Did you know that the eLearning market reached $46,674.7 million in revenue worldwide in 2016? And, how wouldn’t it, when it effectively replaced the traditional classroom by allowing everyone to learn valuable content according to their learning pace.
However, given there are numerous online educational courses available today, not all of them possess the same value. Meaning, although the majority of IT training programs provide an accredited certificate, the process of learning can be quite uninteresting, especially the seminars which can take all day.
But, there is a way to improve the online IT educational program and it’s called blended learning. By combining this approach with the already made course material, the learning process can be fun and the content rapidly conquered. So let’s take a look at the benefits and methods to successfully correct any IT learner’s struggles.
What is Blended Learning?
Blended learning is the unique mixture of traditional face-to-face learning and educational online technology. The goal is to bring the classroom to the comfort of one’s home while the student retains the control over time, pace, and the path of the course.
Commonly referred to as “hybrid learning” or “mix-mode courses”, blended learning can uphold any type of learning experience with a portion of the technology involved. Basically, it supports in-class activities and represents an actual classroom while the learning takes place outside of it or online. Simply put, students are still obligated to use the LMS and complete online courses via computer or mobile, but they still get a sense of the traditional in person classroom setting.
The fact is that this way of learning improves the student’s performance which was proven by a study conducted on algebra pupils. In addition, 76% of educators agree that blended learning is highly beneficial for students while 59% of teachers believe the learners are more motivated by this approach. So, why not blend IT courses with effective training techniques?
How Can This Approach Improve IT Training Courses?
First of all, no one disputes the quality of IT eLearning and training, but, simply, it can be better. While learners have the chance to review and pick the time to really learn lessons, sitting for hours and watching a small screen is not a great way to efficiently comprehend the material. This is precisely where blended learning kicks in to raise engagement by introducing a teacher giving the lecture. And, exactly like in a classroom, the instructor follows a program needed to be delivered to the whole class.
However, given there are numerous online educational courses available today, not all of them possess the same value. Meaning, although the majority of IT training programs provide an accredited certificate, the process of learning can be quite uninteresting, especially the seminars which can take all day.
But, there is a way to improve the online IT educational program and it’s called blended learning. By combining this approach with the already made course material, the learning process can be fun and the content rapidly conquered. So let’s take a look at the benefits and methods to successfully correct any IT learner’s struggles.
What is Blended Learning?
Blended learning is the unique mixture of traditional face-to-face learning and educational online technology. The goal is to bring the classroom to the comfort of one’s home while the student retains the control over time, pace, and the path of the course.
Commonly referred to as “hybrid learning” or “mix-mode courses”, blended learning can uphold any type of learning experience with a portion of the technology involved. Basically, it supports in-class activities and represents an actual classroom while the learning takes place outside of it or online. Simply put, students are still obligated to use the LMS and complete online courses via computer or mobile, but they still get a sense of the traditional in person classroom setting.
The fact is that this way of learning improves the student’s performance which was proven by a study conducted on algebra pupils. In addition, 76% of educators agree that blended learning is highly beneficial for students while 59% of teachers believe the learners are more motivated by this approach. So, why not blend IT courses with effective training techniques?
How Can This Approach Improve IT Training Courses?
First of all, no one disputes the quality of IT eLearning and training, but, simply, it can be better. While learners have the chance to review and pick the time to really learn lessons, sitting for hours and watching a small screen is not a great way to efficiently comprehend the material. This is precisely where blended learning kicks in to raise engagement by introducing a teacher giving the lecture. And, exactly like in a classroom, the instructor follows a program needed to be delivered to the whole class.
This type of teaching doesn’t always require students to be physically present. They can watch the lecture over their mobiles or tune in with other devices.
A blended learning scholar will get their learning content via learning management system and use other interactive means which makes the learning process more fun.
And, the benefits keep on multiplying as this method provides the ideal refreshment, as students can switch and select the type and lesion of the day and enjoy learning process from beginning to end. Likewise, it’s easier for students to participate because course discussions can be held in the online classroom, or via email and/or social media forum.
Having said that, another great feature comes with assessments. Blended learning in IT courses will simplify the assessment process by conducting it online. As you get a live teacher, he or she will easily assess the student’s productivity with the use of online tools for measuring the overall individual score. With evaluations presented in person during the class, the feedback is quite beneficial to both students and teachers. Apprentices will know how to improve their learning while instructors will be able to better conduct their teaching and realize where they should focus their efforts more.
Additionally, the use of technological perks doesn’t stop there. Instructors can use these online gadgets to make a survey and see how they can improve their content as well as their teaching. Therefore, the accent is always on the learners and finding the best way to improve their learning.
So, not only do course attendant get a chance to use various styles during their studying, but they can also always choose when and where to engage and complain, if they experience issues in regards to adjusting the content according to their pace.
Then again, the main point of blended learning is providing freedom intertwined with different, yet highly engaging learning sources suitable to each personal style. And, the choice always falls back on the learner who is never really alone due to the ability to overcome a problem via online discussions.
All in all, by correctly applying blended learning with the learning management system of choice, IT students will experience more excitement and a desire to dedicate more time to such a learning method. Also, as this system allows better tracking of individual performances, training courses will be made more efficiently. With each following session, students will make the most of their learning, as the classes adjust to their tempo. And, since they will feel no pressure or get overwhelmed by the content, the learning process will be more inviting and fun than ever before.
Author Bio:
Kamy Anderson is an ed-tech enthusiast with a passion for writing on emerging technologies in the areas of corporate training and education. He is an expert in learning management system& elearning authoring tools - currently associated with Pro Profs.