How to Combine In-Person and Virtual Training for Optimal Results
A New Approach to Training
In a world where hybrid work and flexibility are the new norms, blended learning has emerged as the ultimate solution for maximizing the strengths of both in-person and virtual training. By combining face-to-face interactions with the scalability and convenience of online platforms, organizations can create learning experiences that are engaging, effective, and tailored to diverse needs.
This blog explores when to use in-person versus remote training and offers strategies for blending them to achieve the best results.
In-Person Learning: The Human Touch
Why It Matters:
Face-to-face learning offers a unique depth of connection and engagement that’s hard to replicate virtually, there’s a reason many companies have recalled the remote work revolution, some things are best done in person and that includes types of learning. It’s particularly effective in these scenarios:
Team-Building: Activities requiring interpersonal interaction such as leadership exercises or collaboration training.
Hands-On Practice: For tasks like equipment operation, medical procedures, or culinary skills, physical presence is essential. Operational or technical training that happens in a simulated or live environment is proven to yield better results and learner retention.
Immediate Feedback: Role-playing scenarios, live discussions, and workshops benefit from on-the-spot coaching.
Relationship Building: Networking events, mentorship sessions, and activities that foster trust thrive in a shared physical space.
Remote Learning: Flexibility and Scalability
Why It Works:
Virtual learning excels in delivering theoretical content, self-paced modules, and training for geographically dispersed teams. Ideal use cases include:
Self-Paced Modules: Compliance training, foundational knowledge, or certifications learners can complete on their own schedule.
Live Virtual Sessions: Ideal for interactive discussions or live webinars that accommodate remote teams.
Cost Efficiency: Reduces travel and venue expenses while allowing global accessibility.
Interactive Tools: Engages learners through quizzes, polls, breakout rooms, and gamified learning using a Learning Management System (LMS).
Blending In-Person and Virtual Training
How to Decide the Format:
The key to effective blended learning is aligning the training format with the learning objectives:
In-Person for Connection: Use for activities requiring collaboration, discussion, and direct feedback.
Remote for Convenience: Leverage virtual tools for scalability and flexible access to foundational materials and fact based surface knowledge. Think of things like policy, or when referencing Bloom’s Taxonomy: remembering, understanding and sometimes applying depending on complexity.
Example of Blended Learning:
Onboarding Program: Start with remote self-paced modules covering company policies and culture. Follow up with an in-person session for team-building exercises and role-specific hands-on training.
Best Practices for Blended Learning:
Define clear learning objectives to guide your format choices.
Use technology purposefully, ensuring virtual platforms align with the content and goals.
Regularly evaluate learner feedback and outcomes to refine your approach.
Why Blended Learning Matters
Blended learning combines the best of both worlds, offering a flexible, engaging, and effective way to deliver training. By understanding when to use in-person versus virtual formats, organizations can create tailored experiences that empower learners and achieve measurable results.
Ready to transform your training programs with blended learning? Let’s collaborate to design a solution that meets your needs.
