Converting a Face-to-Face Class to a Blending Learning Format

Scenario

A training manager has been frustrated with the quality of communication among trainees in his face-to-face training sessions and wants to try something new. With his supervisor’s permission, the trainer plans to convert all current training modules to a blended learning format, which would provide trainees and trainers the opportunity to interact with each other and learn the material in both a face-to-face and online environment. In addition, he is considering putting all of his training materials on a server so that the trainees have access to resources and assignments at all times.

I think that it is a good idea for the training manager to convert his face-to-face training sessions to a blended learning format.  However, I think that he is doing it for all of the wrong reasons.  He cannot expect that the students will do much better communicating in a blended environment than face-to-face.

Preplanning Strategies

First, I think that the training manager needs to research the costs.  Sure an online environment sounds fun, but it can actually become quite expensive.  Everyone has to have access to the server in order to access resources and assignments.  He needs to know what kind of computers are needed to run the software that he needs and find a way to track access and assignments for each employee.  The best thing for him to do is to hire an instructional design team.  They can talk to him and his boss and come up with a learning format for the employees, examine the needs of the learning environment and figure out what they would like to accomplish.  After which everyone can decide if it is cost effective to create this blended learning training program.

Enhancements to the Learning Format

The major problem is that there is little to no communication during the training sessions.  If no one answers any of the questions presented at the end of training, how can we be sure that they learned anything or if they understand the materials?  The goal is to get the students to communicate with each other and the instructor.  In many face-to-face classes, I would think that it should be easier to communicate because students should feel comfortable to express their thoughts, emotions, and their behavior in a social setting.  However, in online classes, communication does not exist until someone creates it.  When it is created, students and instructors not only learn the skills and content better, but they enjoy the experience and work toward degrees and other career goals (Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, 2011).

 

Role Change

The trainer’s role is definitely going to change once the learning format becomes different.  Instead of spending most of his time presenting ideas in person, he will actually have to present them in various learning formats.  I think that he will need to work on his presentation methods and take a survey to find out what is working or not working in the face-to-face class.  Once he understands that, he can focus on the content of his lectures and find ways to motivate students to want to learn online and keep their attention.  If everything works out, student participation is sure to increase and he needs a plan to figure out who will deal with their questions and reply and what length of time it will take to respond.

Encouraging Students to Participate Online

The training manager needs to make sure that everyone can operate a computer and use the software that is provided.  Training and/or tutorials should be provided so employees can familiarize themselves with the tools necessary to learn. Similar to traditional classes, online learning gives students a chance to discuss what they learn throughout the course in a collaborative group setting.  Some of the goals of the instructor should include making sure that the each discussion builds upon the previous lesson, it encourages students to participate, and the information helps the students to understand the assignment.  In online learning, the facilitator should also remember that each pupil’s background is different and they learn differently, the lesson plan should be well thought out and there should be an open line of communication (Facilitating Online Learning, 2012).

In order to get students to participate, teachers must let students know if class participation is part of their grade, how they will be evaluated and what is expected of them (Inquiry Through Blended Learning).  Likewise, I believe that students will perform better in the class if they actively post questions that relate to class activities.  “By collaborating, all students expand their knowledge, skills and the ability to self-access their own progress” (Simonson, M., et al, 2012).  Overall, a collaborative learning environment promotes student and instructor participation and influences learner success.

 

 

 

 

 

Ways to Get Students to Participate

Motivation	Trainer needs to figure out   how to keep students engaged
Grade Assignments	Students will read and   actively participate for a grade
Provide Ample Resources	Be able to use technology tools   properly and ask Trainer for help
Communication	Students should participate   in online discussion to express their knowledge of the assignments and share   ideas with others

What is the Trainer’s New Role?

Innovator

Collaborator

Motivator

Organizer

Mediator

References

Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. (2011, May 16). Retrieved from Creating presence, online and face-to-face: http://cetl.ucdavis.edu/presence/

Facilitating Online Learning. (2012). Retrieved from Laureate Education, Inc.: http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=6290464&Survey=1&47=6932490&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=1&bhcp=1

Inquiry Through Blended Learning. (n.d.). Retrieved from Motivating students to participate in online discussions: http://commons.ucalgary.ca/documents/ITBL_MotivatingStudents.pdf