Blending E-learning withIn-person Training

Brian Washburn, Training DirectorRebecca Grossman, Training Specialist

Terene Bennett, Training Specialist

National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association

Workshop Objectives

By the end of this workshop, you will have increased abilities to…

Explain the flexibility & value that can result by blending classroom and online training

Apply examples of NCASA lessons learned

Engage in dialogue around barriers/solutions to integrating technology in your work

Poll:

Raise your hand if you… Train exclusively in-person Train using in-person and online

activities Train primarily through web-

based activities

Question

What kind(s) of technology are you using?

Question

What does “blended learning” mean to you?

“How I See It”

Rules: Break up into groups of 4 or 5 people Read one card at a time If everyone in your group thinks the

statement is a fact, put it in a “FACT” pile If everyone in your group thinks the

statement is fiction, put it in a “FICTION” pile

If there is disagreement on the statement, place it in a “NO CONSENSUS” pile

Technology is Cost Prohibitive

Free Technologies:› Audacity (Audio Editing)› Skype (Conference Call/Video Conferencing)› Unyte (Web Conferencing)› Vyew (Web Conferencing)› SHARE (Web Conferencing)

Fee-based Technologies:› WebEx, Live Meeting, GoToMeeting

Retention Rates

A systematic search of the research literature from 1996 through July 2008 identified over 1,000 empirical studies of online learning. Of these, 46 met the high bar for quality that was required for the studies to be included in the analysis. The meta analysis showed that “blended” instruction – combining elements of online and face-to-face instruction – had a larger advantage relative to purely face to face instruction or instruction conducted wholly online. The analysis also showed that the instruction conducted wholly on line was more effective in improving student achievement than the purely face to face instruction.

Source: U.S. Department of Education 6/26/09

Skill Sets

Valued Result

s

Strategic Planning

& Support

Effective

Instruction

Lack of Results

Minimal Funding

& Support

Boring Instruction

Success Cycle Failure Cycle

Source: Michael Allen’s Guide to E-learning

Opportunity for Application

Instructions:› This activity is done without talking› Using a flipchart and markers, jot down your thoughts

about realistic, feasible ways that you could integrate technology into your training activities to enhance the learning you’re currently providing.

› Once you’re finished, leave your flipchart at your seat. › Visit other people’s flipcharts and add your thoughts

(Great idea because…) or questions (How do you think you’d do that? What if you tried…)

› Check back on your flipchart from time to time, if someone writes a comment or question you’d like to answer, please do so on your flipchart.

National CASA: The Evolution of Technology & Training

Prior to 2006: all training was in-person Challenges:

› Geography› Ratio of NCASA training staff: Network of programs› Little experience with technology

Gradual experiments with:› Webinars› Podcasts› Adobe Captive› wiki sites

Today: learning is synchronous and asynchronous, in-person and/or online

Example 1: KWYA (Traditional)

The Blend:› Video (24 minutes)› Online (2-6 hours)› In-person 2 day workshop

Results:› 20% increase in African American volunteers› Increase in staff/Board diversity

Challenges:› Resource intensive› Geography

Potential Solution…

Example 2: KWYA (Online) The Blend

› 0% in-person› Hard copy manual› Synchronous webinars› Asynchronous discussion forum online

Results› 80% found webinars useful› 90% found discussion forum useful› 100% found manual useful

Newfound potential!› Program management› Program staff/board› 68,000 volunteers whose decisions impact youth each day

Example 3: Training of the Facilitator (TOF)

Original challenges:› Budget› Time commitments (3 days + travel)› Practice facilitation rushed/poor› Event vs. process

The Blend:› Webinars› Adobe Captivate (asynchronous)› Video› In-person

Example 3: Training of the Facilitator (TOF)

Goals:› Improve quality› Reinforce learning› Reduce delivery/travel costs› Increase retention› Shift mindset from event to process

Other Resources: Podcasts

Other Resources: E-learning

Wrap Up

What questions do you have for us?