7 Reasons Why Blended Learning is the Best Training Strategy for 2021

As companies are getting back to their new normal amidst the still lingering pandemic, it’s clear that corporate training has changed and is much less traditional and more agile than ever before. Blended learning, also called hybrid learning, has been deemed the new normal and the most impactful and thoughtful training approach. 

What is blended learning?

Blended learning is the practice of providing training materials in both digital and print formats. It combines elements of traditional, hard copy learning using printed content, such as handouts, resource guides, and coursebooks, with online, digital content and experiences.

Why is this the best training strategy for 2021?

Not only does blended learning save time, it also accommodates different learning styles and format preferences. These are just a few of the reasons why blended learning is the best training strategy for 2021. Let’s explore the full list of benefits now!

1. Save time. Blended learning makes creating course materials less time-consuming for trainers. Instead of manually printing out and putting together dozens of workbooks, training manuals, and presentations, trainers can do all of this online, digitally. For example, with Mimeo Digital, trainers can upload coursework and lessons to a private document library, where they can save, store, and update materials as needed.

2. Reduce costs. You may think that single-method, on-site training cuts costs. While it’s less expensive than sending employees to an off-site training location, it still interrupts daily productivity. And online training alone has low completion rates, which is a waste of your training budget. Blended learning is a better, more cost-effective alternative because it combines live and online training to reliably impart knowledge, making money spent on employee training worthwhile and reducing the amount spent on noncompletion.

3. Reach learners wherever they are. In 2021, some employees are back in the office while others are working from home, so there’s not necessarily a face-to-face corporate classroom. Blended learning allows trainers to educate learners, no matter where they are. You can have a virtual webinar and distribute printouts of the presentation and note-taking documents prior to the air date. Present to those who are in the office in person and send video to those who are working from home – on any device, anywhere. The possibilities are nearly endless.

4. Tailor to different learning styles. Research shows that everyone has a different learning style, so some learners will retain more information from digital content. Others benefit more from taking notes on paper. Blended learning empowers trainers to accommodate all learners’ needs.

5. Personalise learning. With blended learning, you can place the content format in your learners’ hands. Let them choose whether they prefer digital, print, or both. You will be including rather than excluding learners, since you’re not forcing either print or digital on them.

6. Encourage engagement. Blended learning incorporates digital content technology that allows learners to interact with each other and the materials. They can comment on lessons, pose questions, and collaborate with other learners. At the same time, trainers can view and track this engagement and see what content types and formats interest learners the most. This information can be taken into account when planning future training content.

7. Secure your intellectual property (IP). Last, but certainly not least, blended learning gives you flexibility with IP security. You may have certain training materials that you want to maintain complete control of, so you choose to distribute as digital content that cannot be downloaded. Yet, even with the same audience, you have other materials, like quick guides and evaluations, that you have no problem giving out as takeaways. Blended learning puts you in control of your IP and how you disperse it.

As you can see, blended learning is by far the best, most effective training strategy in 2021. It has immense advantages for trainers, including time and cost savings and IP security. Learners enjoy flexibility, having a personalised experience that’s tailored to their learning style, and are more likely to engage with content.