Why You Should Create A Safe And Supportive eLearning Environment
Learning Management Systems have revolutionized L&D in the institutional landscape. Organizations are now able to train their employees on the best production techniques in a quick and efficient manner. This has resulted in increased productivity in the workplace. Making the move to online training also helps institutions lower their training costs, as they do away with the physical requirements of face-to-face training strategies, such as travel expenses and printed learning materials. However, many online training programs lack a personal touch. Corporate learners feel isolated or emotionally disconnected from their peers, which prevents them from fully engaging with the online training content. Here are 5 overlooked benefits of fostering a safe and supportive eLearning environment for your corporate learners.
5 Perks Of Fostering A Safe Learning Environment
1. Enhances Employee Performance And Productivity
A safe and supportive eLearning environment keeps employee morale high in the workplace. Organizations must ensure that the online training materials are tailored to the individual needs of their staff. At the same time, online training courses should also be private and secure from prying eyes. This means that data security protocols need to be in place. It is only when these requirements are met that employees will be able to emotionally invest in the online training experience. For example, most online training courses require the participants to give their honest input. When the LMS is not safe, they may shy away from online training or withhold their feedback. Another side effect of an unsafe eLearning environment is a lack of engagement. Employees may not be able to improve their skills and workplace performance because they feel vulnerable or exposed. Their productivity at work reduces and this could result in losses for the organization. To create a safe and conducive LMS platform, organizations should safeguard the online training courses and material with passwords and data encryption. The number of log-in attempts should be limited so as to deter unauthorized access.
2. Ensures Flexibility And Convenience At A Personal Level
The advantage of online training over physical training models is the lack of boundaries. Online training allows employees to access learning material and participate in online training courses even when they are out of the office. This eliminates the need to set up physical training sessions and facilitates continuous learning and knowledge sharing. A safe and supportive eLearning environment ensures that employees can access learning materials remotely without any hitches. They know that they can rely on the LMS platform and the accuracy of the information, as well as the support of their online peers if they should ever require additional assistance. It offers employees, as well as management, greater training flexibility. For example, they’re able to complete urgent and important training requirements before their certification expires.
3. Facilitates Open Communication
The management should be able to monitor and get feedback on the online training courses offered to its employees immediately. This is only possible if a supportive corporate eLearning culture has been established. This begins with an online training program that builds trust and credibility with its virtual audience. A safe and supportive eLearning environment makes ongoing communication and collaboration possible. Corporate learners know that they can let down their guard and dive into the online training experience instead of feeling unsure about ulterior motives or the validity of the online training content. They are also more likely to share their thoughts and opinions, thereby enabling you to continually improve and provide them with the feedback they need to bridge gaps. A safe and supportive eLearning environment makes corporate learners more receptive and encourages them to speak up.
4. Makes Learning More Accessible
Before LMSs came onto the scene, employees would have to take down notes every time they attended a training session. They would have to go through the notes later on if they wanted to master the training concepts. The problem with this method of learning is that employees are less likely to reinforce their knowledge autonomously. Thus, they simply forget everything they've learned and are unable to apply it in a practical setting.
A safe and supportive eLearning environment makes the learning process more accessible, both in a physical and psychological sense. Online training takes printed materials out of the equation and ensures more effective knowledge retention. Training courses and materials are stored online and the employees can access them whenever they encounter a difficult situation or when they simply need clarification of complex ideas. From an emotional and mental standpoint, a safe and supportive eLearning environment improves the willingness of corporate learners. They are encouraged to interact with peers and seek out support resources during their times of need. Online training is more approachable, instead of some aloof concept that they dread.
5. Promotes Peer-To-Peer Collaboration
Corporate learners who are part of a supportive online learning community are more likely to engage with their online peers. They feel safe knowing that their opinions won’t be judged or criticized. Other corporate learners are there to offer guidance whenever it’s required. This may be in the form of social media groups, online discussions, or group collaboration projects. Even hosting a live online training event can break the ice and encourage corporate learners to reach out. Once their base needs are met, your audience will participate in higher-level activities, such as working in a team setting to collectively problem solve.
Conclusion
Learning Management Systems are the way to go for organizations that want to effectively train their employees while minimizing costs. The caveat is that the eLearning environment must be safe and give corporate learners the support tools they require to succeed. Use these 5 tips to create the ideal eLearning conditions so that your audience achieves their learning objectives.
