Downloadable Online Training Content: 5 Benefits To Keep In Mind
Modern learners seem to be constantly connected. Whether they are on their mobile devices or sitting comfortably at home with their laptops, information is always within reach. But what happens when your corporate learners can’t access the internet to get the online training knowledge they need when it truly matters? Offline players, PDFs, and HTML5-supported online training content make it convenient and hassle-free to view online training content offline; even if a corporate learner's modem goes on the fritz.
1. Constant Access To Online Training Content
Wi-Fi spots are not always an option. Your online training course may be mobile-friendly, but can corporate learners access the online training content when internet isn't part of the equation? Offline players and downloadable PDFs give employees the power to access the online training content whenever, wherever. They are no longer reliant on modems and routers to get the information they need, because it's right on their devices. They can even print it out when their devices run out of battery or simply malfunction. Downloadable online training content removes the obstacles that stand in the way of the online training process.
Quick Τip: Ensure that you provide your corporate learners with clear instructions on how to access the materials in offline mode. Be specific about how they must download the online training content and if there are additional apps or tools they will need. For example, include links to the offline video player or PDF reader they'll need to view the online training content. You don't want your corporate learners to download the online training content and head out the door, only to discover they can't access it.
2. Corporate Learners Can Go At Their Own Pace
Every corporate learner has specific skills, experiences, and knowledge that they've already acquired. As such, every employee progresses through the online training course at their own pace. Those who have prior knowledge may need less time. Likewise, corporate learners who are new to the topic tend to go slower so that they can assimilate the ideas. Downloadable online training content gives them the opportunity to fully comprehend each section before moving onto the next. They are not competing with online peers or feeling rushed by timed exercises. This way, corporate learners have as much as time as they need to get the most out of the online training experience.
Quick Τip: If you want to offer corporate learners more social activities, create social media pages and forums where they can meet online. Once they've viewed the offline training content, they have the option to venture online and collaborate with peers. This also allows them to get valuable feedback and input from others who are learning offline.
3. Provides Additional Online Training Resources
Downloadable online training content can still be interactive. In fact, you can include links to supplemental online training resources that corporate learners can access at a later time. Simply hyperlink the appropriate section in your document and direct them to informative corporate eLearning articles, eLearning videos, and websites. However, if you do want to create a stand-alone online training course that doesn't require internet access, consider a PDF package. These packages feature multiple documents that tie into each other. For example, a link in the first document redirects corporate learners to another PDF page that explores a sub-topic. Theoretically, you could develop an entire offline training course, complete with assessments and other offline training activities. This approach does require a great deal of organization though, as you must map out all of the links ahead of time.
Quick Τip: Offer an "online resource guide" where online learners can find links for specific topics or tasks. Divide it into categories so that corporate learners are able to quickly access the information. For lists that must be updated frequently, create a Google document and share it with your corporate audience.
4. Ensures Safe And Secure Online Training Experiences
Many organizations are hesitant to move their training online because of security concerns. They are worried that their data will be compromised, or that sufficient encryption protocols are not in place. Most Learning Management Systems remedy these issues by enforcing strict safety measures. However, downloadable online training content takes it a step further by eliminating online threats altogether. Corporate learners store the information on their local computers and devices. Thus, it is no longer vulnerable to data theft or online hacking.
Quick Τip: You can make your downloadable online training content even more secure by adding watermarks, logos, and password protection. For example, corporate learners must enter a passcode in order to view the PDF or Word document. These measures also prevent copyright infringements and protect your intellectual property rights.
5. Automatically Tracks Online Training Progress
One of the most challenging aspects of traditional training courses is tracking learner progress. This is particularly true for offline training courses that rely solely on printed learning materials. However, online training courses that feature downloadable online training content offer the best of both worlds. Corporate learners have the power to view the materials offline, but they can also sync back up with the online training course to monitor their progress. Many Learning Management Systems now offer these capabilities. The learner simply completes the offline training activity or assessment on their device, and the system automatically updates once they connect.
Quick Τip: Offline coursework doesn't give corporate learners the immediate feedback they need. Therefore, you must offer them detailed feedback when they sync up with the system. Be sure to include a performance overview page that lists their strengths and areas for improvement. It should also offer them additional links to help improve their performance, such as online videos and tutorials.
Corporate learners need to be able to access your online training course from anywhere in the world, round the clock. Downloadable online training content removes internet connectivity roadblocks and gives them the power to expand their knowledge at their own pace.
Now that you know the benefits of downloadable online training content, read up on some tips that can help you create printer-friendly eLearning courses for your on-the-go audience. Read the article Learning Offline: 6 Tips To Create Printer-Friendly eLearning Courses to discover how to make your eLearning experience printer-friendly, without making major modifications to your existing eLearning strategy.
