Tag: custom learning

Redefining Pedagogy through Advanced eLearning Techniques

Posted on by aashish-dev

Initially, eLearning, which uses technology to deliver training and education, was considered a nice-to-have within traditional systems that focused on the book-based, classroom-oriented approach.

 

Now, technology has evolved to provide students or employees with increasingly engaging content experiences in their daily lives. This leaves employers and educational institutions with no choice but to provide similar experiences in their programs; making eLearning integral to education and training.

 

Let’s look at some of the latest technologies that can be leveraged for superior eLearning outcomes.

 

Virtual Reality

Be it a complete e-learning course or supporting material to the traditional curriculum, virtual training is today a key element of most training programs.

 

Virtual training is offered in numerous forms based on the program requirements. One such important virtual training technology is Virtual Reality (VR). In VR, the user is provided with a computer-generated environment where scenes and objects are embedded to make it look natural so that the user feels immersed in the virtual surrounding. A device known as the VR headset or helmet is used to provide this experience.

 

Virtual reality effectively uses various elements of e-learning, such as micro-learning, hands-on training, and personalization to provide learners with an enjoyable, fruitful experience.

 

Mobile Learning

Defined as an educational or learning experience acquired through personal mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones, in a Mobile Learning method, learning materials are gathered from mobile apps, social interactions, and online educational hubs.

 

Mobile learning is also an easy and effective way of training as it provides employees and students with personalized and convenient learning opportunities which they can fit into their schedules. More than 70% of the global population is found to be using smartphones, and it comes as no surprise that mobile learning is growing at a rapid pace.

 

Video-based Learning

During the pandemic, many organizations shifted to eLearning tools to fulfill their training needs. As a consequence, video-based learning has gained immense prominence. In 2022, approximately one million minutes of video content is being streamed or downloaded every second. This indicates the vast scope for video-based learning opportunities available today.

 

Gamification

Gamification can be defined as an attempt to enhance user engagement with a system, service, or organization by incorporating gaming elements into non-gaming environments.

 

Gamification also eliminates the monotony of conventional learning, and engages the learner through play, making learning and retaining knowledge enjoyable. Interestingly, many corporate organizations adopt gamification as their preferred learning platform.

 

Social Learning

With the advent of eLearning, learners can learn at their own pace anywhere, anytime. However, this is not preferred by all learners. Some people learn better in a group. They need to interact with others while learning.

 

The recommended eLearning approach for such learners is social learning. This mode of education includes forums, chatrooms, and file-sharing options between trainers and learners. Social forums also add a student report to track and understand how a student has engaged by asking and answering questions, and sharing knowledge with peers.

 

Social learning was most essential and widely utilized during the pandemic lockdown, and will continue to be useful.

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI is defined as the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines. It enables a computer system to learn from pre-built programs and apply the acquired knowledge to complete a task. This technology learns using math and algorithms.

 

Examples of AI include expert systems, Natural Language Processing (NLP), speech recognition, and machine vision.

 

Off-the-shelf courses

Most online learners will be familiar with Udemy, Coursera, and Futurelearn. These are some of the off-the-shelf learning platforms available on the internet. Off-the-shelf courses commonly have a repository of learning modules on various subjects. Popular universities also collaborate to provide such courses.

 

The pandemic period saw a surge in the demand for online courses. For example, Udemy reported a 425% surge in enrolment in April 2020, which shows the widespread acceptance of this learning methodology.

 

Key eLearning Strategies

While technology has taken a more central role in pedagogy, the strategies that underpin education and training delivery haven’t moved away completely from traditional styles. Rather, they are a blend of the old-style and new-age methods. How do we twin these two approaches? Let us take a quick look:

 

Storytelling

Storytelling is a traditional and effective way to help a learner achieve their goals. In eLearning, the storytelling technique is utilized to:

  • Grab the attention of learners
  • Mention anecdotes in case studies
  • Cite examples

Personalization

Personalized courses help learners to engage better. It is also one of the biggest strengths of eLearning, as the digital environment allows for creating learner profiles and customizing along the learning journey based on real-time feedback.

 

Micro-learning

In contrast to extended modules, micro-learning breaks down complex topics into small, standalone learning units. These units are easy to learn and can be viewed any number of times by the learner, anywhere, any time, and as many times as necessary. Technology platforms are ideal to deliver content in this manner.

 

Benefits of micro-learning include:

– Easy understanding through small manageable learning units

– Higher student reach and retention due to ease of access

– Better reinforcement of learning through repetitive access

 

Content Curation and Creation

A tried and tested strategy, any education or training content is a combination of two types: Created and Curated.

  • Created content refers to the content initially created within an organization or institution
  • Curated content is the one acquired from trusted sources relevant to your industry/subject matter.

Most organizations and institutions develop courses that are a mix of the two types of content, to give their learners the best possible window into each area of knowledge.

 

Is eLearning a game changer?

