Different Ways to Deliver Employee Training

This blog was updated on 12/08/2020.

The millennial workforce has seen a fast evolution in training delivery methods. From the more traditional Instructor-Led Training to online immersive training like VR, the world wide web is your oyster when it comes to choosing training delivery types. To make it easier for you to select the right learning and development program, we've put together a comprehensive list. This list is by no means exhaustive. You can be creative and combine any of the below methods to fit your business needs.

But first, let's take a look at the types of learning content that you'll need to think about when designing your training program.

Learner-Centered Training

This type of content-based training looks at the learner as its main inspiration for drafting an effective training delivery method. You'll need to figure out what your staff's personal development goals are and align them with your business goals. If you know what your employees need, you'll be able to offer highly relevant content that will keep learners focused on their learning curve.

Engaging Content

If the course content is boring, learners will get distracted and are less likely to retain useful information. Mixing various methods to deliver employee training will keep the learner engaged and motivated. For example, you can combine Virtual Reality, that provides an immersive experience, with Discussion Groups to allow an in-depth exchange of information and ideas.

Make it Interactive

Interactivity makes learning fun. When learning is fun, employees can more easily acquire new skills and knowledge. Scenario-based learning, for instance, immerses employees into a virtual work-related situation. Upon completion, employees are armed with the right solutions for tackling real-life job challenges.

Personalize It

Individuals feel emotionally connected to content that is specifically designed for their needs. Their levels of knowledge retention and engagement grow when the content is relevant to filling their knowledge gaps.The mother of all personalization is self-paced learning. This learning type allows employees to interact with the learning platform in their own time, space, and over their preferred platform.

Different Ways to Deliver Training

ILT

Instructor-Led Training (ILT) falls into the more traditional types of learning for employees. ILT has also transferred over to online platforms through videos and webinars. Learning is directed by an instructor in a traditional classroom scenario. Lectures and discussions are the most popular formats for this teaching style. These grant the learner a big opportunity for learning through personal interaction.

- Lectures

Lectures rely on good communication. An efficient instructor will start by presenting the course content, the purpose of the course, and the learning expectations. Lectures should be concise in the amount of information delivered and leave more room for learner interaction and discussions.

- Discussions

During discussions, learners can expand on the content of the lecture, ask questions, and share detailed information. Following this knowledge-enriching experience, the instructor can gauge whether the course content is efficient and employees are coming away with the right information for increasing job performance.

eLearning

eLearning is a broad term. It includes most online learning categories, such as web-based learning, computer-based learning, and distance-learning. Employees can access eLearning platforms from anywhere, eliminating the need for classroom presence. eLearning reduces costs, provides lesson consistency, enables self-paced learning, and raises employee engagement levels.

Mobile Learning

Mobile learning is a more flexible type of eLearning. Employees can access the training program from their handheld devices. This gives them the freedom to learn in their own time, at their own speed, and selectively procure training content for areas where they feel their knowledge is lacking.

Adaptive Learning

This training delivery method is highly customized to learners' specific needs. Adaptive learning is set up in modules that engage the learner by tailoring their own learning experience. You can implement adaptive learning by using a learning management system, distance education, or educational game design.

Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning

Synchronous learning requires that two or more learners be present at any given time. It usually takes place over an online platform and can be delivered in the form of:

Instant messaging or chat
Video conference
Audio conference
Live webcasts
Application sharing
Virtual classroom

Asynchronous learning does not depend on learner presence and can happen anywhere and over multiple platforms. This training delivery method allows employees to take their time in completing the course work. Being self-directed, asynchronous learning empowers and motivates learners in completing each module to the best of their abilities. Following are some of the most efficient asynchronous training delivery types:

Simulations

Simulations are highly interactive and can be customized to fit the business and staff growth goals. Training simulations can use different delivery platforms, such as a desktop, augmented reality, or virtual reality. This approach is a highly immersive experience that keeps the learner engaged by mimicking real-life situations safely. Employees are free to work through the simulation at their own pace and retake certain modules as many times as needed until successful.

Blended Learning

Mixing eLearning with classroom interactions results in blended learning. Short online courses are complemented by in-class lessons to teach the learner topics like soft skills and sales training. You can blend various delivery methods such as mentoring or coaching, hands-on training, and on-the-job learning to help employees achieve their individual learning goals.

Social Learning

Social media learning has been adopted by corporate training programs to encourage staff interactivity and knowledge exchange. Learners can use private social media channels to ask each other questions, solve issues, and swap ideas.

Game-Based Learning

Game-Based Learning (GBL) is one of the most efficient training delivery methods for corporate learners. This is because human beings learn easiest through play. When you gamify your learning platform, you engage and motivate learners to discover and apply information while playing. GBL increases employee productivity by balancing learning outcomes with gameplay.

Self-Directed

Learners feel like they have control over their learning paths when they're allowed to self-direct their learning experience. Thus, self-directed learning makes acquiring new skills and knowledge both comfortable and convenient. Staff members can access a self-directed learning course over their handheld devices or computers. They decide how and when to learn a new skill or concept.

Audio and Video

Video and audio training is widely used by companies all over the world to effectively train their employees. Through an animation, live-action, or screen recording training approach learners gain in-depth knowledge of the presented subject matter. This training method is well-received because it replaces long hours of reading boring documentation. It makes the course content more interesting and combines auditory and visual elements in an efficient way.

Web-Based and Computer-Based

Web-Based Training (WBT) and Computer-Based Training (CBT) are types of learning geared towards adults who need minimal interaction with either an instructor or other learners. Courses can be accessed on the learner's computer from a CD or online as a Learning Management System. These self-paced courses help students learn new skills and deepen their knowledge.

Conclusion

With so many different ways to deliver employee training, it can be hard to figure out what works best for your business. Make sure to read more about each training delivery type, and don’t hesitate to contact Designing Digitally if you need guidance determining the learning approach best suited for your organization's needs.