In the pursuit of improved educational methods, the integration of blended learning has gained prominence. By combining traditional classroom instruction with online tools, blended learning addresses the diverse needs of today’s learners, offering a flexible and adaptive approach to education.

Understanding Blended Learning

Blended learning merges the benefits of face-to-face instruction with the flexibility of online education. Unlike traditional methods, it allows learners to progress at their own pace and access resources outside the classroom. Instructors can provide personalized support, enhancing the learning experience based on individual progress.

Fully online learning, while flexible, often lacks the face-to-face interaction that some students need for guidance. Blended learning strikes a balance by integrating the best aspects of both approaches. It caters to various learning styles and provides a dynamic and adaptable educational environment.

Different Models of Blended Learning

Blended learning can be implemented through several models. The rotation model involves students moving between different activities such as online lessons, group work, and direct instruction. The flex model allows learners to customize their education by choosing when and how they engage with online content, supported by teachers. The self-blend model combines traditional classroom learning with supplementary online courses to meet individual needs.

Understanding these models helps educators and trainers select the most effective approach for their specific contexts, enhancing the overall learning experience.

Read more: The New KPI at Work: What Is Trust in the Workplace?

Benefits of Blended Learning

Blended learning offers numerous benefits, including personalized and engaging learning experiences. Interactive, multimedia-rich content can boost student motivation and facilitate better understanding and retention of information.

Flexibility and accessibility are other significant advantages. Learners can access materials anytime and anywhere, accommodating busy schedules and various learning preferences. This approach ensures that all learners can succeed, regardless of their individual circumstances.

For instructors, blended learning enhances effectiveness by enabling tailored instruction and support. The integration of technology provides valuable insights, guiding decision-making and planning to improve efficiency and outcomes.

Facilitating Effective Instruction

Instructors can leverage blended learning to provide more individualized support. By monitoring progress and offering personalized assistance, they can address each learner’s unique needs. This approach not only improves student outcomes but also streamlines the teaching process.

Overcoming Challenges

To ensure successful blended learning implementation, several key elements must be addressed:

1. Instructional Support

Instructors require professional development opportunities to enhance their digital teaching skills. Ongoing resources and support are essential for effective blended learning implementation.

2. Engagement and Accountability

Maintaining learner engagement and accountability is crucial. Strategies must be developed to motivate participants and keep them involved in both online and offline activities. Regular monitoring and addressing challenges are essential to create a thriving blended learning environment.

3. Transparency and Clarity

Clear learning objectives and expectations should guide the design of learning activities. Communicating these expectations helps students understand the requirements for both online and in-person components.

4. Dynamic Content Creation

Interactive and engaging content is key to motivating students. Educators can create dynamic experiences by incorporating multimedia resources, simulations, and collaborative projects that cater to diverse learning styles.

5. Ongoing Evaluation

Continuous assessment and feedback are vital for monitoring student progress. Implementing formative and summative assessment strategies allows educators to gauge understanding and provide timely feedback, enabling instructional adjustments to support student success.

Embracing Blended Learning for Future Success

Harnessing the power of blended learning offers significant advantages, from personalized learning experiences to enhanced flexibility and improved instructional effectiveness. However, it also presents challenges such as ensuring equal access to technology and maintaining student engagement. Success requires careful planning, thoughtful implementation, and ongoing evaluation. By creating blended learning experiences tailored to students’ needs and aligned with course outcomes, educators can continuously improve their methods. Despite its challenges, blended learning is a versatile tool that can transform any educational environment and prepare learners for success in the digital age.

Contact Strategic Systems to explore how we can support your organization with innovative blended learning solutions.

Industries all over the globe are experiencing a shift in operations. Instead of traditional methods, many companies have incorporated technological tools into their systems. This includes experimenting with cloud adaptation frameworks.

As a leader, you must decide if cloud adoption is right for your business. The key to making informed decisions is to learn the pros and cons of cloud adoption.

