Designing Digitally
03/25/2020
The face of education has completely changed thanks to online training. The advance of technology has made it possible for companies to invest in corporate training and has also helped lower online training costs. Online learning, or eLearning, makes it easy for anyone with access to a smartphone and internet connection to learn whatever and whenever they want, regardless of location. Thus, corporate training programs are becoming more flexible, adding more value to employee learning and development, and are more affordable than ever before.
There are many types of online employee training systems and methods. In this article, we focus on the main types of eLearning and discuss some of the benefits that derive from training development.
Synchronous and Asynchronous Online Learning
Synchronous basically means “at the same time”. Learners and trainers need to be online simultaneously for synchronous learning to take place. Synchronous learning can take the shape of Skype conversations, online real-time instruction, face-to-face video chats, virtual classrooms, and more. Synchronous online learning highly encourages collaboration and peer-to-peer learning.
With asynchronous learning, students do not need to follow a specific timetable. They are also more into self-directed and at-your-own-pace learning.
Read also: The Value of Employee Training and Why Your Company Needs It
Linear Learning
Also known as Computer-Based Training (CBT), linear learning refers to a more traditional way of engaging with a course. Web-Based Training is derived from CBT and is somewhat more efficient. The biggest disadvantage of CBT/WBT is the lack of peer interaction.
Collaboration-Based Learning
The basis for social learning, Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) is an excellent online learning method. Learners acquire new skills and knowledge primarily through interacting and working together with other learners. Although the trainer is the main source of knowledge, collaborative learning is much more powerful due to its peer-to-peer teaching/learning component.
Flipped Classroom Learning
A Flipped Classroom Learning experience combines in-class with online environments. Employee learners will usually go through the course content in their own time, and not during class time, online or otherwise. This means more in-class time will be dedicated to debating, asking questions, and practicing the newly acquired knowledge or skills.
Augmented Reality and Serious Games
Augmented Reality grants educational designers the ability to superimpose computer-generated information onto real-life objects. Students can then learn by using their own handheld devices. Concomitantly, trainers can use AR to supervise the classroom, observe completion rates, and personalize the learning experience based on the learner's level of skill and knowledge.
Serious Games are seriously in. They combine play and learning in a balanced way and are proven to increase learner engagement, focus, and completion rates.
1. No Overhead, Travel, Meal Costs
This is the most obvious benefit of online training, but also the one that shows how much lower eLearning development costs are. You will eliminate costs associated with traditional classroom training, such as travel, meal, and rental of training space- which is a big one.
2. Lower Trainer Fees
Since you're not paying a trainer to come in and teach in person, you'll likely cut down on trainer fees. Depending on the content delivery method or platform chosen, you might not even have to pay trainer salaries at all. For example, if you use AR or Serious Games, the data will speak for itself.
3. Faster Employee Onboarding Process
Automating the employee onboarding process is yet another area where the value of online training is indisputable. This action will free up managers’ time to take care of the truly important tasks and only give feedback when absolutely necessary. A solid automated onboarding program will save your organization time and money as well as lower HR stress levels when dealing with new hires.
4. Higher Engagement and Productivity
Most technology is built to engage users. The same can be said for platforms and applications built for online employee training. Since some types of eLearning allow employee learners to learn at their own pace, in their own time, and over their own devices, the learning experience becomes more engaging. You are placing the power in their hands which lets them know you trust them. The practical and psychological aspects of using online training can boost employee productivity and job satisfaction.
5. Data Collection and Analysis
The biggest perk about using an online platform for all your corporate training needs is the data. You don't have to stress about building the perfect application from the get-go since you'll have plenty of chances to test, adjust, and change your training modules as you go.
It has never been easier to build a custom eLearning program than it is today. Many reputable game developers and instructional designers can take your training idea and turn it into an engaging, motivating, and highly educational learning experience. Learn more about online employee training by visiting our blog. You can also contact us for a free consultation if you’re looking to incorporate eLearning into your Learning and Development work culture.
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