronous delivery (just putting portions of classroom training online doesn’t work), once it’s developed, it doesn’t need to be touched again until it needs to be updated.
Moving generic, ongoing training to an online format allows more time for the training team to focus on assessments and evaluations – expanding reach and impact. This new focus builds a stronger training program.
Next Steps
If utilities aren’t already using blended learning, now is the time to start. These steps will help incorporate blended learning into a training program:
- Identify training content that focuses on concepts and can be converted to online training
- Develop online training lessons internally or identify a third-party vendor who can provide off the shelf content or develop company-specific training
- Focus on content first, technology second – use the best of both worlds
With some analysis and planning, organizations can capitalize on the advantages of classroom and online training. Incorporating blended learning into training programs provides a better structure for training, improves knowledge retention, and takes pressure off company training team.