Why Consider Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is one of the IT services that has continued to gain traction over the years. According to data published by Statista, worldwide spending on cloud services has drastically increased from 145 billion dollars in 2017 to around 678 billion in 2024.¹

This increase proves that cloud computing services are continuously considered and chosen by many leaders around the globe. From data storage to cloud data analytics, cloud technologies create opportunities for professionals to utilize the internet or online space.

Cloud computing usually falls under three general categories. These are Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), and Platform as a Service (PaaS). Whichever category you’re eyeing, there are cloud computing pros and cons for businesses that you should first be aware of.

Potential Challenges of Cloud Adoption

Although cloud adoption is an option being chosen by many leaders, there are still some potential challenges during its implementation. So, when planning for your company, consider the following cons to cloud adoption as a business strategy:

1. Potential Skill Gaps

Bringing in new equipment can be beneficial to your overall operations, but they can also create a challenge for your professionals. Specifically, adopting cloud-related technology can possibly create skill gaps within your workforce.

Employees who aren’t familiar with private or public clouds may struggle to effectively use your new systems. This would force you to go out of your way to conduct upskilling opportunities. In the worst-case scenario, you may even need to hire new people to replace those who can’t adjust within the given time.

2. Internet and Service Reliability

Cloud computing relies on the internet. It requires a high-speed connection to receive and store data from anywhere around the world. Unfortunately, this suggests that disruptions in internet connectivity can prevent people from accessing critical applications and data.

This scenario can affect all stakeholders of your business. Whether you’re a C-suite employee or a temporary worker, internet outages can block your access to stored data. This halts the progress and productivity of your people and entire operations.

3. Cost Management Challenges

The pay-as-you-go model is cost-effective since you’re only purchasing the services you used. But, without proper monitoring and management, you may be surprised with the amount you owe your service provider. This is more likely to happen if you’re unfamiliar with cloud pricing frameworks and pricing models.

Factors like data transfer fees and overage storage are some examples of costs that are easily unnoticeable. Some providers may even charge premium support costs whenever they answer your questions. This is why it’s very important to stay ahead with costs and pricing. Avoid following through with a company that gives you vague details.

Read More: Focus on What Matters: How Managed Services Free Up Your Resources for Value Delivery

4. Threats to Data Security

One major cons of cloud computing is the potential threat to your data’s security. Since information is usually stored and processed in remote servers, it experiences an increased risk of cyber threats and data breaches when being transferred online. Third-party individuals may go out of their way to attack any vulnerabilities in your data security.

Although some companies opt to use hybrid cloud adoption where they use both public and private clouds, they can’t fully prevent possible threats to your cloud security.

Read More: Cybersecurity Challenges in the Age of Generative AI and Cloud – Insights from Wipro’s 2023 Report

5. Compliance and Legal Issues

Cloud providers experience having clients from different states. In every state or geographical location, one of their main responsibilities is to comply with laws and regulations. If your chosen partner is not knowledgeable in the laws of your location, they can create compliance issues for your organization.

When not implemented properly, cloud adoption can also create other legal challenges. For example, data sovereignty concerns can happen when your data is stored in a country with conflicting regulations compared to your own. Some industries may also be stricter regarding their data privacy rules.

Advantages of Using Cloud Computing

Cloud migrations offer businesses multiple advantages. Some of the most notable benefits you may enjoy are:

1. Increased Cost-Effectiveness

Unlike traditional services, most cloud solutions follow a pay-as-you-go model. This means you need to pay only for the resources your organization consumes. In the long run, this can prove to be more cost-efficient since you won’t have to invest in expensive hardware upfront.

Moreover, less equipment equates to a smaller budget needed for maintenance. You won’t need to maintain physical servers and storage devices to keep your business running. This saves you money that could go to other aspects of your business.

2. Improved Scalability and Flexibility

One of the most significant advantages you can gain from choosing a cloud adoption framework is the scalability and flexibility it offers. Even if you experience seasonal demands for your products or services, you can simply adjust your resources to meet your needs.

If you need to scale up or down, your service providers can assist you in real time. Connected through the public cloud, they can help you make changes with little to no delay.

