'Blended approach' maximizes the learning experience

MANILA, Philippines - These days, corporate training programs do not need to be carried out like a whole production which entails a huge amount of effort, logistics, manpower, time, and expenses. Human Resource managers and trainers can maximize the use of sophisticated technology to their advantage. For Niño Suarez, associate director for Technical Competency Learning and Resource Development (TCLRD) of the Meralco Development Center, the most cost-efficient and effective way is through electronic-learning (e-learning) course customization or conversion of training programs.

Suarez said e-learning has actually evolved from the learning audios and cassette tapes of the 80s to learning video how-to manuals in VHS, CDs and then DVDs. With the internet becoming much more accessible and commercialized, e-learning modules have become more available online and became a hit among many people from various sectors simply because it has enhanced the learning process and changed the way delivery of lessons is made.

Standard content

“The usual challenge of HR managers and trainers in large companies is how to effectively deliver a standard training to a large group of employees that are scattered in various sites across the country. It takes an HR manager several months to complete all the trainings because he or she has to travel from one place to another. Companies also have to spend a lot too. Team teaching may be practiced to be able to reach more people in less time,” said Suarez.

But with e-learning, he noted, one person can reach and teach it to employees by uploading it online with user passwords for the employees to access. Workers can also directly ask the expert who authored the course through e-mail, chat, forums or face-to-face encounters for clarifications.  

Ariel Vidanes, program officer of elearning.works@MMLDC said they design e-learning courses on product orientation, company policies, new employee orientation, automated system training, recruitment and screening purposes. All these are customized to make training effective yet convenient for both the trainer and the trainee. Their clients include banks, pharmaceutical companies, utility and telecom companies.

Blended approach

“The big difference is that MMLDC is a learning solution expert, not an IT or software developer company so our approach to e-learning is unique. We just make use of the technology to maximize the delivery of learning but it is really the program/content itself that we are concentrating on to make learning truly effective,” said Suarez.

MMLDC offers customized e-learning courses that provide a blended approach – a combination of corporate e-training lessons and visually-appealing interactive activities that gauge learner apprehension. These can then be followed by a limited, yet maximized face-to-face interaction between the employee and HR manager.

Cost-efficient

MMLDC provides more value at more reasonable rates with e-learning packages that cost 30% less. If you consider the huge cost of mounting a training program several times during the year, e-learning courses will truly help you save as much as P500,000 in company funds.

 For more information about MMLDC’s E-learning courses, please contact 632-8111 local 781, e-mail [email protected], or visit the website at www.mmldc.org.