How To Avoid 7 Of The Most Common Online Training Complaints
Corporate eLearning has gotten a bad reputation over the years, especially mandatory compliance and certification online training courses. The truth is that employees have been exposed to so many dry, dull, lengthy, and frustrating online training courses in the past that they are expecting nothing less of your online training program. However, if you are aware of the online training complaints they have, then you know how to win them over and open their eyes to the real power of a successful corporate eLearning experience.
- "I don't have any clear learning goals to focus on."
Employees must have a clear idea of what they will be able to do once they complete the online training course. Will they master a new skill or task? Do they need to acquire new information that can help them on the job? This is why it’s essential to define your learning goals and objectives from the beginning, and then emphasize them throughout the online training course. Otherwise, they simply won’t have any direction or know what is expected of them. You don’t want your employees aimlessly progressing through the online training course without any finish line in sight. - "I'm not sure how I can use the information in the real world."
This is a major issue that plagues many online training experiences. All of the information and skills that your employees are learning must tie into real world benefits, challenges or situations. You must stress how they can apply the subject matter in the workplace to make your online training experiences valuable and meaningful. In addition to stating the real world applications and advantages in your online training course description, you can also integrate online training scenarios, simulations, and real world examples to let them see the benefits first hand. - "There is too much text to sift through."
Your employees need to get the necessary information they require for their jobs, and then apply it immediately. They don’t want to peruse through lengthy text blocks and wordy paragraphs to find the key takeaways. If possible, organize the information by creating sub headers and bullet point lists that focus on the core concepts and ideas. For example, break a process down into more manageable steps so that they are able to follow along without sifting through a page-long description. The point is to draw their attention to what they need to know and keep unnecessary online training content to an absolute minimum. - "The online training platform is difficult to use."
This particular complaint is more about preparation than the online training platform, itself. Many enterprise LMS solutions feature intuitive user interfaces that are relatively easy to use. However, if your employees are not familiar with the LMS or lack basic tech skills, then even the most user-friendly straightforward LMS will be challenging. This is one of the main reasons why it’s so important to prep your staff before you roll out the LMS. Offer them tutorials that highlight how to access and navigate the online training platform. Make sure the IT department is on hand to field any questions and address concerns. Pair tech-savvy staff members up with those who may be reluctant about online training. - "I'm getting the sense that the online facilitator doesn't know how to train."
Online training preparation also applies to your trainers and online facilitators. In fact, these individuals should know the online training platform inside and out. It’s also essential for them to learn as much as possible about the online training activities and how they apply to real world tasks and challenges. Your trainers are the ones who will offer the support and guidance your employees need to get the most out of the online training program. Thus, they need to be knowledgeable, experienced, and effective communicators. - "I don't feel like the online training is geared toward my needs."
Every member of your corporate audience should feel like their online training experience is personal and geared toward their specific needs. Conduct surveys, focus groups, and interviews beforehand to make sure that you are centering on their goals. This also gives you the opportunity to learn more about their backgrounds and performance gaps. It’s a great idea to get them involved in the online training development process, as well. Receive their feedback and ask them what they would like to see in their online training programs. - "I think my brain is going to implode!"
This is one of the most frustrating issues that corporate learners face on a regular basis. Cognitive overload occurs when your corporate learners become overwhelmed by too much information in a short span of time. To prevent their brains from imploding, break your content up into more manageable chunks and opt for shorter modules and online training activities. For example, a half-hour online training course can be divided into 6 five minute modules that cover key topics and tasks. You can also space your online training experiences so that employees have an opportunity to absorb the information before moving onto the next module. Keep in mind that your employees may benefit from "moment of need" online training, which is bite-sized online training resources that provide only what your employees need to know to get the job done.
All of these complaints are completely valid, but they can also be avoided. The secret is learning as much as possible about your corporate learners and encouraging them to voice their honest opinions, so that you can ensure they have the best possible online training experience.
Want to learn more on what prevents your employees from enjoying your online training program? Read the article 6 Online Training Mistakes That Drive Corporate Learners Crazy to discover some additional training mistakes that may have a negative impact on your employees' online training experience.
