What To Include In Your Next Online Training Simulation
Effective online training simulations should help employees test their skills and learn from their mistakes. These interactive tools mimic real-world situations, obstacles, and settings. As a result, your staff can see how to handle the pressure of their daily job duties. But what does it take to create a successful online training simulation that evokes emotion and conveys the key takeaways? Here are 7 essential elements to add to your next online training simulation.
1. Real-World Challenges Or Obstacles
It all hinges on a relatable problem or challenge that employees face on a regular basis. Every successful online training simulation should focus on a specific obstacle that your corporate learners must overcome. This facilitates real-world experience building and allows them to apply what they've learned in the workplace. But how do you address on-the-job hurdles head-on? Conduct observations, assessments, and surveys to learn as much as you can about performance gaps and other issues that hinder productivity. You might also consider a focus group, which allows you to get direct input from your employees and ask follow up questions.
2. Immersive Media
The thing that makes online training simulations more dynamic than stories is immersive media. You are able to put employees in the middle of the action so that they can explore the situation and view the problem from different angles. As a result, they are able to experience the same emotions as they would in the workplace, such as the pressure they feel when performing a time-sensitive task or the stress of having to deal with an angry customer who wants a refund. Images, sound effects, and video clips are ideal additions to your online training simulation. Most rapid eLearning authoring tools already have built-in assets. However, you can also download images, audio, and other media through royalty free sites. Just make certain that you have the proper usage rights before you integrate them into your eLearning course design.
3. Relevant Online Training Characters That Foster Emotional Connectivity
Employees need online training characters that resonate with them on some level. Maybe they share certain personality traits or have encountered similar situations in the past. Relevant online training characters help foster emotional connectivity so that employees get a familiar perspective. You might also consider customer personas based on behaviors and attitudes that employees may have to deal with on the job. For example, a dissatisfied customer who calls for some active listening and conflict resolution skills. However, keep in mind that online training characters aren't the main focus on the online training simulation. They are merely there to enhance immersion and bring the story to life.
4. Work-Related Tools
Most work-related tasks involve tools, software, or other resources. One of the most significant benefits of using an online training simulation is to facilitate application. As such, you need to incorporate all of the necessary materials to give employees accurate first-hand experience. If your service techs need to use a screwdriver to remove the casing in order to access the hard drive, then a screwdriver should be included in your online training simulation. Every step of the process should be accounted for, down to the smallest detail. When you skip it in the online training simulation, there's a chance that employees will skip it in the real world, which directly effects their performance and task proficiency.
5. Realistic Environments
Our surroundings play a crucial role in our behaviors, thoughts, and actions. They can even impact the way we learn. An effective online training simulation must include realistic environments in order to put the information into context. For example, the employee must visit multiple locations within the store to complete the task. Thus, a realistic setting in the online training simulation allows them to go through all the steps and orient themselves in the facility. True-to-life environments also help employees forget about the fact that they're in an online training simulation. They are able to devote their attention to the task at hand and get the most from the online training experience.
6. Timely eLearning Feedback
Corporate learners must be aware of their strengths and areas for improvement so as to continually develop. Online training simulations help them identify the gaps, then access online training modules, activities, and courses that focus on their individual needs. But only if they receive timely, personalized eLearning feedback after completing the online training simulation. Provide employees with a play-by-play of the steps they skipped or behaviors they need to work on. For example, they forgot to put on the proper safety gear before handling the spill or didn't greet the customer before the transaction. Bringing it to their attention helps to "flag" it in their minds so that they remember it in the workplace. This is due to the fact that the human brain is more likely to retain information that's tied to an event. Employees also have the ability to correct their mistakes in future online training simulations, instead of committing inaccurate information to their long-term memory.
7. Resource Links To Bridge The Gaps
Certain employees may need more information after they complete the online training simulation. A handful of resource links that cater to different learning preferences is the ideal solution. For example, some learners benefit from video demos while others find task-based podcasts more effective. Employees are able to access these supplemental links whenever time allows. In addition, they can focus on specific gaps or performance issues that are holding them back, which saves time and maximizes your resources. Pairing your online training simulation with a microlearning online training repository is another option, especially if the process is more involved and requires numerous skills and sub-tasks.
Online training simulations are simply not complete without these 7 core components which help to create an emotional connection and provide your employees with the follow-up online training resources they require. They also give them the rare opportunity to test their talents in a risk-free setting.
Can online training simulations add value to your compliance online training program? Read the article Safety First: 7 Tips To Use Simulations For Health And Safety Online Training to discover tips to use simulations in your health and safety online training course.