Building critical skills and competencies is now the top priority for most global organizations, but why? A report by Udemy states that 9 in 10 executives express that their organizations suffer skill gaps or expect it in the next 5 years. A study by Deloitte predicts a risk of losing over $454 billion of GDP in manufacturing opportunities by 2028. Clearly, there is a heavy consequence to lack of professional knowledge and skills.

 

eLearning will be a resounding help for organizations wanting qualified personnel who can add value to their business.

Ways To Skyrocket Future Workforce Performance With The Right Custom Learning Solutions

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Here are some of the top ways that the right custom learning solutions can help you prepare your future workforce.

 

How To Boost Employee Performance Using A Custom Learning Solution

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What’s the most effective way to boost job satisfaction without spending a small fortune? While some employees focus on salary and health benefits, most make personal development a top priority. They know that building new skills and broadening their knowledge base leads to new career opportunities. Namely, leadership roles within your organization. How do you launch an employee development program that not only bridges individual gaps but helps you retain top talent and build a strong team dynamic?

 

1. Offer Personalized JIT Support

Online training shouldn’t be limited to courses and certifications. You also need to give your remote workforce JIT support to bridge gaps immediately. For example, an employee is in the middle of a task when they forget the next step. Instead of trying to muddle through and make costly mistakes, they watch a quick demo video. This walks them through the entire process and builds self-confidence. JIT resources should align with specific roles, tasks, and competencies to improve employee satisfaction, like tutorials and real-world examples for your customer service team that help build interpersonal skills.

 

2. Launch Role-Based Certifications

These certification paths are based on job roles and processes. For instance, this course is intended for sales leadership. It covers all the related team building and negotiation skills they need to support their department. As well as advanced product knowledge tools to seal the deal. Employees can also train for leadership positions or even other departments they’re better suited for. Simply put, role-based certifications give staffers the opportunity to achieve career goals at their own pace.

 

3. Use Badges To Bridge Skill Gaps

Badges are the ideal gamification technique to improve workplace satisfaction because they motivate and highlight personal pain points. As an example, employees that don’t earn badges know that there’s room for improvement. Which core competencies do they need to work on, and which resources are available? It’s a discreet way to discover their shortcomings and strengths. Staffers can always retake the course to earn the badge after they bridge relevant gaps.

 

4. Host Live Events To Reduce Compliance Risks

Most employees expect boring lectures and nerve-racking exams when they attend compliance courses. So, why not surprise them with an engaging live event instead. This webinar covers all the key policies and task protocols they need to know. You can even invite questions and concerns to get them actively involved. Or follow up with simulations and branching scenarios to test their know-how.

 

5. Include Self-Assessments

Self-assessments allow employees to gauge their level of proficiency. They can use results to customize certification paths and choose the best JIT support tools. Assessments are also a great way to set the benchmark before training. Then determine how far they’ve come afterward for added motivation, as well as to evaluate emerging gaps that they should address during the next online training session. Just keep in mind that scores should be private so that employees can save face and still identify personal pain points. Announcing results during your next live event makes top performers stand out. But staffers who are still trying to achieve their potential might feel alienated from the group.

 

6. Create A Peer Coaching Plan

Discretion is essential, but there are times when employees need peer support. For this reason, you should launch a coaching or mentoring program for staffers. It may be in the form of weekly live events or a closed social media group where they post questions. Whatever the case, peer coaching plans improve work satisfaction because employees get feedback and one-on-one guidance from co-workers. Namely, experienced staffers who can help them bridge individual gaps and get their L&D plan back on track. One of the most effective ways to launch a peer coaching strategy is to assess employees’ needs, then develop skill-building or task-based groups. For instance, everyone in this peer coaching group needs to build their communication or problem-solving skills. Live coaching events also help reduce friction among your geographically dispersed teams and enhance performance. They can talk through issues and express concerns before they escalate into co-worker conflicts.

 

7. Provide Mobile-Friendly Courses

Every workforce development program should be easily accessible for staffers, and the right custom learning solutions providers make this a top priority. Your team counts on mobile-friendly resources to train when it’s most convenient. Or to access the JIT library in the workplace so that they can avoid common mistakes. It goes beyond bite-sized content, though. Your online training program should be responsive, which automatically adjusts content based on the screen size and resolution. Another key ingredient is user control. Give employees the chance to adjust volume, turn on subtitles, and switch between devices in the middle of an activity.

 

8. Turn The L&D Tables

Give employees the opportunity to host live events and develop content for the community library. Turning the tables turns passive observers into active participants who share their insider knowledge. For example, your top customer service employee creates demos and podcasts to help their peers master job-related tasks. They can also host a weekly live event to answer questions and cover timely topics, like the new compliance policies. Another benefit is reducing L&D expenses. Since employees contribute content and upload it to the online training repository. Plus, they’re more engaged and have a sense of ownership, which reduces employee turnover rates.

