Online or Blended Learning
As an Instructional Designer it is important to consider the different types of learning that I may be tasked with creating and how the materials may change depending. Online learning seems to be such a vast expanse of possibilities that it may be difficult to narrow down a succinct idea of what it is. To me, online learning is, at its most basic, learning that is done fully online. For example, online learning is when someone wants to learn a new skill and heads to Youtube for a tutorial. Or, when a student is attending an online program and all instruction is provided over an online platform. Online learning is not, to me, taking traditionally classroom learning materials and adopting them to fit an online modality (like what had to be done through the Pandemic in 2020). Now, blended learning is something a little different. Blended learning is when instruction is presented in an synchronous model with asynchronous work. Blended learning is the blend of online and classroom learning that utilizes the best of each method to instruct learners in a way that is positive, engaging, and enlightening.
In this after-pandemic world, I feel it is incredibly important to find ways to utilize a new form of online learning. Many people are unable to meet during traditional classroom sessions, even if they are scheduled to be virtual, due to work and family obligations. Additionally, those working are expected to train, but with the virtual work environment becoming more popular, the need for online learning is incredibly important. From personal experience, training in multiple time zones is incredibly difficult when the emphasis is on traditional learning done virtually. A significant advantage is that learners from many different time zones, at any time of day, can learn material in the same capacity as everyone else. The main disadvantage is that facilitator-led training in a traditional classroom environment is not something easily mimicked or recreated with a fully online model. Some learners may feel at a disadvantage if there is no facilitator showing them what to do or walking through the room keeping the learner on track. Fully online learning places the emphasis of learning on the learner, which is a deviation from traditional learning in the past.
Online learning, specifically for my position and goals, is a great way to meet the needs of learners in a corporate environment that are across time zones, work different hours, and work from home. Not only that, but learners will also have access to different technologies that will allow them to fully engage with the learning that I develop in order to meet the needs of the business and maintain compliance standards. I also find that my preference for learning is to do so individually, and I know that there are many out there with the same preference. So overall, my goal is to create training and learning opportunities that are easily accessible to a wide variety of people that prefer, or otherwise are unable, to learn virtually and asynchronously.
When exploring both online and blended learning, the main difference that I see is that blended learning includes some facets of traditional classroom learning, whether it is in-person or not. Blended learning is a more social learning experience, while online learning can be completed as a solo endeavor for the learner. Online learning can consist of self-paced learning, but all interactions and activities are something that will be created to guide the learner to a specific goal or outcome. I like to think of online learning as a way for the learner to guide themselves to learning a new topic with the module they are taking as the road to follow. The learner still needs to put one foot in front of the other and follow the path laid out before them in order to get to the desired outcome.
The future for online and blended learning is still to be determined. However, I feel that online learning is going to be more of a focus than other types of learning as people are more used to virtually working. Additionally, I think the flexibility of virtual learning is going to be the main aspect that keeps it relevant, because learners from any area, any time zone, and at any time of day can utilize the same instruction to help improve their skills and better their lives.
In this after-pandemic world, I feel it is incredibly important to find ways to utilize a new form of online learning. Many people are unable to meet during traditional classroom sessions, even if they are scheduled to be virtual, due to work and family obligations. Additionally, those working are expected to train, but with the virtual work environment becoming more popular, the need for online learning is incredibly important. From personal experience, training in multiple time zones is incredibly difficult when the emphasis is on traditional learning done virtually. A significant advantage is that learners from many different time zones, at any time of day, can learn material in the same capacity as everyone else. The main disadvantage is that facilitator-led training in a traditional classroom environment is not something easily mimicked or recreated with a fully online model. Some learners may feel at a disadvantage if there is no facilitator showing them what to do or walking through the room keeping the learner on track. Fully online learning places the emphasis of learning on the learner, which is a deviation from traditional learning in the past.
Online learning, specifically for my position and goals, is a great way to meet the needs of learners in a corporate environment that are across time zones, work different hours, and work from home. Not only that, but learners will also have access to different technologies that will allow them to fully engage with the learning that I develop in order to meet the needs of the business and maintain compliance standards. I also find that my preference for learning is to do so individually, and I know that there are many out there with the same preference. So overall, my goal is to create training and learning opportunities that are easily accessible to a wide variety of people that prefer, or otherwise are unable, to learn virtually and asynchronously.
When exploring both online and blended learning, the main difference that I see is that blended learning includes some facets of traditional classroom learning, whether it is in-person or not. Blended learning is a more social learning experience, while online learning can be completed as a solo endeavor for the learner. Online learning can consist of self-paced learning, but all interactions and activities are something that will be created to guide the learner to a specific goal or outcome. I like to think of online learning as a way for the learner to guide themselves to learning a new topic with the module they are taking as the road to follow. The learner still needs to put one foot in front of the other and follow the path laid out before them in order to get to the desired outcome.
The future for online and blended learning is still to be determined. However, I feel that online learning is going to be more of a focus than other types of learning as people are more used to virtually working. Additionally, I think the flexibility of virtual learning is going to be the main aspect that keeps it relevant, because learners from any area, any time zone, and at any time of day can utilize the same instruction to help improve their skills and better their lives.
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