In this article, we’ll explore the basics and benefits of the rapid, blended, and mobile online training approaches, and help you choose the one that best fits the needs of your organization.
Which Online Training Approach Is Best For Your Organization?
It all starts with choosing an online corporate training strategy. A carefully crafted, well-researched approach that guides every aspect of your online training design. You need a methodology that will improve your training ROI and employee knowledge retention.
So, let’s take a closer look to three popular online training approaches. We’ll explore the traits and advantages, so that you can decide which is most appropriate for your online training program.
1. Rapid eLearning
Rapid eLearning involves quick turnaround times and easily digestible online training courses. The Subject Matter Expert is usually the go-to source for information, and eLearning professionals use asset-rich eLearning authoring tools that feature eLearning templates. Here are just a few of the most notable benefits associated with rapid eLearning:
a. Faster Turnaround
Organizations have the ability to develop and deploy online training in a fraction of the time it would take to plan and craft a full-blown eLearning course. As such, they can bridge performance and skills gaps more rapidly. This results in greater employee performance and productivity.
b. Reduced Costs
Rapid eLearning allows you to create online training in-house. Rapid eLearning authoring tools come complete with everything you need to produce your online training content. With the help of a Subject Matter Expert, you can provide your employees with top notch online training materials for less. In addition, fast turnaround times translate into more efficient resource allocation.
c. Easy To Update And Maintain
You can easily modify your existing online training content using a rapid eLearning authoring tool. For example, update your compliance training modules or integrate an online assessment to test employee knowledge. This is also a great choice for familiarizing your people with new or updated products.
Rapid eLearning is best for microlearning resources, such as “moment of need” support tools, or online refresher courses that reinforce the key takeaways. The secret is finding the right eLearning authoring tools for the job. Ideally, rapid eLearning platforms should come with a broad range of online assets, from cut-out eLearning characters to royalty-free images and audio clips.
2. Blended Learning
Blended learning combines traditional training with online technology. Instructors still provide one-on-one instruction. However, they also use online training activities and assessment to enrich the blended learning experience. In most cases, the online training activities follow the in-class instruction. For example, employees participate in online training scenarios or simulations after they explore the topic in the training room.
These are some of the benefits of blended learning:
a. Provides Real World Practice
Employees get the best of both worlds. They cover the topic during the online training session, then apply what they’ve learned on the job. As such, they gain real world experience without the risk. For example, a branching scenario gives employees the opportunity to see the outcome of their decisions. Unfavorable performance behaviors lead to unfavorable results. They can identify areas for improvement and then seek out additional online resources to fill the gap.
b. Encourages Collaborative Learning
Blended learning opens up a world of social and collaborative learning opportunities. Employees have access to social networks, online forums, corporate eLearning blogs, and video sharing sites. As a result, they are able to benefit from the skills and expertise of their colleagues, even if they are thousands of miles away.
However, they can still interact with local peers during their scheduled classroom training session.
c. Personalizes The Blended Learning Experience
Employees are able to pursue personal learning paths based on their needs and goals. For example, employees can read online articles, watch tutorials, and interact with experts via social media. All of these online training activities help them bridge personal gaps and improve workplace performance.
Blended learning is ideally suited for organizations that require face-to-face instruction, but still want to capitalize on eLearning technologies. The eLearning infrastructure is used as a support tool to improve knowledge retention and comprehension.
3. Mobile Learning
Mobile learning offers on-the-go training to employees. They can use their mobile devices to access online training materials whenever, wherever. Mobile training resources are typically bite-sized and responsive. That means that they automatically adjust to fit the screen size, orientation, and resolution.
a. Greater Flexibility
Employees are able to get the information they require from anywhere in the world; for example, before meeting with a client. Mobile learning makes training more flexible and convenient. It also caters to the personal preferences of your online employees. Employees who use their smartphones get the same online training experience as those who favor their laptops.
b. Improved Knowledge Retention
Mobile learning resources are typically targeted. They give employees the specific knowledge or skills they need to complete a task or solve a problem. As such, they are more likely to remember what they learn and then apply it in the real world.
c. Increased Employee Engagement And Motivation
Greater flexibility, convenience, and knowledge retention translates into higher employee engagement. Employees are able to train whenever the need arises. For example, they can access the Learning and Talent Development Platform when they’re at home and don’t have to deal with distractions. This fuels their motivation and active participation so that they get the most from the online training experience.
Mobile learning and microlearning go hand-in-hand. It’s a great fit for online training reinforcement and knowledge refreshers. Mobile learning is also ideal for remote workers who need round-the-clock access to online training materials.
Ultimately, it all boils down to your needs, objectives, and online training budget. Survey your employees to learn as much as you can about their learning preferences and expectations. You should also conduct a thorough training needs analysis and evaluate your current online training strategy. What is lacking from your training and development plan, and how can these strategies provide a solution? Last, but not least, use this article to narrow your list of options and find the ideal online training approach for your corporate eLearning program.
Do you need to de-clutter your online training course? Are you looking for ways to make complex topics more digestible? Read the article 8 Tips To Simplify Online Training Courses to discover the top tips to simplify your online training course and improve knowledge retention.
