Lately, the virtual classroom has become the most popular kid in school. From team meetings to global training programs, platforms like Zoom, Webex Training Center, Adobe Connect, and Microsoft Teams, have enabled businesses to adapt to the unexpected and unfortunate current circumstances.  

But switching learning environments involves technical, instructional design, and delivery considerations. When asked by clients what a new virtual blend involves, we liken it to a stage production. Behind the scenes, experts coordinate and orchestrate acts to wow an audience, all while making the featured talent look good.  

Not only do current global circumstances demand training go digital, but, over the last few years, industry experts have promoted the value of virtual blended learning. This virtual model offers a number of critical advantages, like:

• Adaptability of programs (designers can update individual content pieces as information changes)
• Personalization of learning experiences (based on the needs of specific learner groups, they can engage in certain blends – or segments of programs)
• Application of knowledge (learners can apply new information within the context of work between live sessions)
• Practicality of design (designers can match each learning objective to an authentic treatment, and order the components in a logical progression)

How can you hit the ground running with your digital blend so it effectively achieves its goals, supports learners’ needs, and instills confidence in its efficacy? Start with solid design and purposeful communication.

Virtually There Session Recap

For the last 20 years, and especially over the past two months, our team has repeated a singular mantra: “one does not simply move a course online.”

But given the state of the world today, it feels imperative that we quickly adapt learning to the virtual learning environment. And while digital learning requires nuance, planning, and an awareness of both technology and instructional options, the transition can happen under pressure.

Okay. Not really. Leading a global training project takes more than being an instructional designer or a trainer or even a project manager. I've identified three critical steps to leading a successful global training project:  

1. Evolving your role into a learning experience architect. 
2. Mastering how to connect people and content in a way that meets the needs of the business and the learners.  
3. Creating a plan that addresses the complexity of a global rollout. 

A global training implementation is much more complex than a blended learning solution designed for one country or for one region. Managing learner schedules, understanding the impact of regionalization, and getting content out in the most appropriate way are just some of the considerations the learning architect needs to consider.

A global program will probably be a blend. However, the old metaphor of a blended learning solution being a recipe, where you need to combine the right ingredients to get the right results, is not powerful enough to support the needs of modern organizations. Modern blended learning is more accurately described as a formula: combining the right elements in different ways to achieve a balance that meets the needs of all the stakeholders within the organization.

It’s really about chemistry.

Picture this: you’re facilitating a live training session for your organization, and it comes time to ask for learner input. You open the floor for contributions with the common phrase, “A penny for your thoughts?”

And you get crickets. Your previously lively cohort goes silent. Some participants look utterly confused.

What happened? Your figure of speech may have confused your global learners.

Are you moving towards blended learning with your modern instructional designs? Microlearning provides a viable approach for many training content pieces and learner support resources.

On the surface, microlearning may not sound like a universally accessible option. “My topic’s too complicated to teach in five minutes!” you lament. And you’d be right – using microlearning effectively doesn’t equate to compressing a three-day, hands-on training program into one five-minute explainer video.

Carla Torgerson provided a helpful use case that will guide you towards best practice during her informative BYTE session, Embracing Microlearning in Your Ecosystem.

Modern workplace learning professionals wear many hats. Gone are the days of specialization. Our organizations expect us to design, deliver, implement, and manage entire training programs. Learners see us as facilitators, producers, learning guides, subject matter experts (SMEs), and sometimes technical support.

I’ve advocated for a modern title that encompasses all of our responsibilities – the Learning Experience Architect. We’re the hub of modern learning. To make the transition, we have to do more than assign ourselves a new label.

Why Mindsets Matter

As Learning Experience Architects, we need to manage the perceptions and mindsets of the people around us. We can master all of the tools and models we want, but if our organization doesn’t get it, it’ll appear that we’re just chasing a fad.

BYTE Session Recap

Over the past 200 years, training has been moving in the wrong direction. Our approach to training and education no longer supports how learners work. Guest BYTE speaker Martyn Lewis explored a modern solution to an old-school problem.

Read more for Martyn’s definition of our learning struggles, how to get started with blended training, and the seven keys to a successful learning and development approach.

Watch Martyn’s BYTE recording for a discussion of learning through the ages, moving away from the physical classroom, the 7C approach to blended learning and a case study. Click here for the recording.

Your blended learning course is set to go. You are certain that online and face-to-face elements are well aligned; the design engaging; and the content relevant. You're confident learners and instructors will greatly benefit from it.

So, what could possibly go wrong?

We know that any number of things can go awry. It's an expectation built into our work. Being prepared to tackle common challenges up front can make for higher quality blended learning opportunities.

There are three obstacles that I see as topping the list of blended learning challenges.