THE NEW FACE OF BLENDED LEARNING

The new way to learn

While blended learning isn’t new, it is swiftly becoming more integrated and holistic. It’s now acknowledged that when it comes to learning, around:

• 70% comes from on-the-job experience.
• 20% is social (peers and mentors).
• 10% comes from formal learning (classroom, elearning modules).

This is briefly expressed as 70:20:10 and DeakinCo. is at the forefront of implementing it in Australia.

Tectonic shift

The revolutionary change to blended learning has been difficult for many traditional learning providers. The industry has segmented into elearning and face-to-face (F2F) suppliers. While some claim to blend both approaches, their offerings are often token.

By contrast, DeakinCo. is at the forefront of the global trend towards truly holistic learning. We combine digital and F2F experts with strong delivery infrastructure.

Elements of blended learning

Why does blended learning matter? Because, from health to finance to telecommunications, many Australian organisations are being forced to do more with less, under ever harsher conditions.

More with less

It was in this context that one of our clients realised it had to make much more of its workforce.

This firm’s month-long face-to-face induction program was producing inflexible staff who depended on rote-learned data. Yet it wanted its new hires to take an empathetic problem-solving approach to customer relations.

To achieve this, our client wanted more efficient and engaging on-the-job learning to inspire customer experience, deliver client-centred solutions and trigger health advocacy.

The timeline for this highly ambitious shift? 12 weeks.

Man of the times

For over 15 years, Arun Pradhan has worked with digital and blended learning. As DeakinCo.’s Solution Designer and Creative Vision Holder for this project, he oversaw the collaboration between our experts and the client. Arun speaks from experience when he describes our leading position in the blended learning field.

‘DeakinCo. holds a unique space in the market by bringing together elearning and face-to-face experts; cutting edge tech and systems; with options for RTO and university pathways.

‘We’re not just about pulling together a shopping list of learning events, we’re ultimately creating a holistic environment that supports personalised and continuous learner journeys which shifts mindsets and embeds learning.’

Dream into action

DeakinCo.’s approach to our client’s brief was agile yet collaborative. At key points, client stakeholders set up in our offices to give instant feedback on builds.

Our solution presented complex needs simply with a clear road map and set of learner expectations. It blended a rich online learning environment with a program that comprised:

• 70% less face-to-face training.
• Systems and processes to support on-the-job learning.
• Lively video-based characters derived from market segmentation data to build client empathy.
• Compressed elearning assets (e.g. video eBytes and interactive mini-modules) to support just-in-time training.

The learner environment featured:

• Digital badges that tracked and encouraged progress.
• An online development plan that ‘glued’ all learning experiences and incorporated questions to encourage learners to plan, reflect upon and record their journey.

Embracing 70:20:10, this project prioritised continuous learning, informal instruction and social support. By providing separate views for learners, coaches and facilitators, the online system presented information, resources and support to each group as needed.

As to results, Arun cites many. ‘They were positive across the board. A highly structured (and sometimes arduous) onboarding process has evolved into a natural, organic (and even fun) journey of discovery. A growing number of learners, leaders and – most importantly – customers, say they’ve never felt better.’

Learn more

To see how the exciting shift to blended learning can benefit you, your people and your organisation, contact our Head of Business Development David Hunter via david.hunter@www.deakinco.com or 03 9918 9000.