Benefits of Blended and Multimodal Learning in Employee Training

By Mary Rafter and Ankita Chandupatla

Updated on June 20, 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has led learning and development experts to take on a new challenge: How do you effectively teach and engage with employees when the ability to meet in person is limited?

We recommend introducing blended and multimodal learning styles into the training process.

Trends in digital learning and training have been growing — even before the pandemic forced many companies to transition to virtual or hybrid work environments. This shift has provided opportunities for instructors to facilitate innovative approaches in training, allowing them to reach employees through smart technologies and multimedia resources.

Aston Carter learning and development experts Mary Rafter and Ankita Chandupatla share impactful trends in employee training and how they can benefit your company and employees.

What is Multimodal Learning?

Multimodal learning leverages a variety of resources that appeal to different learning preferences. Employees’ senses are engaged by different materials — including visual, auditory, textual and kinesthetic media. Researchers from the University of Arkansas Fort Smith have found that these multimodal strategies encourage the learner to stay focused, engaged and absorb information on a deeper level.

What is Blended Learning?

Blended learning combines traditional classroom-based teaching styles with digital learning tools. It often involves an array of teaching methods, including:

• Learner-driven lessons that allow students to learn at their own paces while leveraging tools and guides provided by trainers and allow for personalized learning
• Instructor-led classes, which can be taught virtually or in person
• Integrated courses that combine a variety of learning formats (e.g., both learner-driven and instructor-led classes) into one curriculum

A blended approach to learning doesn’t only mean integrating technology into your training program. The technology must be strategically leveraged to give employees a measure of control in their learning journeys. When executed intentionally, blended learning provides employees with a rich and memorable training experience that can be mixed with multimodal techniques to further optimize employee development.

Connection between Multimodal Learning and Blended Learning

Blended and multimodal learning incorporate a variety of teaching and communication methodologies to support an inclusive and holistic training program.

Rafter explains, “In an effective training plan, blended and multimodal learning work together. They allow us to redesign training programs to consider the neuroscience behind how people learn.” By strategically layering teaching methods and mediums, trainers encourage employees to exercise multiple learning faculties and senses, leading to greater comprehension and retention.

Inherently adaptable, these teaching styles can help fill the gaps when in-person training is not available. Given recent trends in remote work options for employees, providing customizable learning forums that adapt to each learner’s preference will promote a successful and engaging training program for your employees.

Benefits of Multimodal Learning and Blended Learning for Learners

1. Inclusive for All Learners

A core benefit of blended and multimodal learning is their ability to reach people who benefit from various learning styles. Additionally, helping employees understand their unique learning styles can guide them in leveraging resources that are compatible with how they process information most effectively. Common learning styles include visual, auditory, kinesthetic and textual.

• Visual learners are employees who prefer to learn through graphs, images, videos or other visual cues. To engage these learners, consider including lessons that allow them to comment on visual elements or illustrate concepts.
• Auditory learners absorb information best through sound cues. They prefer listening and relistening to information rather than writing. These employees do well in discussion activities where they can speak and repeat key information either conversationally or through presentation formats.
• Kinesthetic learners are those who learn through movement and participation in practical applications. Interactive exercises benefit these employees, and repetition helps them retain information.
• Textual learners learn best by writing down information and taking the time they need to read. Traditional, written materials suit these employees well. They also benefit from writing exercises to help reinforce lessons.

Because there are a variety of learning types, it’s important to provide a range of adaptable teaching tools. “While outdated training techniques are often linear and appeal to a limited or singular group of learning styles, blended and multimodal learning connect with a broader spectrum of learners,” says Chandupatla.