Bersin & Associates Announces Availability of ``The Blended Learning Book,'' A Comprehensive Analysis of Tools, Design Techniques, Resources, Investment Models, and More.

OAKLAND, Calif. -- --Published by Pfeiffer, Developed from Three Years of Research, Includes Case Studies, Lessons Learned, Content Samples, Program Models, and Best Practices for Developing Efficient and Effective Blended Learning Programs

Bersin & Associates, the only research and consulting firm solely focused on What Works(R) e-learning research, today announced the availability of "The Blended Learning Book: Best Practices, Proven Methodologies, and Lessons Learned," written by Josh Bersin and published by Pfeiffer, a division of John Wiley & Sons. The 352-page book is based on three years of research, hundreds of interviews with learning professionals and executives, and consulting engagements with Fortune 500 companies, government organizations, and system and software providers.

In addition to defining blended learning and providing a context for its use in today's training environments, the book walks readers through the planning, budgeting, building, managing, and measuring of blended learning programs. The book also includes details on more than 20 case studies -- including descriptions of blended learning initiatives used by British Telecom, CN A Insurance, U.S. Navy, Kinko's, NCR, and Roche Pharmaceuticals - as well as a financial overview, program checklist, and business strategies.

"Blended learning is becoming increasingly important in today's training environments," said Bersin, founder and principal of Bersin & Associates. "Our research projects that blended learning techniques will be used in up to one-third of all corporate training programs within the next two to three years. Yet, there's very limited information available about building effective blended learning programs that take advantage of newly emerging rapid e-learning tools, off-the-shelf resources, virtual classroom technologies, and other training elements.

"'The Blended Learning Book' is designed to give learning professionals and executives a guidebook to combining the latest technologies with traditional training models to create high-impact programs that drive superior business results."

Readers will find:

--Five blended learning models with proven success.

--A detailed review of the 16 media options for blended learning and a road map to selecting the media to best meet program objectives.

--A solid methodology to develop the budget, select infrastructure, develop content, and manage a blended learning program

--Guidance on appropriate and effective uses of self-paced study including e-learning, instructor-led training, on-the-job assignments, and other instructional resources.

--A set of "lessons learned" in every chapter

--An accompanying website with up-to-date techniques, new case studies, and job aids.

"The use of multiple learning delivery channels is core to our learning vision and strategy. Bersin's book gives readers valuable insights developed through years of experience. The information it contains will minimize false starts and unrealistic expectations and foster faster success. This book should be on the 'must read' list for any training professional," said Bob Dean, chief learning officer, Grant Thornton LLP.

A table of contents and excerpt from the book can be obtained by going to (http://www.bersin.com/research/blended_book.asp). "The Blended Learning Book" can be purchased for $40 through Bersin & Associates' web site at http://www.bersin.com/research/blended_book.asp or through amazon.com (ISBN 0-7879-7296-7). Those who purchase an enterprise subscription to Bersin & Associates' e-Learning Research Center by December 30, 2004 will receive a complementary copy of the book.

About Bersin & Associates Bersin & Associates (www.bersin.com) is the only research and consulting firm solely focused on e-learning with a comprehensive research program targeted to the needs of learning professionals and executives. In 2001, Bersin & Associates introduced the What Works series, primary research that offers learning practitioners factual and practical insight that can improve program effectiveness and results, reduce costs, and avoid time-consuming and costly mistakes. The company specializes in five research areas: blended learning, content development, LMSs and infrastructure, measurement and analytics, and planning and strategy. The company develops industry-leading research studies and provides advisory services to corporations and e-learning vendors. For more information on Bersin & Associates research library, visit http://www.elearningresearch.com or call [phone].