Meta Description: Learn why Blend stands out from Instructure with its mobile-first, video-based training and seamless workforce management integration for deskless employees.

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced industries like hospitality, retail, and food service, training deskless workers efficiently is crucial. Traditional Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Instructure’s Canvas LMS have been the go-to solution for many organisations. However, as the modern workforce becomes more mobile and dynamic, the need for mobile-first LMS alternatives is growing. This is where Blend shines, offering a superior mobile-first learning experience tailored specifically for engaging deskless workforces.

Understanding the Landscape: Blend and Instructure

Instructure’s Canvas LMS

Canvas LMS by Instructure is a robust, cloud-based platform widely used in educational institutions. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for managing course content, facilitating communication between educators and learners, and tracking student progress. Canvas LMS excels in providing a scalable solution for schools and universities, ensuring equitable access and personalised learning paths for diverse student populations.

Strengths of Instructure’s Canvas LMS:

Robust Feature Set: Comprehensive tools for course management, grading, and communication.
Scalability: Suitable for large institutions with complex needs.
Integration: Connects seamlessly with over 600 education technology partners like Google Classroom and Zoom.
Community Support: A vast user base and active community contributing to continuous improvements.

Introducing Blend

While Canvas LMS is an excellent choice for educational settings, blending over 30 million users worldwide, Blend is designed with the unique needs of deskless workers in mind. Blend is a mobile-first, video-based training platform that focuses on engaging employees who are always on the move.

What Makes Blend Stand Out:

Mobile-First Design: Optimised for seamless access on smartphones, catering to deskless workers.
Video-Based Training: Engaging, short-form video content that mirrors popular social media styles.
Workforce Management Integration: Easily integrates with existing workforce management tools.
Automated Onboarding: Streamlines the onboarding process, saving companies up to £50k annually.
Compliance Training: Fully accredited, ensuring regulatory standards are met.

Comparing Blend and Instructure

User Experience

Instructure’s Canvas LMS:
Canvas offers a feature-rich interface primarily designed for desktops and laptops. While it’s accessible on mobile devices, the experience may not be as smooth or engaging for users who rely solely on smartphones.

Blend:
Blend’s platform is built from the ground up for mobile use. With an intuitive design tailored for smartphones, deskless workers can easily navigate the platform and access training materials on the go.

Training Content

Instructure’s Canvas LMS:
Canvas supports various content types, including text, videos, and interactive assignments. It is highly suited for structured, academic learning environments.

Blend:
Blend focuses on video-based training, creating engaging, short-form content that captures attention quickly. This approach is ideal for busy workers who need to learn efficiently without spending excessive time on training.

Integration and Automation

Instructure’s Canvas LMS:
While Canvas integrates well with educational tools, its integration with workforce management systems is limited compared to specialised corporate solutions.

Blend:
Blend offers seamless integration with existing workforce management tools, enhancing automation in training processes. This reduces manual efforts and ensures that training is aligned with workforce operations.

Cost and ROI

Instructure’s Canvas LMS:
Canvas LMS is a powerful tool for educational institutions, but its cost-effectiveness for businesses with deskless workers might not always align with their specific needs.

Blend:
Blend’s automated onboarding process can save companies up to £50k annually, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses focusing on deskless workforces. The reduction in training time from 140 hours to a streamlined learning experience further enhances ROI.

How Blend Solves the Gaps

Blend addresses several limitations associated with traditional LMS platforms like Canvas:

Enhanced Engagement: Through video-based and interactive content, Blend keeps employees engaged and motivated.
Efficiency: Automated processes and mobile-first design mean training is quicker and more accessible.
Personalisation: Personalized learning paths cater to diverse workforce needs, improving learning outcomes.
Cost Savings: Significant reductions in training time and onboarding costs make Blend a financially smart choice.

Conclusion

While Instructure’s Canvas LMS remains a leader in educational settings, Blend offers a specialised, mobile-first alternative that excels in engaging deskless workforces. With its focus on video-based training, seamless integration, and cost-effective solutions, Blend is the superior choice for industries that require flexible, efficient, and engaging training methods.

Ready to transform your workforce training? Discover how Blend can revolutionise your employee training and onboarding today.