Blended learning fails when it is seen only as a mix of formal training mixed with self-study, according to #clive shepherd, author of a new book and learning framework entitled More Than Blended.
Speaking at the More Than Blended launch in London, Shepherd said that his new approach was aimed at helping organisations design world class learning solutions. Technology had been viewed as a silver bullet for organisations looking to deliver cheaper learning solutions at scale but these tended to fail as standalone solutions.
The launch of More Than Blended
Good learning interventions are rarely based on one form of input, he said, but when people think of blended learning they tend to deliver some formal learning interventions such as classroom-based work followed by some self-study. More Than Blended is about the whole learning experience, from social learning and experiential learning on the job to formal learning – it is encapsulates learning in all its contexts.
“This is also about throwing out the idea that blended learning is a bit of formal mixed with a bit of informal learning. This is about blending strategies, who we learn with and when, blending in a balanced way and getting that balance right. This is also about making learning cheaper and scalable whilst at the same time maintaining quality.”
Launching More Than Blended, Shepherd’s colleague, Barry Sampson, said the book, film, course and case studies represented a framework which he hoped would grow and grow the more people used it.
The launch event also included the first public screening of No Regrets, a story of two people starting new jobs.
Nigel Paine, former chief learning officer at the BBC, said: “Clive Shepherd raises some interesting points about learning. Learning without emotion is going to be more difficult to stick so narrative and storytelling are a really important part of the learning process. He said that learning is a number of processes, it is not one event. The process is cultural, rational and values-based and if you can align them then you have a better chance of learning success. It is also important to document the learning process from the learners’ perspective, something Clive has done really well.”
Listen to our full interview with Nigel Paine
