In August or September, the training start 2022 begins in many industries. Teachers and companies should now think about how to accompany the new trainees on their journey. Today, we present to you a way to support training with digital learning methods such as blended learning!
E-learning, blended learning, or microlearning – the choice of methods for digital learning seems endless. But no panic! You do not have to start completely right away; start slowly and use this year's training start. After all, digital learning is exciting and new for all involved.
You may be wondering how you, as a company, can support your trainees and collaborate even more closely with teachers? We have a few tips:
Blended Learning: The perfect introduction to digital learning
Blended learning – the mix of classroom teaching and digital accompaniment in the online course – is the optimal start to familiarize yourself with digital learning methods. For example, accompany school days with extra content in the online course for your trainees. Address the teachers directly and ask them to provide materials!
Why blended learning makes sense in training
As in later professional life, there is often little time in training for trainees to really concentrate on learning. The balancing act between vocational school and working in the company is often difficult. Some companies completely neglect the school aspect of training.
This part, especially, is particularly important so that trainees receive the knowledge needed and can provide real added value to your company. A digital accompaniment, perhaps even independent of the school, is the optimal solution. This way, trainees can really focus on their training.
The following advantages blended learning offers to trainees – and all involved!:
Trainees learn independently of teachers or supervisors.
Trainees organize their learning process themselves and take responsibility.
Trainees can focus on their individual strengths and weaknesses.
Trainees exchange directly with classmates in the online course under learning content.
Teachers and trainers have a better overview of the learning progress in the online course and can intervene in time.
Teachers and trainers can reuse content and do not have to supervise each trainee individually.
Digital skills and the handling of digital media are strengthened by all participants!
Blended Learning models for training
Blended learning is the easiest way to slowly approach digital learning methods. To get started, you can utilize the digital phases as additional learning units that also function independently of the actual classroom instruction. However, you can also exchange ideas directly with teachers or craft chambers.
Moreover, the Cornelsen eCademy suggests four more models that are specifically used in the context of training. We have contrasted the roles of trainees and teachers in the following table:
Model | Role of the Teachers | Role of the Trainees |
Rotation Model | … provides the structure and process, contents and location are predetermined | … must adhere to the curriculum and have little decision-making power |
Flex Model | … predominantly provides content and primarily serves as learning companions and experts | … have full control over the learning process and turn to teachers as needed |
A la Carte Model | … provides all content in both in-person and online | … choose themselves how they want to work through content |
Expanded Virtual Model | … primarily provides content online and offers additional mandatory in-person dates | … predominantly learn online and independently, must participate in certain in-person dates |
Depending on the training and working hours, different models are suitable – after all, not every training is the same. The methods presented by Cornelsen primarily refer to the work of teachers, as they provide the learning content.
How companies support their trainees in learning
Companies can support their trainees beyond the models mentioned above for teachers by sitting down with the responsible teachers and planning enough learning time for the digital learning phases. Or they take full responsibility for managing the digital learning phases; this model is also possible.
Of course, there are already some materials from the respective Chamber of Commerce, but the offerings are usually very general and not tailored to individual trainees.
You should definitely not overlook your trainees! After all, they need to learn something. Actively involve trainees and ask specifically about learning preferences: Do they prefer to learn in one go and need a specific day for that, or do they want to integrate their learning time into their working day?
Reading Tip: Do you want to provide content for different learning types? Then read here how to implement adaptive learning: Adaptive Learning: What advantages does the trend offer?
Prerequisites for digital learning in training to work
As a trainer, you are responsible for the learning success of your trainees, of course in consultation with the teachers. Nevertheless, they spend most of their time in the companies and perform good work there. Therefore, you should meet some prerequisites so that your trainees can learn in peace in the company:
Prerequisite 1: Internet access as a central basis
Not every company has permanently installed computers with internet access. Ensure before the start of the training that at least one device is set up and accessible for your trainees!
Prerequisite 2: Fixed learning times based on the needs of each trainee
Training is associated with a learning effort. So that your trainees do not have to learn exclusively in their free time, you should plan fixed times in which they can prepare for exams.
Prerequisite 3: A contact person for urgent questions
Especially your newcomers should be looked after at first. Therefore, appoint a fixed contact person who accompanies your trainee from the company's side throughout the entire training.
Prerequisite 4: Regularly remind trainees of tasks and learning content
Trainees tend to forget their duties. Therefore, remind them regularly of their tasks and engage with the teachers. This way, you will have an overview of the current curriculum.
Digital learning: Tasks for your trainees
For digital learning to work in training, your trainees must meet the following three conditions. After all, in blended learning, a teacher is not always present to monitor learning progress.
Digital Access: Your trainees need certain competencies to learn digitally. Ideally, they already fulfill these as digital natives; otherwise, teachers and trainers must provide support at this point!
Self-motivation: Your trainees must want to learn on their own and take care to complete the tasks on time.
Self-tests: If no teacher monitors the learning process of the trainees, they must do it themselves. A good way to do this is regular quizzes and reviews of learning content.
You see, there are many ways companies can support their trainees. Use this year's training start and begin with digital teaching methods for greater learning success. How blended learning is implemented with blink.it, you can see directly in the free test course – have fun learning!
