We've been designing and delivering training programmes for the past 21 years.  To keep ourselves current we've kept a close eye on developments in CBT and blended learning.  To date we have not incorporated these technologies into our suite of services.  Why?  Firstly our focus has been on creating the very best classroom and group learning experiences that enable responsiveness to issues and feedback on practice.  Secondly, our clients have not been looking for anything else from us.

It's now time to re-think and re-design our training services.  Factors that influence this are:

• The economic crisis and the need to cut costs, while maintaining training and development of staff.
• Our desire to deliver services in more sustainable ways, for example reducing our carbon footprint by monitoring our travel and usage of materials.
• Our ongoing concern that much of the learning stays in the classroom, as on-the-job opportunities to apply new skills and ideas are limited due to work demands and management practices.
• The rapid uptake and use of social networking and learning opportunities.
• The need to experiment and test new ways to share actionable learning or knowledge in the midst of information overload.
• The drive to develop more effective organisations and to reduce waste.

Essential ingredients

• Engagement - generally face-to-face, to establish the group, purpose, roles and expectations.  As groups become more experienced this may be completed on-line.
• Information sharing - this can include articles, tools, models, scenario, simulations, meetings, and workshops.
• Interaction - this can include blogs, wiki, message boards, webinars, and projects.
• Reflection - this can include message boards, chats, learning journals, and coaching.
• Extension & stretch- this can include internet searches, research, surveys, questionnaires, observation, skills practice, meetings, consultations, etc.

The development of e-learning solutions will vary from organisation to organisation.  We recommend a partnership approach to translating our materials and learning processes into blended learning modules that will ensure fit with the purpose, goals, people and culture of your organisation.  This approach needs to be phased and must ensure methodologies model the desired outcomes of the change e.g. collaboration, listening, empowering, sharing and connecting.