Further Information: Sufficient time is allocated to those responsible for delivering learning and development to incorporate and develop e-Learning tools as part of a blended learning offer.
Blended Learning
Blended learning exists when a variety of learning methods, techniques and resources are used together with e-Learning. Blended learning can enhance the learners' experience by enabling access to a variety of resources. It can also cater for preferred learning styles and pace of learning. Delivery of the learning may be at a time and place more suited to the learner making the learning more accessible.
Best practice guidance for blended learning approaches to post-qualification health care education can be found in a document Best practice guidance for blended learning approaches to CPD education for NHS staff produced by NHS Education South Central.
Researching and Developing Blended Learning
Programme development can be a time consuming process. Adaptations of existing programmes or a development of whole new training event requires research, consultation, design and allocation of resources. Familiarity with new techniques and tools has to be built up and confidence in using them developed. Even buying a programme off the shelf requires research into the subject content and evaluation of the product before purchase. The job description of those responsible for delivering learning and development must clearly reflect this element of the role. The time for these duties needs to be accepted and acknowledged by managers.
For information on competencies see the competency frameworks issued by the Institute of IT trainers at http://www.iitt.org.uk.
Select job descriptions, KSF outlines and job profiles developed for Education Training and Development Practitioners within the Health Service.
Related Resources
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