Another advantage of cloud adoption is its ability to meet your unique demands. For example, you can support different types of employment arrangements thanks to its flexibility and global reach. You’ll be able to communicate and provide information to both your onsite and offsite employees.

3. Drives Collaboration

Cloud adoption strategy is beneficial to any business because of its ability to drive collaboration among teams. It offers real-time document sharing which gives your people the chance to work on the same project simultaneously. It also serves as a medium to communicate, share their ideas, and exchange feedback regarding their work.

Other cloud adoption frameworks include project management platforms that store all your data in one convenient location. This makes it easier for your professionals to locate necessary information quickly and easily.

4. Consistent Updates and Patches

When you purchase a service from the right provider, you automatically receive access to up-to-date tools and equipment. You won’t need to dedicate time to researching the latest versions or spend more money to replace old systems.

By having consistent updates and patches, your company can lower the risk of vulnerabilities. With this, you can focus your attention on more strategic tasks.

5. Ensured Business Continuity

If you’re running a company with diverse professionals from around the world, cloud technology can be useful for more than just communication. It can ensure that the right people will still have access to data files even when your physical office is closed.

In the event of disasters, off-site data storage allows quick data disaster recovery. Having the ability to restore information even after calamities or cyberattacks can help your business minimize downtime. This leads to uninterrupted delivery of your services and products.

LET STRATEGIC SYSTEMS BE YOUR GUIDE IN ADOPTING CLOUD COMPUTING

We at Strategic Systems have the expertise to help you grow your business operations with cloud solutions. If you want to improve performance and security by adopting cloud computing into your systems, allow us to be your effective guide. Contact us today to learn more!

References

1. Vailshery, Lionel. “Public Cloud Services End-user Spending Worldwide from 2017 to 2024.” Statista, 6 Jun. 2024, www.statista.com/statistics/273818/global-revenue-generated-with-cloud-computing-since-2009/.

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As technology develops, medical professionals gain more ways of practicing their profession. From simple diagnoses to complicated treatments, AI has improved the healthcare industry. But this is not without any disadvantages.

In this article, we aim to identify specific ways technology can be utilized to improve the quality of healthcare facilities.

Revolutionizing Healthcare Through Artificial Intelligence

Like other industries, the healthcare sector has benefitted from cutting-edge technologies in recent years, with AI being one of the biggest game-changers. As we learn to integrate and implement AI, its medical applications also rapidly expand.

According to Statista, the value of AI in the healthcare market is projected to reach $188 billion by 2030, with an increase in compound annual growth rate of 37 percent since 2022.¹ This growth reflects the increasing reliance on AI’s potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery and improve patient care. With AI technologies becoming more sophisticated and accessible, healthcare organizations can leverage them to address emerging challenges and capitalize on opportunities across the industry.

AI Improving Medical Decisions and Diagnosis

The application of AI in healthcare significantly enhances medical decisions and diagnostic processes. AI algorithms have demonstrated remarkable capabilities in aiding healthcare professionals in making data-driven choices that lead to positive patient experiences.

The following are specific ways companies and organizations utilize AI for medical decision-making:

1. Aiding clinical decisions.

AI can aid in clinical decisions by providing valuable insights and recommendations. With machine learning, AI helps professionals identify potential risks and provide action plans based on vast amounts of patient data, such as:

• Patient medical records
• Lab results
• Medical imaging

By leveraging predictive analytics, AI can assist healthcare professionals in making more informed and data-driven decisions, creating accurate diagnoses, and tailoring treatment strategies for each patient.

2. Supporting human judgement.

A survey by Health Management Academy reveals that many C-suite executives are choosing to invest in AI to support their clinical and non-clinical staff.² While AI proved its worth in various medical applications, it’s important to recognize they’re designed to complement and support humans—not replace them.

Using natural language processing, AI can produce summarized information that can support medical experts. Its algorithms become incredibly useful in augmenting expert knowledge and decision-making capabilities.

It’s also valuable to note that AI doesn’t solely help make decisions. Automation can also finish repetitive tasks so clinicians can have more time and energy to focus on complex cognitive functions like interpreting medical scenarios and making important judgments in critical situations.

