By Corinne Taylor
Blended learning is the new buzz word in the world of language training. It can essentially be defined as learning via a combination of methods, and most frequently refers to the mixture of face-to-face and e-learning. At Language Services Direct, we encourage our trainers to meet business learners’ needs by providing blended learning solutions – so how can this optimise language learning?
Just like coffee, learning also comes in a variety of blends. Here are a few of the models of blended learning offered by language training providers:
Online: training is predominantly via an online platform, with periodic face-to-face sessions. Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs), such as Moodle, create a platform, where the trainer acts as the course moderator. The learners complete online modules, where they acquire theoretical knowledge (e.g. grammar or writing skills) and complete controlled exercises to practice. Their progress is monitored by the trainer, who is available to answer any questions and help the students practice their productive skills during face-to-face sessions.
Face-to-face: Training is primarily in person, but supplemented using technology in the classroom. This could include trainers utilising online resources to listen to podcasts, watch video content, conduct controlled exercises, find content to read or research a particular grammatical structure.
Rotation: The learners rotate as a group from trainer-led lessons to online instruction and back again. The online learning is self-paced and can be self-directed by use of adaptive technology, which modifies the presentation of material in response to student performance.
Online lab: This describes a physical learning environment with training delivered by an online trainer e.g. via Skype or WebEx. These virtual labs can mirror the 4-walled classroom and trainers and learners alike can exploit features such as screen sharing, annotation, file sharing and shared presenter functionalities.
With reduced travel-associated costs for trainers, online training can often be offered at a lower rate than face-to-face training. The online platforms can often be sold with a licencing fee, reducing overall costs. As learners are able to discover content themselves, the rate of retention is increased and learners can also develop valuable and necessary twenty-first century learning skills, promoting sustainable learning. Online training and assessment can also provide instant diagnostic information and student feedback, ensuring more-accurate real-time performance reporting.
Online modules can be flexible time-wise, as learners and trainers can log-on anytime, anyplace. Self-paced modules ensure that the learner is engaged and allowing autonomy helps ensure that learners are driving their own learning experience. By removing location barriers, language training providers can ensure that the crème de la crème of trainers are placed to oversee modules. You can also increase opportunities for collaboration, as learners can team-up and work alongside a myriad of language-learning comrades.
The autonomous aspect of the training can cater for unique learning styles, creating a more-individualised learning experience and learners can access a wide range of resources – not just those provided by the trainer. Self-directed study can provide a less stressful practice environment for learners. E-learning also allows for bite-sized learning, another key L&D trend, which promotes access to relevant content as and when needed.
As blended learning modules can take the discovery of new language areas outside of the lesson, it can facilitate Flipped Classroom concepts, along with the associated benefits. This includes more-effective in-class interaction, as learners can research/ review content outside of the classroom and then spend the full lesson time putting theory into practice. As online groupings aren’t limited to location and time constraints, you can allow for more-homogenous groups with more-personalised learning support.
So now you are clued up on the possibilities of blending online and face to face learning and how modules can be mixed and matched, pick n’ mix style. Offering more-personalised content, delivery and return on investment, you can see why learners are opening their laptops and connecting to the online world of blended language learning.
Contact the team at Language Services Direct to discover how you & your employees can get set up on a blended learning language course.
https://elearningindustry.com/blended-learning-advantages-and-disadvantages-in-corporate-training https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/sites/teacheng/files/D057_Blended%20learning_FINAL_WEB%20ONLY_v2.pdf http://www.teachthought.com/learning/blended-flipped-learning/the-benefits-of-blended-learning/
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