Deliver Better Learning With The Right Tools
You want your online training to offer efficient and effective learning for in-office and remote employees. The right online learning tools will ensure you reach your goals, from onboarding new hires to rolling out customer service training to up-to-date compliance learning.
The good news is that you don't have to reinvent the wheel to provide consistent and quality training for all learners, no matter where they are. In this article, we'll share the top tools for building and delivering world-class online training.
The Best Online Training Tools For Successful Employee Training
There's no shortage of tools for training and development out there. The L&D industry is booming, and there are solutions to fit every possible employee development need.
But not all tools are created equal, and you want to be careful about where you invest your time and money.
We've curated a list of the types of online learning tools that will create a strong foundation for any training. Here are 7 tools for building top-notch online training.
1. Learning Management Systems
Let's start with the basics: you need a platform to host your training. Learning Management System (LMS) software makes it easy to develop, deliver, and track your online courses. A good system makes meeting your training goals easier for both the training designer and the learner.
Choose a platform that lets you create custom content and plug in ready-made courses. You also want something that supports features for engaging and effective training. Think a wide range of media assets, options for gamification, and functionality that allows learner interaction.
Your LMS should also ensure a smooth and successful training rollout. You want a platform that can manage employee registration and track progress.
Find a system that can integrate with tools you already use to automate and simplify processes. On the learner side, a good LMS means one login and a consistent, easy-to-navigate interface.
Whatever your training goals, finding the right LMS can cut down on the number of tools you need. Look for a platform with key functionality already built in.
2. Video Conferencing Tools
Online training doesn't have to mean isolated learning. The shift to more remote and hybrid work models has led to a wealth of tech for keeping in touch in real time. The solutions are also powerful tools for training and development.
While self-paced learning and flexibility make training more accessible, learners still benefit from some live interactions and instruction. Video conferencing lets you offer live support or instruction from a Subject Matter Expert. It's also a great way to engage learners, giving them opportunities to ask questions and participate in discussions.
As with any of your online training tools, it takes some time and research to find a platform that fits your goals. When considering important features, ask questions like:
- Does it integrate with your training platform?
- Does it offer screen sharing and recording?
- How about breakout features for small group discussions during class?
Video conferencing is a way to make your training more dynamic and provide an added level of learning support.
3. Communication Tools
Good communication is critical to project success. As your team comes together to build your L&D vision, you'll want to coordinate efforts and communicate changes or concerns.
Daily in-person check-in meetings aren't always practical or possible. A better option is to find ways for team members to communicate online and offline.
Make sure your team has the right tools for seamless collaboration, whether that means:
- Emails
- Messaging apps
- Task management software
- Social media groups
Communication tools are also valuable assets during training rollout. Instructors need to communicate with learners about assignments or to answer questions. And if you want to take advantage of the benefits of social learning, you must give employees ways to interact with fellow learners.
Communication tools keep people connected and information flowing.
4. Content Development Tools
Quality content is at the heart of every successful training. The right tools make it easy to create material that resonates with learners. Even with prebuilt courses, you may want to supplement existing content with, say, a company-specific welcome video.
Online training is an opportunity to use a variety of media and content types to reach every learner. Consider the following types of content creation tools to help you build interesting courses that match your brand.
- Course creation tools
Simplify the process of converting existing content into online training. And take advantage of built-in features to add interactive elements like quizzes.
- Video editing software
Video is a great way to capture attention and make demonstrations more memorable. Find easy-to-use editors to turn out high-quality videos.
- Graphic design tools
Build an attractive, brand-consistent interface. Help visual learners by laying out key information in eye-catching infographics.
- Presentation authoring tools
Create dynamic slides and add notes to keep learners moving through each course.
5. Content Management Tools
Content management tools act as repositories for any resources you want to share. During the building process, you'll need a way to share resources for designers and builders to review and access.
You may also find that these tools are useful for Learning and Development within the training. Create a library of optional videos, course content, forums, or reference material for learners to access outside of training.
Keep content accessible by choosing a platform that lets you organize resources into folders by lesson or content type. Take advantage of built-in features to present a professional and user-friendly interface.
6. Project Management Tools
Building your own training program, even if you're using premade course material, requires organization. It means coordinating efforts across roles like graphic designers, Subject Matter Experts, and Instructional Designers.
Project management tools, whether simple spreadsheets or dedicated task management software, will help you deliver your training courses on time and on budget.
Consider tools with features that simplify communication and automatically adjust timelines. That way, when anything changes, nothing will fall through the cracks.
A user-friendly tool creates a big picture of your project and keeps your whole team focused on the same goals.
7. Learning Experience Platforms
This fairly recent online training tool gives employees more control over their learning.
Where an LMS is designed for hosting and managing seamless employee training, a Learning Experience Platform (LXP) focuses on the learner experience. It gives employees a hub of training resources so they can choose those that serve their needs best.
When used together, these two powerful tools ensure the training is completed, but with a more learner-centric approach.
Find The Best Employee Training Tools For You
While the seemingly limitless options can be overwhelming, you don't actually need that many tools to make your training a success. Too many different systems could actually become counterproductive.
The training tools you choose should automate tasks and cater to your specific learning objectives. They should also simplify your role as a training designer and administrator.
If you find yourself spending too much trying to figure out a tool or transferring data from one system to another, reassess your methods. It may be time to look for a more intuitive, holistic solution.
In the end, the best employee training tools are those that make training—and training design—creative, engaging, and effective.