3. Diagnosing and treating illnesses.

One of the most significant impacts of AI in healthcare is diagnosing and treating illnesses with greater accuracy and efficiency. AI-powered diagnostic systems can precisely analyze medical images, such as:

• X-rays
• CT scans
• MRI scans

Moreover, AI can even outperform human capabilities in detecting and identifying abnormalities. Through machine learning and deep learning techniques, AI algorithms can detect subtle discrepancies and patterns that a human eye may overlook.

AI Enhancing Treatment and Patient Outcomes

According to the Pew Research Center, 38 percent of American respondents think AI will positively improve patient outcomes.³ Similarly, healthcare workers have echoed similar thoughts considering the rate of AI usage in the medical field.

Since we’ve established that AI integration can revolutionize medical diagnosis and decision-making, it’s also important to recognize its potential to enhance the treatment process and improve outcomes. Specifically, artificial intelligence can contribute to quality patient care through the following ways:

1. Personalized Treatment Plans

AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of patient data to develop personalized treatments for everyone’s unique medical needs. Considering factors like disease severity, genes, and response to treatment, AI-driven systems have the potential to optimize treatment strategies that can maximize efficacy and minimize side effects.

2. Precision Medicine

AI technologies enable the identification of biomarkers and genetic signatures associated with specific diseases or treatment responses. This helps experts become more precise in approaching patient care and treatment.

Moreover, with its machine learning capabilities, AI is used to conduct clinical trials for different medical situations. It can aid professionals in optimizing trial designs and figuring out the best treatment to deliver the best patient care.

3. Patient Engagement and Adherence

Aside from improving health care through creating personalized plans, AI ensures patients are engaged throughout their treatment journey.

Virtual assistants and chatbots can provide patients with vital medical information, answer queries, and remind them about appointments or medication schedules. This ensures patients can easily track their well-being and be on time for treatment.

Additionally, remote patient monitoring systems can track patient vital signs using wearable devices. This aids healthcare providers in identifying potential health issues early on, providing timely interventions, and improving patient care.

Challenges of AI Usage in Healthcare

Although artificial intelligence can immensely improve healthcare systems, professionals should still expect challenges in its implementation and integration. For example, medical professionals should consider the following issues with AI usage in healthcare:

1. Data Availability and Quality

AI algorithms rely on large volumes of high-quality data. However, healthcare data often suffer from incompleteness, inaccuracies, and biases. This can significantly affect the performance and reliability of AI to make data-driven decisions.

2. Algorithmic Bias

Since AI’s machine learning can only rely on which data is fed into it, it’s possible to perpetuate biases. This can lead to unfair outcomes, particularly for underrepresented or marginalized individuals.

3. Regulatory and Legal Compliance

AI applications in healthcare are subject to various regulatory frameworks and legal requirements, including:

• Data privacy laws
• Medical device regulations
• Ethical guidelines

Navigating the complex regulatory landscape and ensuring strict compliance can be too complicated for some healthcare institutions, especially smaller facilities.

4. Transparency and Accountability

This is not just in healthcare; anyone using AI will have difficulty understanding how this technology makes decisions. Since AI lacks transparency, holding anyone accountable for the results is challenging, making AI vulnerable to errors and wrong judgments.

Potential Ways to Manage Challenges

To effectively manage challenges associated with AI, healthcare professionals need to implement comprehensive strategies. This includes establishing robust data governance frameworks to ensure the quality and integrity of data. Further, the data used needs to be driven by diversity and inclusion to provide equitable solutions to patients. You can implement this by creating dedicated teams focused on regulatory compliance.

Moreover, healthcare organizations should prioritize developing transparent and comprehensible AI models to build trust among stakeholders in the decision-making process. Prioritizing collaboration across the board will help identify and mitigate algorithmic biases and ensure alignment with legal requirements and ethical standards.

UTILIZE AI STRATEGICALLY WITH STRATEGIC SYSTEMS

As a trusted personnel provider, Strategic Systems can empower clients and candidates in their journey toward success.

