How On Demand Online Training Empowers Learners
We have become accustomed to having information at our fingertips, accessing it in the moment with the ease of a Google search. This result of technological advancement is also making an impact in the training industry, with learners expecting greater control over how and when they receive learning content. In this article, PulseLearning explores how on demand online training empowers learners.
On Demand Learning: Self-Service Learning Smorgasbord
Those of us who have seen the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory watched Veruca Salt sing the anthem for spoiled brats “I Want It Now!” expressing her longing for an Oompa Loompa and golden egg-laying goose. Fast forward to 2016 and training is moving away from set prescription toward a chocolate factory experience, with an array of educational delights on offer for learners to pick and choose training at their personal discretion.
Learners today often know what they want and when they need it, and expect a certain amount of control in self-issuing training. Because learners call the shots, an on demand online training model can also lead to greater engagement and retention and assimilation of knowledge. If learners desire, with on demand online training they can have it all; just like Veruca.
So, what does an on demand learning model look like?
- Providing on demand access to training.
Imagine you just started working for a new company. It’s your first week and you are settling into your role. After completing induction and compliance training, you are shown how to access a well-organized training catalog, arranged by task and process. You are told that there are no mandatory completion requirements and you can work through the training if and when you need it. As a new employee, the underlying message you receive is, “We trust you to pull the information you need, when it is required. We won’t make you sit through information you already know or might not need just yet.” Wouldn’t you feel more empowered? An on demand online training model leaves some of the decision making up to individuals rather than pushing information that they may already be familiar with their way. - Redefining assessment.
There will always be a time and place for assessment, for example, where results must be collected and retained to meet legislative compliance requirements. However, in the move away from prescribed training to an open-access, on demand model, assessment also needs to be redefined. Instead of monitoring formal assessment pass rates and completion tracking, usage analytics and consumption statistics can become more useful to find out how often and when learners are accessing specific training. This information can help you gain insight into areas of competency for individuals due to the training they are and are not choosing to complete. - Personalizing the learning experience.
Another key feature of learner-centric, on demand online training is personalization. Personalization can be as simple as capturing the learner’s name during the registration process and dynamically populating it in a personalized welcome message, to streaming content to individuals based on specific criteria. Personalization can also be achieved by allowing learners to customize the online learning experience. Providing these options can empower learners by giving them a sense of control and can lead to greater engagement. - Presenting WIIFM.
Clearly answering the “What’s in it for me?” (WIIFM) question up front might be the key for engaging new generation learners, especially the millennials. Within your training catalog, short, descriptive statements about each training module providing an overview of key outcomes and takeaways can empower people to complete the training, especially when using a fluid approach to accessing learning.
On demand online training places learners in the driver’s seat to create their own learning journey based on their individual needs and requirements, providing a personalized training experience. Empowering your learners could be the key to cultivating a positive training culture within your organization.
Would you like to empower your learners through a learner-centric training strategy? PulseLearning is an award-winning global learning provider experienced in developing engaging and innovative eLearning and blended training solutions.