8 Ways To Bridge Performance Gaps In Online Training

8 Ways To Bridge Performance Gaps In Online Training
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Summary: Are performance gaps hindering your organization's success? Do your employees have the skills and knowledge it takes to beat the competition? In this article, I'll share 8 ways that online training can fill in performance gaps.

How To Bridge Performance Gaps In Online Training

Performance gaps are the distance between what your employees know and what they still need to master. The age-old question is: How to build a bridge to get them from point A to point B? Especially if have limited resources and don't have a moment to waste thanks to the competition's ever-growing market share. Fortunately, learning technology can provide you with the online tools your organization requires. Here are 8 ways that online training fills performance gaps and improves employee performance.

1. Offer Real-World Experience Minus The Repercussions

Online training provides your organization with an arsenal of real-world activities. From online training simulations and branching scenarios to interactive case studies. Employees have the opportunity to explore the consequences of their decisions BEFORE they step into the workplace. For example, a branching scenario allows them to choose their own path and experience the outcome firsthand. They can improve their online training strategy and learn from mistakes. These real-world activities also mimic real-world pressure. As such, employees can determine how they'll perform on-the-job and then seek out additional online training resources.

2. Provide Immediate Feedback

In most cases, employees must wait until their annual evaluations to get valuable input. However, online training gives you the power to provide immediate feedback. For instance, an employee makes several mistakes during the online training simulation. The system automatically points the issues with their performance and managers can use this LMS data to provide personal feedback. Most Learning Management Systems feature reports and analytics that allow you to track every element of your online training program. From employee progress to assessment results. Therefore, you can view detailed graphs and charts for each employee and then provide feedback before the issue escalates.

3. Give Employees The Just-In-Time Resources They Require

One of the most significant benefits of corporate eLearning is that it facilitates "moment-of-need" online training. Employees get the just-in-time resources they need to fill knowledge and skills gaps. For example, a microlearning online tutorial that builds customer service skills. As a result, they are able to complete job-related tasks with greater efficiency. With online training, employees get the opportunity to learn anytime, anywhere. This also includes global or distributed workforce who doesn't have access to Learning Management System terminals. They can simply use their mobile devices to access the online training platform and expand their knowledge.

4. Facilitate Practical Knowledge Application

Having the information is one thing, but putting it into practice is quite another. All the online training in the world won't help your employees if they can't apply it on the job. Fortunately, online training facilitates practical knowledge application so that employees can utilize their newfound knowledge and skills. Real-world examples, case studies, and simulations are just some of the examples. Employees have the opportunity to use all of the online resources at their disposal to overcome challenges and gain valuable experience.

5. Identify Areas For Improvement

Online training strategies typically involve pre-assessments and self-assessments that help to identify areas for improvement. For example, employees are able to take a pop quiz after the online training module to gauge their proficiency. If the performance gap is still an issue, they can access supplemental online training materials. More importantly, online training allows them to track their progress, which motivates them along the way. Employees who are strolling with a specific task get the chance to monitor their improvement in the form of milestones.

6. Personalize The Online Training Experience

Traditional training courses involve a physical space, on-site instructors, and printed training materials. It's usually a one-size-fits-all approach that doesn't cater to the individual needs of your employees. On the other hand, online training provides personalized online training resources, activities, and assessments. Every employee has the power to pursue their goals, regardless of their backgrounds. This includes personal performance gaps that hinder their productivity. Give your employees complete control of their online training with a microlearning library and customized online training course menu. They have the ability to choose the online training activities that are relevant to them and cater to their preferences. For example, visual online learners can access presentations and infographics. While audio online learners have the opportunity to listen to podcasts and improve their task proficiency.

7. Create An Online Learning Community For Ongoing Performance Support

One of the drawbacks of online training is that employees feel isolated from their coworkers and online instructors. They aren't able to meet with others in a physical training space. Thankfully, there are ways to offer them the social interactions they need in your online training course. Integrate online forums and social media groups to spark online discussions. Invite them to visit your corporate eLearning blog to learn about new online resources or upcoming eLearning events. Develop group collaboration online projects that allow them to benefit from the experience of their peers. Even asynchronous corporate learners have the chance to brainstorm with co-workers thanks to Project Management online platforms.

8. Allow Employees To Provide Direct Input

Feedback works both ways. Online training affords you the opportunity to collect valuable feedback from your employees. You can use this data to improve your online training strategy and pinpoint additional performance gaps. Some of the most effective feedback methods are surveys, focus groups, and questionnaires. Focus your questions on known performance gaps and the overall design of the online training course. Invite your employees to offer their own suggestions. For example, which aspects of the online training program they feel need some work, or which online training activities they would like to see in upcoming online training courses.

Online training can help you bridge the performance gaps that are standing in the way of your company's success. Use this article to give your employees the online training resources they need to overcome common challenges and fulfill their potential.

After you fill the gaps, you must maintain them. Read the article 6 Tips For Creating A Winning Performance Management Online Training Strategy to discover some useful tips for creating a winning performance management strategy for online training.