Whether you require tailored solutions or access to job opportunities, we are committed to providing you with unparalleled service. If you’re a healthcare professional looking for an opportunity or an employer searching for exceptional individuals, we’re here to help!

Contact us today to learn more!

References

1. “Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare Market Size Worldwide from 2021 to 2030.” Statista, 28 Sep. 2022, www.statista.com/statistics/1334826/ai-in-healthcare-market-size-worldwide/.
2. “Survey by The Health Management Academy Reveals Accelerating Use of AI to Overcome Workforce Challenges.” BusinessWire, 15 Mar. 2023, www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230314005243/en/Survey-by-The-Health-Management-Academy-Reveals-Accelerating-Use-of-AI-to-Overcome-Workforce-Challenges.
3. Tyson, Alec, et al. “60% of Americans Would Be Uncomfortable With Provider Relying on AI in Their Own Health Care.” Pew Research Center, 22 Feb. 2023, www.pewresearch.org/science/2023/02/22/60-of-americans-would-be-uncomfortable-with-provider-relying-on-ai-in-their-own-health-care/.

Most people would think of monetary payment when it comes to compensation and benefits packages. It’s true that salary usually takes center stage when discussing compensation and negotiation, but it’s not the only factor you should focus on.

Aside from your pay, you should also think of other aspects of the compensation package to effectively negotiate for the most ideal offer. In this blog, we’ll ensure that you’re equipped to ask for equal compensation through effective negotiation.

Non-Financial Aspects of a Compensation Package

This refers to the various benefits, perks, or work arrangements beyond an employee’s base salary. While monetary payment is often regarded as the most essential, non-financial benefits can add immense value to an employee’s needs and satisfaction. These additional packages demonstrate the company’s commitment to valuing their employees and supporting their professional growth and experience within the organization.

While finding employers with attractive financial benefits would often be someone’s first choice, make sure to check out the whole package that can still set you up for a more fulfilling and rewarding career.

Here are a few examples of common non-monetary benefits companies offer:

• Paid Time Off and Vacation Days
• Healthcare Benefits
• Flexible Hours and Work Arrangements
• Childcare and Parental Leaves
• Relocation Expenses
• Equity or Stock Options
• Performance Bonus
• Annual Bonus
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Retirement Plans

Read More: In-Demand: 18 Highest-Paying Tech Skills for 2023 and Beyond

What If the Salary Is Too Low? Here’s What You Need to Do

Whether during the interview process or after receiving a job offer, negotiating salary and your total compensation is necessary to ensure the best offer. It can also improve your career trajectory and unlock greater growth potential compared to what’s initially offered.

Becoming active in deciding your compensation package is a vital step but can be overwhelming for some. To help you get a step closer to choosing the best job offer, here are some of the best negotiation tips for your overall package:

1. Identify Your Priorities

Before entering negotiations, it’s crucial to first reflect on your priorities. Identify which non-financial aspects of the compensation package are the most important to you. Don’t rush; you can always ask about salary in the second interview.

This introspective process should involve careful consideration of personal circumstances, career goals, and your overall lifestyle preferences. Some individuals may prioritize work-life balance and flexible work arrangements, while others may emphasize professional development opportunities or a supportive company culture.

Having clear priorities enables you to make informed decisions and negotiate well. This increases your chances of receiving the benefits you’re aiming for.

2. Conduct Thorough Research

Effective negotiation hinges on being well-informed and armed with relevant data. To make sure you’re ready for the discussion, dedicate ample time to conduct thorough research on industry standards and benchmarks related to the non-financial aspects you want.

This research should include what other companies within the industry offer their employees and any relevant regional or sector-specific trends. Gathering comprehensive information can help you better understand the market and prepare for the negotiation.

3. Build a Strong Case

With clear wants and thorough research, you would be able to build a compelling case to support your requests. To successfully do this, you need to create reasonable arguments strengthened by logic and data.

For example, you want to negotiate to work from home instead of coming into the office. Aside from stating reasons like long commutes and complicated work schedules, you can also back up your argument with data. You can mention that a pulse survey by Slack found that remote workers were 29 percent more productive than those without any work flexibility.¹ Also, your case would significantly improve if you could prove this in your previous job.

