Learning Architect Insights:  

Learning architects are experts in the field of adult learning, learning technology and performance consulting. They have 10 plus years of training and development experience and hold advanced degrees in organizational development, instructional design, or education.

The principals of instructional design apply to both classroom and online learning. The variation in delivery modalities is impacted in the development phase which requires an in depth analysis of your audience, and expertise in technology, graphic design and web-based development tools.

Typically instructor-led classroom training is best for developing higher levels of learning that utilize role-plays and discussions or for situations that involve small groups or content that is not stable. Online learning is best utilized for skills training and information transfer; however, there are excellent examples of online learning programs that utilize simulations to achieve the same results as are attained in the classroom. Many times it is budgets or business drivers that determine the type of training that is required to achieve the learning goals of a training program.

Blended training utilizes different delivery modes to accomplish what would typically be covered in a traditional instructor-led format. Online courses, classroom, hands-on labs, projects, websites and online chats are examples of delivery modalities that are utilized to create a blended solution.

The criteria for success will vary with each course. The learning goals, objectives, or performance outcomes that are determined in the analysis phase of your development will be the drivers of your evaluation process.