Employees who take charge of their own Learning and Development are more likely to rise up the corporate ladder and be more productive in the workplace. But how do you encourage them to play an active role in asynchronous corporate eLearning environments? Especially when time and motivation are in short supply, and there are external distractions to contend with. Here are 8 top tips to maximize learner control in corporate eLearning.
Clickable eLearning course maps give employees free reign over the corporate eLearning course. They are able to pick-and-choose the online training activities, modules, and resources that suit their talents and areas for improvement. As a result, they gain more control over the Learning and Development process and they can train whenever it fits into their schedule. You can even add images, graphics, and sound effects to make the eLearning course map more interactive. Just be sure to include a brief explanation of each point on the eLearning course map so that they know what's in store.
Microlearning online training libraries are convenient and easily digestible. Employees have the ability to access the microlearning online training repository during their "moment of need". Thus, they can take control of their skill development, knowledge gaps, and performance issues. The key to an effective microlearning online training library is organization. Break the database into specific categories based on employee learning goals and objectives. For example, departmental tasks or practical skills. You should also periodically refresh your microlearning online training library and re-evaluate your current online training resources. Do they still align with employees' needs? Are you using the latest tech tools to create dynamic online training materials?
Employees are looking for a good variety of online training activities. Specifically, exercises that can help them build real-world experience and apply their skills. Thus, you should consider adding a broad range of real-world resources to your corporate eLearning course. This gives employees the power to concentrate on obstacles they may encounter on the job, as well as tasks they perform on a daily basis. They are in control of how and when they use their pre-existing knowledge during interactive simulations and branching scenarios. Serious games, case studies, and stories are also valuable online training tools.
Certain employees may want to upskill or expand their professional knowledge, while others are perfectly content with the mandatory corporate eLearning resources. As such, you might consider optional online certification courses for self-starters who are looking to branch out. These courses are self-contained units that tie into the desired outcomes. For example, they help employees build their leadership skills so that they can eventually take on a management role. Create a certification online training course by compiling existing online training resources or venture down the MOOC path if you're pressed for time or resources.
Online training simulations are versatile online training tools. You're able to explore a variety of different processes, skills, and topics in a single simulation. Which means that every employee who participates will get something unique from the corporate eLearning experience. One staff member gets the opportunity to hone their interpersonal skills, while another learns a better way to complete the task or solve a common problem. You also have the option to follow it up with resource recommendations that point employees in the right direction. For instance, provide links at the end of the online training simulation that focus on areas for improvement. Employees are able to take you up on the offer or put the online resource guide aside. It's all in their control.
One of the most common issues that hinders productivity is lack of self-awareness. Employees know what their job entails and what your company expects of them. However, they may still be unaware of their personal strengths, weaknesses, and skill gaps. As a result, employees are unable to align their online training with their needs, which is why it's essential to provide self-assessments they can use to periodically gauge their progress and performance. Encourage your corporate learners to assess themselves from time to time in order to re-evaluate their abilities. Then choose the best online training activities, online certification courses, and modules based on the results. This allows them to create a fully personalized online training path autonomously.
One of the most basic and powerful ways to maximize learner control in corporate eLearning is to free up online training accessibility. They should be able to get the corporate eLearning resources they need from anywhere in the world and whenever it fits into their already busy schedule. Thus, you need to make your corporate eLearning course multiplatform-friendly with the help of a responsive design tool that enables you to create a master layout that adjusts to fit any device.
Personalized corporate eLearning experiences resonate with employees on an emotional level. They know that every online training activity, text block, and graphic element is there to help them bridge performance gaps and achieve goals. Thus, they are in total control of their own online training and professional growth. Employees have the power to access customized online training resources that remedy performance issues or real-world exercises that allow them to build experiential knowledge and skills. All of this is based on their individual needs. However, you must be willing and ready to obtain eLearning feedback in order to create personalized corporate eLearning.
Maximizing learner control in corporate eLearning boosts company morale and improves corporate eLearning ROI. Your staff is more likely to actively participate if the corporate eLearning resources are relevant to their needs, goals, and personal preferences. As such, you need to periodically re-evaluate your corporate eLearning strategy to make it enhance the benefits of your corporate eLearning course.
Do your new hires need a "moment of need" library that gives them more control? Read the article 9 Just-In-Time Online Training Activities For Your Onboarding Online Training to discover the top just-in-time online training activities to include in your onboarding online training.