How To Diversify Online Training Content On A Tight eLearning Budget
Some employees learn best with visual aids while others require more tactile online training activities to assimilate the information effectively or audio elements to enhance knowledge retention. As everyone comes from a different cultural and educational background, the key to personalization is diversifying your online training content. Here are 8 top tips to develop diverse online training experiences with limited resources.
1. Develop A Microlearning Online Training Library With Curated Resources
Microlearning online training repositories provide a broad range of resources that are easy to digest. Thus, employees can pick-and-choose the online training activities that align with their learning preferences and needs. For example, real-world activities that allow them to focus on specific skills. Or company policy online training podcasts they can listen to during their break. Instead of creating these bite-sized resources from scratch, opt for curated online training content that's free of charge. For instance, YouTube videos that impart useful skills or work-related demos. The caveat is that you must verify the usage rights beforehand. In some cases, you may have to ask for written permission or cite your sources.
2. Invite Employees To Create Their Own Online Training Resources
The fact that employees have diverse backgrounds is an online training challenge. But it can also be a strength. Invite employees to create their own online training resources, and then upload them to the online training platform. For example, ask them to produce an online training video or podcast that involves their area of expertise. HR managers can cover compliance topics, while sales staff explores persuasion and communication skills. As an added bonus, they have the chance to gather feedback from their peers to expand their own understanding. For instance, they get to see the Subject Matter from a different point of view based on co-workers' comments or opinions.
3. Repurpose Existing Webinars And Presentations
You may already have webinars, slide shows, and other presentations that you can use to diversify your online training. Evaluate your current assets and determine how you can break them up in order to create "moment of need" online training materials. For example, divide your webinar into distinct sections that explore different topics or ideas. Then, upload the new and improved content to your microlearning online training library, or incorporate visuals and audio to your slide show to appeal to different learning preferences.
4. Use A Rapid eLearning Authoring Tool With A Rich Online Asset Library
Many eLearning authoring tools are equipped with an online asset library which may include templates, images, background music, and cut-out characters just to name a few. An eLearning authoring software with a rich online media library allows you to diversify your current online training content to enhance diversity. For example, add sound effects and cut-out characters to your online training story or appeal to international employees by incorporating images that are relatable to them.
5. Incorporate Social Learning Activities
Social learning involves group interactions. Employees get to learn from their peers and explore different viewpoints. Thus, they are able to make the online training experience whatever they want it to be instead of following a formal structure. For example, social media discussions offer them new or innovative ways to approach a work-related problem. Just make sure that you set some ground rules, so that the conversations stay respectful and on-topic. Blogs, forums, and online group collaboration projects also provide great social learning opportunities.
6. Integrate Simulations And Branching Scenarios
Real-world online training activities follow the same principle as social learning. Your entire staff can participate in the same online training activity, and each will get something completely different from the online training experience. One might discover that they've been performing a task incorrectly, while another learns from their mistake and bridges a skill gap. Simulations, branching scenarios, and serious games allow them to build real-world online training experiences and focus on their own areas for improvement. It's important to incorporate realistic images, sounds, and other elements to foster immersion. The key is to get them actively engaged in the online training activity so that they replicate workplace emotions and pressures.
7. Provide Links To Supplemental Online Training Resources
You don't necessarily have to create online training materials from the ground up. In fact, you can add links to external online training aids which employees may find helpful. At the end of each online training activity, display a list of recommendations based on the employees' performance. These online training resources will help them achieve their goals, build strengths, and work on weaknesses. Alternatively, integrate links to in-course online training resources they may have overlooked or give them the ability to create their own online training materials by piecing together different resources. For instance, develop a list of 10 online training activities, modules, and assessments that align with their needs. This is a personalized online training path that they've built on their own which they can complete whenever their schedule allows, without competing with peers or trying to keep up with the status quo.
8. Gather Feedback To Expand Your Online Training Offerings
There may be a difference of opinion when it comes to content diversity. While some employees may feel as though you offer a good mix of online training resources, others might still be looking for online training materials that cater to their individual needs. For this reason, it's wise to gather feedback from your employees. Then, use this information to continually expand your online training offerings. Incorporate more online training resources that focus on specific training issues or performance gaps.
Working with a tight eLearning budget doesn't mean that you must sacrifice employee engagement. You can still provide your corporate learners with a good variety of online training resources that cater to their needs. Use these 8 tips to diversify your online training content, improve employee satisfaction, and maximize your online training resources.
Do you need to create compliance online training materials for your global workforce? Read the article 6 Tips To Create Global Compliance Online Training to discover top tips to create compliance online training and certification programs for every member of your audience around the world.
