The Blended Learning Book: Best Practices, Proven Methodologies, and Lessons Learned

by Josh Bersin

The Blended Learning Book is your user?s manual for implementing blended learning.  It gives you a guidebook to combining the latest technologies with traditional training models to create high-impact programs that drive superior business results (not just reduce costs). Filled with real-world examples and case studies from organizations such as Accenture, BI, Cisco, FedEx, Kinko?s, Grant-Thornton, IBM, Novell, the U.S. Navy, Verizon, and more, e-learning veteran Josh Bersin zeros in on What Works -- in all shapes and sizes of training departments from a variety of industries.

352 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

I am a passionate industry analyst, researcher, writer, and keynote speaker on all aspects of corporate leadership, talent management, HR, and technology.

I'm also the founder and Principal at one of the leading HR research and analyst firms, Bersin by Deloitte.

Originally trained as an engineer, I've always loved to read and write, and credit my high school english teacher and debate coach who developed my love for discussion, argument, and analytic thinking.

My professional life has focused on helping HR professionals, business leaders, and young entrepreneurs understand how to drive impact in their organizations. I'm fascinated by the people side of business, and after 30+ years working in technology and other companies, I try to bring a pragmatic and constantly current perspective to what makes people and organizations work.

I love to chat with professionals, entrepreneurs, and business people around the world so I look forward to hearing from you.

Reviews

[Helen Blunden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josh Bersin's book on Blended Learning: Best Practices, Proven Methodologies and Lessons Learned is one that must be in any learning and development professional library or reading list. His approach to blended learning is simplified as he provides practical examples of how to structure and create a blended program. In particularly, he first outlines the six modes of learning and provides supporting examples of the value of experiential learning. From there, he expands into the four principles of corporate training to enable mastery and this allows the reader to start reflecting on their own program approach and what media are needed for each.

He explains the models of blended learning models along with the benefits of each and provides defining features and examples of how they may be used for what particular training purposes. One chapter covers the criteria for selecting the blend and then how to develope the content and finally explaining how a company may manage the roll out and management. He provides checklists and tables at the end of the book that may be used.

Overall, this book is required reading for any learning and development professional who would like to understand the theory and principles of blended learning but also for those implementing and co-ordinating the program due to its high level of practical examples, case studies, tools and checklists.

It is highly recommended.

[Susan Wilson]

Written in 2004, it’s not surprising this is somewhat out of date, especially given the rapid adoption of online learning over the last four or so years. However, the fundamentals haven’t really changed which means it remains an excellent foundation of you are considering what aspects of learning in your organisation should be in person versus online live or self directed. The frameworks are great. Glad I finally have it as will most certainly refer back over time.

[Chris Friend · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is clearly designed for corporate training managers who are interested in exploring first steps and getting guided assistance in planning and implementing a blended learning program. The approach is rather simplistic, extremely straightforward, and very deliberative. The reader is given plenty of support to understand the process (and where each discussion fits within that process), yet the text is typically an overview, rather than specific details of how to implement suggestions provided. It works very effectively as an introduction and a guide.

Unfortunately, I was expecting me to deal a little more thoroughly with the theory behind the learning process. I recognize that I am not the target audience of this text, so my disappointment should not be held against it; however, I felt that the text lacks a bit of rational support for its argument that went beyond the "we tried this, and it worked" approach.

[Elmarshall Pistos · Rating 5 out of 5]

i want to read this book.. for reference of my research...