10 Just-In-Time Online Training Resources ALL Online Training Programs Should Include
Just-in-time online training centers on practical goals and performance gaps. Employees get all the tools and information they require to accomplish the task and develop vital skills. Whenever the need arises, there are online training materials at the ready to improve workplace proficiency. Here are 10 just-in-time online training resources that every organization should have on hand.
1. Online Training Tutorials
Online training tutorials walk employees through every step of the process. They also highlight the skills and prerequisite knowledge that they need to successfully complete the task. For best results, use images, bullet points, and videos to provide greater detail. For example, include photos of the necessary equipment or a model demonstrating each step of the task. You can also include a list of supplemental resource links if employees require more information, such as complementary online training videos or guides to broaden their comprehension.
2. Real-World Simulations
Real-world simulations feature realistic images, challenges, and settings. Therefore, employees can brush up on skills and utilize the information they've just learned. Simulations should include practical challenges or situations that employees face on a regular basis. For example, you can create customer personas to foster communication and conflict resolution skills. After all, it takes a good amount of persuasion and negotiation to appease an angry customer.
3. Decision-Making Branching Scenarios
Life is a series of choices. However, professional choices have a direct impact on not just the individual, but the entire organization. For this reason, it's essential to provide your employees with decision-making branching scenarios that explore diverse outcomes. Give them the opportunity to experience the repercussions of their actions in a supportive setting, instead of forcing them to make these same mistakes on the job. To create an effective branching scenario, start by outlining everything into your eLearning storyboard. Map out every decision-making path so that you can trace it to the desired outcome, then create memorable online training characters and plot points.
4. Engaging Infographics
eLearning infographics give employees a quick overview of all the stats, facts, and ideas they need to know. They also contain visuals, which improve memory retention. The key is to concentrate on one topic at a time and use minimal text. You should also keep the course design clean and clutter-free by only including relevant images and graphics. There's always the option to include links to additional online training resources if employees need more details.
5. Online Training Video Demos
Online training videos give employees a visual guide to follow. They can watch the online training character perform each step of the task or see the product features in action. Just make sure that you keep video demos bite-sized for quick consumption. This also gives employees the opportunity to focus on the topic, absorb the takeaways, and then move onto the next performance gap when they're ready. You'll typically need video recording/editing software and some basic audio equipment to record the narration. There are also some rapid eLearning authoring tools that feature video templates you can use.
6. Real-World Examples And Case Studies
Real-world examples and case studies stress the real-world uses of your employees' new found knowledge and skills. They can see how information leads to workplace benefits, such as improved customer service or reduced amount of time needed to complete a task. Try to include just a few key stats of facts instead of barraging your employees with information. This helps to prevent cognitive overload and improves memory retention.
7. Self-Assessments
Employees must have the ability to monitor their own performance and skill gaps. Self-assessments help pinpoint areas for improvement so that they can find suitable online training resources. For example, other just-in-time online training tools that allow them to improve task performance or compliance knowledge. They also have the opportunity to periodically reevaluate their skills to gauge their progress. Thus, they are more motivated to participate in online training.
8. Online Course Maps
Online course maps serve as a quick reference guide in the event of a work-related obstacle. They feature a clickable table of contents, which allows employees to skip ahead to relevant online training resources. For example, review the final step in the return process or refresh their memory of a company policy that pertains to work responsibilities. You can even include multimedia elements to make them more effective, such as images or built-in online training simulations to improve employees' understanding.
9. Integrated Support Tools
There is a variety of support tools that you can incorporate into your online training program, including social media groups, online discussions, FAQs, and corporate eLearning blogs. Each of these support tools serves as an informal just-in-time online training resource for your employees. They have the ability to share tips, ask questions, and offer feedback to their peers. Integrated support tools also allow them to reach out to online instructors or managers, as well as stay updated on the latest company news.
10. Bite-Sized Serious Games
Microlearning serious games add a heaping dose of fun and excitement to online training. They also facilitate real-world experience, which makes them the ideal choice for your "just-in-time" online training repository. Include memorable online training characters, levels, and unlockable rewards to get employees actively involved. Don't forget to frame it with work-related tasks and skills to offer educational value.
Bear in mind that mobile-friendly is the best approach for just-in-time online training. Employees should be able to access the online training content at a moment's notice. Thus, you may want to use responsive design eLearning authoring tools to create mobile learning resources for your team. You should also think about curating a microlearning library to centralize your just-in-time online training tools.
Do you know how to apply the "Moments of Need" model to provide effective just-in-time online training resources for your employees? Read the article How To Use The 5 "Moments of Need" Model In Corporate eLearning to discover how you can use the 5 “moments of need” model to your advantage when designing your online training course.
