Comparing the Transfer of Learning from In-Person Learning to Blended Learning in a Healthcare Environment

Abstract

The present study investigated the transfer of learning that occurred when the new-hire clinical course was moved from an in-person learning approach to a blended learning approach. Two surveys were sent out to two different groups to compare the transfer of learning using the reaction level of Kirkpatrick’s Evaluation Model (Kirkpatrick & Kirkpatrick, 2007). These two groups consisted of retained employees who participated in in-person learning and new employees who participated in blending learning. A total of 32 participants participated in the study. The study found improvements in training materials, in-person participation, e-learning participation, and learners’ confidence levels regarding unsupervised work when the new-hire course was moved from an in-person learning environment to a blended learning environment. Similarly, the study also found that training specialists and clinical mentors helped to improve the perception of the different departments and the new-hire training in Company XYZ. To generate a return on investment, more research that encompasses all four levels of the Kirkpatrick Model (Kirkpatrick & Kirkpatrick, 2007) should be conducted.