eLearning is one way companies are getting more competitive in the marketplace. The workforce is a key part of the success equation. Employees who are experts at their jobs will produce better results and feel more satisfied with their careers. Here are a few innovative ways organizations are increasing the benefits eLeaning.
Connecting Employees Through an LMS
The buddy system can be very effective when it comes to training and reaching professional goals. This is particularly true when you pair up a newbie with a more experienced worker.
That’s the theory Peter Trebek, CEO of GoTranscript, had when he started matching new sales reps with more experienced ones during onboarding.
“Chances are, the veteran has already asked the same questions that the new employee has and can answer them quickly with real-life experience,” said Trebek.
This system carries over into the digital world with learning management systems (LMS) that feature mentoring, coaching, and communication features. Many companies group employees together by training class, team, or department, creating an unhindered flow of communication. New hires feel confident that they can get the help they need, while tapping into the knowledge and experience of established coworkers.
ALSO READ: 8 Important LMS Features for Your E-Learning Program
Making Training Effective with Microlearning
In his book Brain Science: The Forgetting Curve, writer, professor, and consultant Art Kohn outlined a scenario experienced by many employees. After going through all the required training and doing exceptionally well, a worker will return to their office or worksite and notice that they begin to forget most of what they learned.
Kohn reported that within one hour of a training, participants forget around 50 percent of the information. That increases to 70 percent after 24 hours and 90 percent after a week.
Effective methods and regular reinforcement through microlearning — smaller modules completed over several minutes — is the cure to keeping these neural networks firing. Jim Duckett of DHx Software, an eFrontPro reseller, may have said it best: “The information is easier to digest and increases overall knowledge retention.”
Using Gamification to Create a Clear Path
If someone gave you the choice of playing a game or going to work, you would probably choose the game. Games are fun, and gamification has added a new level of engagement to LMS platforms that is proven beneficial in a professional environment.
In 2014, Cisco invested in a social media training program for contractors and employees. The program included more than 46 courses, which was overwhelming for participants. Most were not sure where to begin, so the company chose to gamify by adding levels of certification. They created three main levels — Specialist, Strategist, and Master — and four sub-levels.
Team challenges encouraged friendly competition. This provided motivation and gave participants a clear set of steps to take to finish the program. Since implementing gamification, more than 650 Cisco employees have completed over 13,000 courses and received certification.
Adapting with Skills Assessments
LMS platforms have made it possible to record, store, and sort skills to ensure that employees are utilized to their fullest potential. Adobe discussed the benefits of using an LMS to improve its workforce at the 2017 Pluralsight Live End User Conference. Their eLearning system allowed them to retrain 25 percent of their technical staff to provide support for a new project.
Companies need to be able to adapt when new opportunities appear, especially those in fast-paced industries like technology. An LMS allows businesses to remain adaptable and dynamic. They can quickly review a list of employees who have skills they need or find areas that are lacking and provide training to fill the gap. These processes would take far longer and be much more expensive without the help of eLearning.
Empowering Aging Workers with Flexibility
A 2013 AARP study found that over a quarter of adults between the ages of 45 and 74 want part-time employment because they enjoy it. Those who were closer to 70 wanted to work but did not want to have to be on-site daily. eLearning has created a unique situation. It allows older people to remain comfortably employed without the demands of a full-time job.
Many organizations are putting older workers in training roles that they can manage online from home. This also allows experienced workers to share their expertise and help maintain a skilled workforce.
eLearning has other benefits for older people as well. Education is proven to build self-confidence and provide an outlet for creativity. This can have profound socio-economic benefits for older generations. It’s one of the many ways companies are using eLearning to improve their business and the lives of their employees.
eLearning Opens New Doors for Everyone
The advent of eLearning has opened new doors in education and business training. The tools available today can be tailored to all ages. They improve the way we teach, learn, and also can create job opportunities for people who otherwise may not have any. It’s a powerful testament to how our lives can improve through technology. As more organizations get on board, new innovations will push eLearning further into the spotlight. It will be exciting to see where we take it. Interested in seeing which eLearning tools would work for your company? Check out our Product Selection Tool to find the right eLearning software solution for your company.
Shel Gatto is a writer for LMS.org. She has spent years exploring technology-related topics through freelance writing projects. She resides in Pennsylvania with her husband and beloved canine companions.
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