Blended Learning Program Management
Work Experience: Blended Learning Program Management
Client: EF Education First, Ningbo, China
Dates: May 2017 to March 2023
My Role
As Production Manager at EF Education First, I managed a portfolio of training programs that included eLearning, instructor-led training, on-the-job tasks, and project-based learning. I was the principal owner (most notably of two leadership development programs) and played a multifaceted role that included:
Strategic Planning: Ensured effective design, delivery, and evaluation of training to align with organizational goals.
Training Design: Created instructor-led sessions, job aids, ad on-the-job tasks.
Learning Path Development: Built role-specific paths, linking promotions to professional development milestones.
eLearning Integration & Support: Integrated existing eLearning into blended-learning programs. Supported learners by providing guidance, resources and technical assistance.
Management: Oversaw a team of trainers and content developers, ensuring high-quality instruction and strong performance outcomes.
LMS Administration: Managed access, tracked progress, and trained managers on the usage of iKnowEF (a proprietary LMS) and Motivis Learning.
Results
The success of these programs fueled our expansion to eight locations. I can't share internal data, but here's a high-level overview of the impact these training programs on our operations:
Built a Top Quality Management Team: The two leadership development programs produced a surplus of certified managers. All locations were consistently fully-staffed with directors and team leads, even during periods of regulatory and Covid-related disruption.
Ramped Up Training of Front-Line Staff: We used this new generation of leaders to build a robust training and support system for front-line staff. Our team was recognized at the national level for delivering an unmatched level of classroom observations and developmental support for teachers.
Maintained Quality During Expansion: During a period of rapid growth, our ability to remain staffed with trained and certified managers helped maintain student test scores well above national benchmarks, even as student numbers increased dramatically.
Delivered Results Despite Disruption: During an abrupt transition to remote work, our front-line staff reported strong satisfaction with training received, far above the national average. Job performance was above national benchmarks before, during, and after the remote work period.
Gallery
All materials are shared with the permission of my former employer. Only partial excerpts are included, with proprietary details obscured, removed, or altered.
eLearning - EF - Career Ladder Excerpt - Modified for Portfolio.pngBuilding Development Paths
One of my key projects was integrating staff development into distinct learning pathways. Leading a team of directors, I created a system that combined eLearning, instructor-led training and developmental milestones. It incentivized growth, boosted retention, and impacted 300+ staff.
eLearning -EF - Problems Accessing Training Remotely.pngRemote eLearning Support
Pushing for completion of eLearning was a challenge, especially given issues accessing overseas content from our location in Mainland China. This was further complicated by Covid-related lockdowns. The guide above was one resource I created to support staff accessing training remotely.
Navigating Challenges with eLearning
As part of a trial program, our staff had the chance to gain certification via an external partner offering a 152-lesson eLearning course. Some staff struggled with the experience in the online platform. In response, I analyzed pain points, increased direct support, and significantly improved course completion for the remaining learners.
Skills Training
During two years of Covid-related disruptions, our staff faced sporadic lockdowns and sudden shifts to online learning. To prepare, we established processes to integrate eLearning, practical tasks, manager support, and observations. Staff reported high satisfaction with this training, while performance metrics remained well above national benchmarks.