The impact of instructor-led training could be diminishing, according to research.
Results of the latest Training Magazine transatlantic survey into blended learning among 286 respondents indicate that instructor-led training, which currently accounts for nearly half of all organisational training and is seen as the most effective form, will account for 38 per cent of training among UK and US companies by 2006.
One of the key pressures on instructor-led training on both sides of the pond is the requirement to cut the amount of time participants spend away from the workplace. This factor was cited by 67 per cent of organisations, which said they are looking to reduce such interludes by up to 50 per cent.
And in 91 per cent of cases, participants’ time away from the workplace is the biggest consideration for organisations when they are developing a new training solution.
Other factors include how the learning will be transferred back to the workplace, trainers’ time, the level of support required from each participant’s line manager, the delivery time frames and logistics.
By 2006, blended learning – which typically comprises instructor-led training, custom e-learning courses, workbooks, other print-based materials and workplace assignments – is forecast to deliver 24 per cent of training outputs. Currently, blended learning is used to deliver 13 per cent of all organisational training.
The survey, Blended Learning: Views Across the Pond, which appeared in Training Magazine and was undertaken by training specialist Balance Learning, was also supported by Venture Marketing and the US publication Training & Development Magazine.
A full report and analysis will appear in the November edition of Training Magazine.
