7 Tips To Omit Boring Compliance Online Training Resources

7 Tips To Omit Boring Compliance Online Training Resources
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Summary: A lot of online learners trudge through compliance training, retaining nothing beyond their certificates. How can you animate the training process to make it more engaging for employees?

Eliminate Those Dull And Outdated Compliance Online Training Resources

It can be challenging to create an intriguing course out of dry materials. A lot of compliance regulations are complex, theoretical, and full of legal jargon. Thus, the content developer's first task is to simplify the language. They have to do this without opening loopholes, the reason legal language is so convoluted is to minimize vulnerabilities. Putting these abstractions into ‘normal’ words can create gaps that can be misappropriated to justify non-compliance. So how can you provide fun compliance online training resources that don’t leave your organization legally exposed?

7 Ways To Beat The Boredom

1. Replace Text With Video

In a bid to define and describe legal language in everyday words, conciseness is lost. You end up with a lot of dense paragraphs. Some of these can be restructured and put into video format. At some point, you may need to include the ‘compliance statement’ verbatim. This matters because that carefully worded statement is vital, it’s where all the power lies. It’s also largely incomprehensible. So, you could start with an authoritative Morgan Freeman-style reading of the premise, then use a video to demonstrate non-compliance.

2. Use Infographics To Summarize

During their compliance exam, learners will probably have to quote the regulation. Therefore, at some point, they still have to memorize it. Use mnemonic devices to help them recall the wording. For example, you can use infographics to reiterate the key bullet points. Think of it this way, regulations will often have multiple sub-clauses. Craft an icon for each clause, this way, learners will remember the little diagrams and it may help jog their memory. It’s also a far more entertaining form of study than cramming dry words onto a page/screen.

3. Opt For Narrative Over Exposition

Have you ever tried reading the constitution, a court sentence, or even the terms and conditions on your favorite app? It’s not fun, and that’s putting it mildly. The document is full of words you don’t understand, and even if you look them up, they remain obtuse. They’re not words you’d use in everyday conversation, so you’re unlikely to commit them to memory. Help your corporate learners out by developing a storyline. It’s hard to memorize the dimensions and properties of perimeter walls, but it’s easier to recall a cartoon rabbit getting stuck on a poorly erected fence. Especially if the story includes a quirky jingle that distinguishes between acceptable and unsuitable construction materials.

4. Include "Digital Tutors"

The main distinction between childhood learning and online training for adults is the instructor. However, many courses still require some kind of ‘teacher’. Online learners may be self-directed, however, they can still benefit from a reference point. Include in-course bots, avatars, or helper characters. The online learner won’t feel imposed upon, because these ‘teachers’ only appear on demand. If you don’t want their help, they stay tucked away in the course code. But when you do want assistance, they’re only a mouse-click away. Also, don’t make them too interesting or quirky, because that might lead to employee distraction. In addition to digital tutors, you can also incorporate live ones in the form of peer-based coaching. Co-workers can help each other master compliance topics and overcome sticking points to stave off boredom.

5. Use Simulations To LEAD

Learning through Exploration and Discovery (LEAD) is a key part of adult education. Build a virtual world your corporate learners can wander through and learn from their mistakes. It could be a mock-up of your workspace or a recreation of your typical workday. For example, you could simulate visiting a client to follow up on a payment. This is a helpful scenario to use for compliance training at a debt collection agency. The simulation will involve game-play and branching scenarios. Pop-ups can warn you when you make an ‘illegal move’.

6. Apply Context

Couching your compliance online training resources in realistic settings aids recall. It also takes things out of the theoretical sphere. If online learners can relate these compliance rules to things that actually happen, it sinks in deeper. For example, most employees know it’s a bad idea to proposition a workmate. They might not know, however, commenting on fashion choices could be a form of sexual harassment. This type of contextual demo builds an emotional connection to study materials.

7. Get Personal

Immersive compliance online training resources like storytelling, real-world examples, and personal anecdotes make it personal. Instead of reading a boring passage or a list of regulations, employees find out how it applies to real life. Such as why it’s so important to play by the rules to prevent on-the-job accidents. They also spot areas for improvement and areas they need to work on without being hit over the head with blunt feedback.

For instance, the personal anecdote tells the story of how you once met with a client who offered you a gift. At the time, you were unaware that it violated COI policies. It’s quite possible that the employee is falling into the same trap. Thus, they’re able to learn from your mistakes and improve their performance. Just make sure you don’t get too personal. Maintain your professionalism and give them enough information to relate without venturing into TMI territory.

Conclusion

Compliance training can be dull because abstract rules have no real-world relevance. You’re probably memorizing passages and robotically rehashing them in hopes of passing the final exam. And yet refusal to comply could cost an organization billions. How do you keep the course interesting enough for online learners to genuinely pay attention? Use video demos to liven up some of that purple prose. Don’t just make them cram; break it down with icons and visuals. Tell a story and use avatars to guide online learners through the course. Offer context, and let your learners discover things for themselves. That way, they’ll remember more.

Are your employees absorbing the compliance knowledge, or having to conquer cognitive overload thanks to bulky text blocks? Mobile solutions are a good choice for your compliance requirements. Read the article 6 Tips To Choose The Ideal Custom Mobile Learning Solutions Provider For Compliance Online Training to choose the ideal custom mobile learning solutions provider for your compliance online training program.