“Flipped classroom” model streamlines product training and empowers learners at a federal software solutions group

Following a major acquisition, a federal software solutions group found itself navigating significant changes—new leadership, rebranding, and evolving strategic goals. With a growing customer base, they knew they would feel an immediate impact on the demand for user training. But, their existing multi-day training programs were not only time-consuming, pulling users away for days at a time, but also resource-intensive, requiring significant coordination and numerous trainers. Recognizing the need for a more efficient approach, they sought a solution that would streamline training, align with their business objectives, and scale alongside their growing customer base.

As the company shifted toward more cost-efficient, on-demand training models, their traditional instructor-led sessions posed challenges. Lengthy, inconsistent sessions made it difficult for both customers to learn the software and trainers to provide consistent product onboarding.

They needed a systematic transformation–one that would offer scalable, turnkey training, engage learners effectively, and serve as an ongoing reference for users navigating the software.

The organization partnered with Cynuria’s instructional design experts to design and implement an effective "flipped classroom" training model.

At Cynuria, our project teams develop strong relationships with clients by asking key questions and listening closely to responses. Through a series of discovery sessions with key stakeholders, the Cynuria team uncovered a need for something more. Recognizing that resources were a primary challenge and consistency in delivery was a central goal, they proposed a new approach, leaning heavily into self-paced learning that would be supplemented by instructor-led labs. With deep expertise in balancing independent learning and interactive, instructor-led sessions, our team created a solution that aligned more clearly with organizational goals and available resources.

With a flipped classroom approach, learners are empowered to take ownership of their learning. Engaging with self-paced learning prior to instructor-led sessions allows learners to use that time with an expert to practice the hands-on skills covered in the training. Trainers can be leveraged for their expertise, rather than as a presenter delivering content. Trainers become expert guides as learners develop new skills and comfort with the software.

Ultimately, the solution would create a better customer experience, allowing the organization to offer on-demand training and automated solutions to training requests.

Reimagining experiences

As the project team learned more about the needs and opportunities available within the organization, they began crafting a comprehensive blueprint for success. They re-envisioned the course structure integrating hands-on lab activities into the e-learning. Doing so positioned the organization to either use eLearning as a standalone experience or pair it with the flipped classroom, instructor-led training sessions. This created a robust and scalable training program that would become an adaptable solution, responsive to the organization’s evolving needs. 

Crafting compelling learning

The newly developed self-paced training elements seamlessly integrated simulations, videos, and scenario-based interactions. Our team designed and developed hands-on activities and impactful interactivity to ensure learner retention and skills transfer. 

But we didn’t stop there. When the organization asked for support to ensure the content was fully accessible and compliant with accessibility standards, our team of accessibility experts certified the eLearning against Section 508 compliance standards, testing the content, generating a remediation report, and addressing all issues reported. Having worked closely with government agencies, our team knew the expectations of government agencies and their learners.

Evaluating for success

Once we developed the modules, we provided consulting support as the client’s team integrated them into the organization’s Learning Management System (LMS). Then, our team developed a Kirkpatrick Level 1 evaluation for the organization to implement to gauge user satisfaction and gather valuable feedback. Our proactive approach ensures that our training solutions exceed user expectations and lead to measurable success.