When building a strong case, remember not to focus entirely on what you want and why. You also need to highlight the potential benefits for your employers. This improves the chances of them accepting your requests.

4. Prepare Negotiation Strategies

Effective negotiation requires a well-thought-out strategy using various techniques and approaches. By preparing negotiation strategies in advance, you can increase your chances of success and ensure a smooth and productive negotiation process.

Framing Technique

This strategy requires you to frame your requests in a positive light. This can help you highlight the benefits both you and your employer can receive.

For example, imagine you’re asking them to repay your tuition. Instead of focusing on improving your skills to land the next job title, you can explain how new knowledge can contribute to the improvement of the company.

OTW Approach

Another effective negotiation strategy is the OTW approach, which clearly defines three key elements: the open position, the target outcome, and the walkaway point.

Open Position is your initial request or proposal presented to the employer. This should be reasonable and well-supported but leave room for negotiation.

Target Outcome represents your ideal or desired outcome from the negotiation. Try to balance being ambitious but still realistic and justifiable based on prepared research and arguments.

Walkaway Point is the minimum acceptable outcome you’re unwilling to compromise. It serves as a predetermined boundary that ensures you don’t settle terms that fail to meet your core needs.

Multiple Equivalent Simultaneous Offers (MESO)

This strategy involves presenting multiple equivalent offers or options simultaneously rather than negotiating one aspect at a time.²

For example, you could propose three different compensation package scenarios, each with a different combination of non-financial aspects. By presenting multiple equivalent options, you demonstrate flexibility and increase the chances of getting a better compensation package.

5. Build Rapport Before Negotiations

Before discussing non-financial aspects of the compensation package, you need to prioritize building rapport and establishing a foundation of mutual understanding with your potential employer.

One way to achieve this is by actively listening to the employer’s perspectives, concerns, and priorities during the interview process. By demonstrating genuine interest in the company’s values, culture, and goals, you can position yourself as a potential partner invested in the organization’s success.

This approach can help create an atmosphere of open communication. Hence, employers may feel less apprehensive to listen to you.

6. Anticipate Objections and Concerns

Remember that employers won’t easily agree to your requests, even if they’re reasonable or backed by research. As a candidate, you need to accept this fact.

But, instead of easily giving up, it’s best to offer possible solutions and be prepared to address potential objections and concerns that the employer may raise regarding your requested compensation package.

For example, if your job search led you to a company that can’t financially fund comprehensive healthcare benefits, you can propose options with lower premiums but adequate coverage.

7. Remain Flexible and Open-Minded

Not all negotiations are successful. You can’t always receive all the benefits you hoped to get. In scenarios like these, being flexible and open-minded is vital.

Successful negotiations often involve compromises and creative solutions that may not have been initially considered. Make sure to listen to your employer’s perspective. Communicate possible alternatives and explore other combinations of benefits for your total compensation package.

By remaining flexible, you demonstrate your willingness to collaborate and find mutually agreeable solutions rather than engaging in a rigid negotiation style. This fosters a positive relationship between you and your employer while laying the foundations for your potential career.

ALLOW STRATEGIC SYSTEMS TO BE YOUR CAREER ADVOCATE

Advocating for yourself in front of potential employers can be a challenge. Lucky for you, Strategic Systems is here to help you advance your career.

With nearly two decades of being a trusted personnel provider, we have built a strong network of clients that you can utilize in your job search. We have the experience and strategies to champion your needs and priorities.

Contact us today to start a conversation!

References

1. Thier, Jane. “Bosses, You’re Wrong: Remote Workers Are More Productive than Your In-office Employees.” Fortune, 21 Oct. 2022, fortune.com/2022/10/20/remote-hybrid-workers-are-more-productive-slack-future-forum/.
2. “MESO Negotiation: The Benefits of Making Multiple Equivalent Simultaneous Offers in Business Negotiations.” Harvard Law School, 18 Jan. 2024, www.pon.harvard.edu/daily/dealmaking-daily/the-benefits-of-multiple-offers/.