5 BYOD Mistakes To Avoid For Successful Online Training

5 BYOD Mistakes Your Organization Should Avoid In Online Training

BYOD, or Bring Your Own Device, involves employees bringing their own devices to the workplace. They can then use their smartphone, tablet, or laptop to access the online training program, as well as apps that can help them further improve their skill sets and professional knowledge base. However, the secret to BYOD success is developing an implementation strategy in advance and ensuring that every employee is on the same page. You should also steer clear of these common Bring Your Own Device pitfalls.

1. Allowing employees to bring ANY mobile device. 
   A common misconception regarding BYOD is that employees can use any mobile device they wish to access the online training content. However, this can lead to a variety of issues, such as compromising the security of the organization's data or even infecting it with viruses and other malware. This is why it's crucial to specify which smartphones and tablets your employees can use and providing them a list of acceptable and banned devices. For example, some unlocked phones may be unsafe to use on the company network. If possible, have a checking system set up where managers or members of your IT staff can verify each device that an employee brings to work.
2. Failing to specify which apps are acceptable.
   In addition to the devices that your employees will be using as part of the BYOD program, you should also clarify which apps and programs are acceptable. Even though you might be under the impression that your corporate learners are only going to be accessing the company's Learning Management System, this is usually not the case. If they have their mobile phones and smartphones with them in the workplace, then their applications-of-choice are also going to be there. Therefore, it's always wise to let them know which programs are off-limits and which are allowed. For example, you may choose to limit their social media chats and posts while at work by adding Facebook and Twitter to the "off-limits" list. Unless, of course, you are taking a social learning approach and need them to be able to access these sites for online training purposes.
3. Keeping employees in the dark about monitoring.
   Your employees should be aware of exactly what is going on when it comes to device monitoring. If you are going to be keeping track of the sites they visit and the apps they use when they are on the company network, then make this clear. To implement a truly successful BYOD online training program you must be completely transparent about your policies and monitoring protocols. For example, some organizations now install online training software that monitors every move an employee makes on their mobile network. If they do not notify their employees of this beforehand, then they run the risk of losing their credibility and potentially even their employees. In short, it's perfectly acceptable to take measures that can ensure the safety of your network and your data, but just make sure that you don't keep your staff in the dark about it.
4. Underestimating the importance of password protection.
   Virtually all devices are equipped with password protection capabilities. In order to unlock the device, the user must type in the password, which helps to keep their data safe and secure should the phone or tablet fall into the wrong hands. Unfortunately, many people choose not to use this feature because they believe that it is inconvenient, as they would have to punch in their password rather than simply swiping the screen. However, if your employees want to use the device on-the-job, they should be ready and willing to protect it with a password. If they are hesitant to do so, make them aware of the fact that all of your organization's data could become compromised if they ever misplaced the phone. Also, encourage them to create a strong password that features both letters and numbers, as well as a punctuation mark, in order to deter potential hackers.
5. Not offering employees the online training and support they need.
   This is, undoubtedly, one of the most common BYOD mistakes that organizations make on a regular basis. Before you implement the BYOD online training program you must ensure that every employee is on the same page. They need to know how to use the mobile device to access the online training platform and the role that technology will play in your overall online training strategy. They must also be aware of the support resources that are available to them. Are you going to have a member of your IT team assigned to the BYOD online training program to help employees? If so, what level of support are they going to be offering and how do employees get in touch with them? At the very least, you may want to create a FAQ page on your internal website or a video tutorial that highlights every aspect of your BYOD online training program.

One last tip I'd like to leave you with is that it's highly beneficial to collect feedback periodically to ensure that your BYOD online training strategy is achieving its goals. Survey your employees to see if they are satisfied with the online training program, if they would like more devices added to your "acceptable" list, or if they have any questions or concerns that need to be addressed.

BYOD may not be for every organization, but it is an ideal approach for companies who wish to scale back their online training budgets without sacrificing employee skill development. Try to avoid these common mistakes to maximize your online training ROI and make sure that your staff is on board.

BYOD online training programs can help organizations cut online training costs. Keep in mind that microlearning can also offer a wide range of benefits. Read the article Microlearning In Online Training: 5 Advantages And 3 Disadvantages to discover when it's convenient to break knowledge down into easily digestible units or modules.