What is Blended Learning?
Blended Learning can be described as a learning program where more than one delivery mode is used with the objective of optimizing the cost and outcome of learning by focusing on applying the right learning technology to transfer the right skills at the right time.
- Blended training at BLI is a carefully integrated mix of e-learning, instructor led virtual classroom sessions and exercises, one-on-one project coaching, and face-to-face workshop. Learn more about the mix of components in our Blended Learning Model.
The Benefits of Blended Learning
Several recent studies have shown that Lean Six Sigma Blended Learning is more efficient and effective than traditional live, instructor-led training classes, and universities and companies continue to publish articles and papers in support of these results. The following lists just some of the benefits of the Blended Learning model.
| Lean Six Sigma (Black Belt) | Conventional Training | BLI Blended (Black Belt) |
|---|---|---|
| Course Fee | $10,500 | $6,600 |
| Travel Ticket | $3,068 (4 trips) | Offered Locally |
| Accomodation | $3,560 (20 nights) | Offered Locally |
| Days away from home/work | 24 | 5 |
| Total Cost | $17,128 | $6,600 |
- Blended Learning has lower costs, both direct and indirect
Workshops are provided locally in learners geographic locations reducing the cost of traveling and accommodation with less time spent away from busy work schedules and family. Cost reduction can be up to 50% and sometimes much more after you factor in the cost of travel and accommodation. - More flexibility for students
The e-learning component features a lot size of one, so participants can start at any time with no lead time. The online portion of the model is self-paced, which results in a faster path to self-sufficiency for training graduates. Students can also focus on the areas of knowledge that are most difficult and replay those lessons as often as needed. - Material delivered online and reinforced through Face-to-Face workshops and online meetings
Online meetings, one-on-one coaching, and face-to-face workshops focuses on applying the tools instead of delivering the material. Students learn the methodology and the tools at their own pace via e-learning. When they attend the online meetings and face-to-face sessions they use their valuable time on learning how to apply the learned tools to their own environment and continuous improvement project providing a more effective learning experience. - Learners all come to class with a basic understanding of the material
BLI quality campus provides Learners with an enriching and effective learning thru the use of interactive and robust training materials. Materials are learned at their own convenience and at the time they are ready to learn. - Class discussion becomes more effective and efficient - more members can participate
BLI learners attend online sessions ready to participate and add value with enquiries and questions that are applicable to their own projects providing a more enriching experience to all participants. - Class time is spent on applying the tools instead of teaching the tools
Online class time become 100% value add thru the discussion of the tools and their applications and how these tools can be applied to various situations. - Better prepared Graduates
A mix of defined exercises, hands-on simulated process improvement, and case studies are used to meet the learning objectives in a dynamic and interactive fashion. Up to 60% of students' time is spent in practice, with classrooms used for hands-on workshops rather than lectures. Graduates of training models that emphasize practice are better prepared to complete projects, and this accelerates the rate of project completion. - Time saved by reducing lecture can be used to mentor and support project completion
BLI provides one-on-one coaching and mentoring on Learners' specific projects to bring about business results and faster ROI (Return on Investment).
Blended Learning is LEAN Learning
Why do organizations gain so many benefits after adopting a Blended Learning model? Because that model is essentially a Lean Six Sigma approach to Lean Six Sigma. Blended Learning removes much of the waste found in the traditional instructor-led classroom training model, yielding higher effectiveness at lower risk, and a dramatically lower cost structure.
By incorporating the best of online technologies (e-Learning, simulations) and the best of live interactions (coaching, study halls), organizations and individuals cut away the inefficiencies of the old lecture-based training model and emphasize winning strategies: Just-in-Time training, self-paced learning, an emphasis on practice, and an alignment with projects. Only with those types of experiences can freshly graduated Belts truly achieve the level of competence and confidence required to quickly complete critical projects.
Blended learning has become the best-in-class approach to Lean Six Sigma training and should be strongly considered by any organization or individual contemplating a Lean Six Sigma deployment, or a redesign of the existing training model. By using a combination of online training, live exercises and coaching and support opportunities, students are rewarded with more engaging and flexible ways to learn. Deployments gain a more efficient, resilient and standardized method for educating their global professional work force over the long term.