In today’s cut-throat competitive work environment, the benefits of training and learning go beyond just acquiring new skills. Traditionally, corporate training was conducted using text manuals and some practical experience. However, this approach was weak, especially when the number of learners increased and the training material became varied. The classroom approach breathed life into corporate training. The personal touch, guidance and close interactive nature of the classroom made it successful in impacting the learner.
Instructors were specifically trained for corporate audiences in order to further strengthen impact. What we lacked was sustainability, which is necessary for ensuring that the learner grasps the material and is able to apply it successfully in his or her work. Only then would training truly result in improved quality of work and long-term benefits for the organization. Here’s an example of how to use a video-based platform to reinforce training and achieve these long-term benefits.
G-Cube’s client develops and delivers communication-based corporate training for organizations worldwide. It believes in the power of communication at all levels and teaches that strong communication is the foundation of a successful organization. Over the years, this client has found immense success in classroom-based training, because communication relies on elements of physical presence, such as body language, eye contact and voice modulation.
The client realized that to impact learners more and broaden the scope of learning outside of the classroom walls, it needed to reinforce and refresh content. A web-based video library leveraged the strengths of technology to make content easily accessible through the Internet and portable devices. Learners could access the library using a desktop computer or laptop, at home or in the office, and even while traveling. The training was available to the learners when they wanted it, wherever they needed it and in whatever mode they preferred.
The library consisted of more than 30 modules and 50 podcasts, with more in development. Each module was kept short – less than nine minutes of learning time – so that the learner’s attention would not waver. The graphics were light so that learners could view them on different devices. In addition to being visually impactful, all modules had a clear voiceover that caught the learner’s attention and retained it for the entire duration of the module. The podcasts were also appealing to learners who preferred listening to a short commentary and gaining insight immediately.
The library was designed with the needs of the learner in mind. Short, three- to nine-minute bursts of learning targeted the real-time need of the learner for a refresher. These bursts provided relevant tips on presentation and business communication to help the learner retain and apply more content. They proved to be extremely helpful for the busy professional who might have learned the intricacies of developing a good presentation but was looking for a refresher on how to end it well.
G-Cube’s LMS managed the entire library and its operation, from managing content and enrolling users to managing their online activities and tracking usage. In addition to providing user information, the LMS also provided useful insights into learner interaction with the content for continuous improvement and enhancement of the learning material.
The main objective of training is for learners to apply new skills in the long term. The key is to reach out in a way that is appealing and involves the learner. Technology-enabled learning has made this level of engagement possible, and with the emergence of new technologies, it will continue to do so in fresh and innovative ways.
Arunima Majumdar is a senior marketing consultant at G-Cube and an e-learning enthusiast.
