Frequently Asked Questions

4. Should e-learning be able to stand on its own, or are blended learning solutions best?

E-learning is a powerful tool. It is a means to an end, but not an end in itself.

As with the use of all tools, it is important to approach e-learning applications with one's ultimate goals and objectives clearly in mind and select the method of learning that best fits the task at hand.

There are many situations where e-learning works very effectively as a stand alone application, e.g.

as a 'desk-top resource providing the latest information on product updates or services, access to reference manuals, sharing best practice ideas and procedures, etc.
as a 'just in time' problem solving tool or desk-top coach providing tips and advice on work-related issues
for providing on-going job support through online worksheets and other work aids
as a tool for supporting self-paced learning, especially remedial development work where people need to do some rapid 'gap filling' or content-based learning to get on a par with colleagues or fellow students
as a means of providing basic technical skills training

There are other situations where e-learning needs to be blended with other learning modalities, e.g.

as a "before and after" resource to supplement classroom and workshop learning -- for example, to extend the shelf-life and retention of what is learned and to provide a means of directly integrating learning and ongoing job performance
as a supplement to personal competence development and coaching programs
as part of a 360° learning development project or as an aid for team-learning in situations where face-to face discussion is important
as a support for interpersonal skill development e.g. on negotiations, making verbal presentations that require some kind of live performance

The NewMindsets experience is that other than for purely technical training or information sharing, blended approaches work best. The value of the e-learning component is that it allows one to really use 'face to face' modalities -- whether through the classroom, teleconferencing, individual or small group mentoring, coaching or teambuilding programs, etc. -- where and when they are really needed for adding greatest value. A well-designed e-learning component can dramatically reduce face to face time requirements - often by over 75%, e.g. by reducing the number of classroom days, required travel time and associated logistical arrangements. The cost, time and personal stress savings can be really large. But most important of all, the blended integration of learning and ongoing work practice can bring huge practical gains in terms of the impact, relevance and retention of learning.

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