 

Conclusion

Your employee development program should be holistic in that you focus on business objectives, compliance issues, and personal goals. Staffers require ongoing support to bridge gaps on the spot and achieve their potential. Thus, their emotional well-being and personal preferences should never be an afterthought. In fact, helping them manage stress and navigate on-the-job challenges should be at the top of your to-do list.

 

Download the eBook Insider Secrets To Select The Best Custom Learning Solutions For The Future of Work for tips to find the ideal external partner for your program.

Is Bespoke Best? Custom eLearning Benefits For The Future Of Work

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You may decide that your team can tackle the job internally because they have the necessary experience. Or that buying pre-built solutions is the most budget-friendly method for your organization. However, hiring an eLearning content provider is often the most cost-effective way to improve employee engagement and improve your training ROI.

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Benefits Of Bespoke eLearning

There’s always the option to purchase off-the-shelf training solutions. But that often limits personalization, as the content may not align with your brand image or desired outcomes. Then there’s custom content development in-house. However, this route puts a strain on your L&D team, development timeline, and budget. Thankfully, there is a third plan of action that minimizes the cons of both, which is outsourcing online training.

There’s just one question you need to answer: is bespoke your best bet for the future of work? Is it the most cost-efficient way to implement your online training strategy? Here are 7 benefits custom eLearning development can bring to your organization.

1. Professional Expertise

Bespoke eLearning providers know their stuff. They’ve worked on countless projects in the past and understand the unique challenges associated with the training topic. As well as how to mitigate risks and deliver information in a way that’s easy to understand. Their professional expertise is the number one reason to hire a custom eLearning development company versus completing the project internally. That said, you do need to vet vendors to ensure they have the experience and insider knowledge you require. Which companies have they worked with? Do they understand the obstacles your employees must contend with? Have they handled similar skill or performance gaps in the past and how did they address them in online training?

2. Improve Online Training Returns

Custom content development is often seen as an “unnecessary” expense. After all, your employees can do the same work without having to hire a third-party provider. This is one of the most common outsourcing myths. Your L&D and HR teams already have their respective job duties. Hiring a bespoke eLearning company allows them to focus on their tasks and entrust course design to experienced professionals. Other profit-boosting perks include better employee engagement and knowledge retention. Thus, you improve online training returns and get more from your investment.

3. Boost In Employee Participation

Employees are more likely to join in the fun if the content targets their needs and includes relevant takeaways. Bespoke eLearning development companies research the motivations and learning behaviors behind online training. Which allows them to create resources that are immersive, engaging, and real-world-focused. For this reason, it’s essential to find an outsourcing partner who does their homework and familiarizes themselves with your target audience. No two organizations are alike. And the vendor must be ready and willing to personalize content based on your employees’ preferences and goals.

4. Quick Turnaround

In-house custom content development usually requires a lengthy timeline. Which includes everything from storyboarding and software selection to implementation and data analysis. Investing in a bespoke eLearning company reduces turnaround times because they’ve streamlined the process. Years of experience enables them to quickly identify the best training tools for the job and custom tailor content based on your organizational objectives. They know how to use their software to produce high-quality resources. As well as how to overcome challenges that usually cause significant project delays.

5. High-Quality Content That Supports Desired Outcomes

One of the most profitable perks of hiring a custom eLearning development company is the end result. They take the work behind the scenes and offer you a top-notch eLearning deliverable, minus the stressful revisions and collaboration hurdles. Better still, this quality content supports your outcomes and objectives because it’s custom-tailored. As opposed to off-the-shelf solutions that you may be able to modify slightly or incorporate branding elements. That option is limited and doesn’t allow you to personalize training resources to suit your gaps and goals. On the other hand, every aspect of bespoke online training aligns with your desired outcomes. Down to the performance behaviors and skills you need your employees to develop.

6. Reduce Software Costs

The outsourcing vendor usually has all the software they need to develop online training content for your library, which saves you the time and trouble of choosing the right platforms and learning how to use them. However, you should speak with the custom content developer to ensure that software’s part of the package. Do you need to purchase additional tools to maintain content? What about a replacement LMS that supports your new interactive and mobile-friendly support resources? In some cases, they may charge extra for software that isn’t already in their toolbox. For instance, you require VR simulations and their current platforms aren’t up to the task.

7. Faster Implementation

It’s not only the development timeline that benefits from bespoke eLearning. The outsourcing partner can also work with your team to implement training rapidly and lessen the learning curve. For example, they provide detailed guidelines for how to set up user accounts on the new LMS. Or work one-on-one with your L&D team to explain the template revision process (if updates are required in the future). Even if they don’t offer any follow-up services, the content is designed to be more user-friendly and intuitive, which results in smoother training implementation.

Download the eBook Insider Secrets To Select The Best Custom Learning Solutions For The Future of Work for tips to find the ideal external partner for your program.

This article was first published in eLearning Industry.