5 Ways To Use Instagram In Corporate eLearning

5 Ways To Use Instagram In Corporate eLearning
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Summary: Most of your corporate learners are already sharing selfies and family photos on Instagram. So, why not use this powerful social media platform to deliver bite-size online training to your employees? In this article, I’ll share 5 ways that you can use Instagram in corporate eLearning.

How To Use Instagram In Corporate eLearning

Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms, with millions of users posting their pics and sharing video snippets on a daily basis. Rather than relying on text-based Tweets or posts that get lost on a crowded Facebook page, Instagram users say it all with a simple snapshot. If viewers want to learn more, they just click on the pic to view the description and links. It’s sleek, clutter-free, and ideally suited for targeted online training. Here are 5 ways to use Instagram in corporate eLearning programs.

1. Microlearning Tutorials

Instagram is often seen as an image-sharing platform, but you also have the ability to share brief online training video clips on your page. Corporate learners simply need to click on the play button in the center of the thumbnail to watch a microlearning tutorial or demo. For example, an employee who needs more information about a task can replay the video whenever they like to examine every step in the online training process. Instagram videos need to be 15 seconds or under. So, it's not the ideal platform for lengthy walkthroughs. However, you can always chunk more complex tasks into separate online training videos and then upload them to your Instagram page.

2. Photo Feedback

A powerful image has the ability to spark a meaningful online discussion among your corporate audience. Instagram gives corporate learners the opportunity to comment directly below the image in order to share their opinions and offer feedback. Even introverted corporate learners are more likely to engage with an Instagram photo, despite the fact that they don’t normally participate in online forums. You also have the option to add text to your photos using an editing tool. For example, you can include a brief question at the bottom of the photo to ask a direct question. Corporate learners provide answers via the comments section or post on responses that their peers have created. In many respects, Instagram offers you the ability to challenge corporate learner's assumptions. They may have a certain belief or opinion already set in their minds, but your image may be a catalyst for change.

3. Instagram Idea Springboards

Sometimes all it takes is an image to get the mental gears turning. Post a photo or video snippet then ask your corporate learners to create an online training presentation, blog post, or group collaboration project based on their interpretation. Try not to include any captions or questions, as you want them to draw their own conclusions and use their preexisting knowledge base. For example, a video clip that features an employee who is violating company policy is a great idea springboard for new hires. They must identify what the employee is doing incorrectly, what they should be doing differently to improve employee performance, and why the policy is in place. In order to accomplish this they must have a clear understanding of the compliance protocols and desired performance behaviors.

4. Visualize Employee Milestones

Certain corporate learners have the power to stay focused and motivated, no matter what obstacles stand in their way. Then there are those who need a reminder of their goals and objectives on a consistent basis. Instagram provides corporate learners with a visual tracking tool that allows them to monitor their milestones and celebrate small victories. If they have a long online training road ahead of them, encourage them to create their own Instagram page that highlights every sub-task or goal that they accomplish. For example, they post a photo of them wearing safety gear to indicate that they've passed their Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) online training course. Another photo is uploaded when they learn how to use a piece of machinery. These are all steps toward completing their new hire online training. Viewing milestones in a visual format helps enhance their motivation and see how far they've come.

5. Pictorial Product Knowledge Online Training

Post an Instagram photo on your company page for product knowledge online training to introduce a new product or service. There are three different ways to highlight the specs and features:

1. Diagram

Mark up the image itself to show off the parts, functions, and benefits. For example, take a snapshot of your new tech product and insert arrows that point toward its key improvements. This is the ideal approach for more detailed products, such as those that have complex parts. There are a variety of free photo editing tools that allow you to add text and graphics to your Instagram images.

2. Text description

Write a brief description underneath the photo to provide a quick introduction to the product or service. Include links to a website or product page where employees can go to find more information. This is the ideal approach for products that require a detailed explanation, such as a line of beauty care items that have unique selling points.

3. Video clip

Create a online training video that offers a general overview of the product or service. You can even offer corporate learners a few selling points and stress the benefits of the product. A role-play video is another option. Ask one of your top sales employees to "sell" the product to a customer and showcase all of the main features.

An added benefit of using Instagram in corporate eLearning is that you can share your pics and online training videos on all the major social media platforms. So, if you want to share a quick online training video with your Twitter followers you can redirect them to your Instagram page and reach a broader audience. They also have an app that makes it mobile-friendly for your distributed workforce.

Social media is an effective eLearning tool, but only if it’s used wisely. Read the article 12 Golden Social Media Rules For eLearning Professionals which features the 12 golden rules of social media that all eLearning professionals should follow to be sure that your social media presence is not only effective, but genuinely outstanding.