The correct mix of blended learning can bring 163 per cent improvements in
performance, according to phase two of e-learning provider NETg’s Thomson
Impact Study, the Next Generation of Corporate Learning. The first part of the
study looked at how a blended approach is far more effective than a single
delivery method of learning. The study attempts to pinpoint the critical
components of a successful blended approach.
Leading organisations who collaborated in the study included
Lockheed-Martin, Utah State University, University of Limerick and
KnowledgePool. Researchers studied five separate groups of learners to compare
e-learning with three different permutations of blended learning:
instructor-led, text-based programs and scenario-based exercises.
A control group was set-up to benchmark performance and didn’t receive any
training at all. All of the groups completed a post-assessment and three
real-world tasks.
When compared with the control, the e-learning group, which took a standard
e-learning course, had a 99 per cent increase in on-the-job accuracy; the
instructor-led training group (ILT Blend), which received scenario-based
exercises (SBEs) within the context of an instructor-led course achieved a 163
per cent increase; the text blend group that received SBEs with access to text
learning objects scored a 153 per cent increase; and the SBE Blend group
received SBEs that included access to NETg’s learning objects showed a159 per
cent increase in accuracy.
When compared to the e-learning group, the blended learning groups were
27-32 percent more accurate in task performance and performed the tasks 41-51
per cent faster.
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"The Job Impact Study validates the effectiveness of a blended approach
to training," says Joe Dougherty, president of NETg. "In the final
analysis, the focus is on providing not only e-learning courses but supporting
the learner with a variety of instructional tools and solutions to ensure
training experience delivers measurable job performance improvements that are
aligned with the strategic objectives of the business."
