Any business which is looking into the training or development of their staff must first understand how to properly identify and assess training needs. After all, it is only the well- designed e-learning programs which are truly able to heighten the abilities and confidence of an employee in a lasting way. The aim is to maximize learning at all stages of the training program. When done correctly, this will result in a satisfied and encouraged workforce.
This article aims to leave the reader in a confident position to go about developing their staff in the most efficient way possible.
Assessing Training Requirements
It is here that we layout the foundation of our training program. To maximize learning, it can help to apply your trainee’s skills to the three broad stages of the program- before, during and after. What training do they have before they start? What environment and methods will best suit them during the program, and which skills do you want them to have obtained afterwards? By doing this, you are creating a natural progression that will look and feel beneficial to all involved.
If you are new to e-learning, it is important to note that it has the ability to create environments that you feel your staff are not ready to train in. This can include a customer facing situation, or ones with a high level of stress or danger. Take advantage of this as it can give your e-learning program even greater skill retention.
Defining Your Key Performance Indicators
Your key performance indicators (or KPIs) are essential in building the framework for your e-learning program. They give it structure, and give you a benchmark by which you can measure and support development. Your KPIs should be chosen carefully, always keeping in mind your training needs, but be wary not to set the bar too high. Staggering your KPIs is a good way to avoid losing sight of the overall goal as it gives you the opportunity to review the participants and feedback on the process thus far.
An Integrated E-Learning Program
With the structure of your program developed, we must now focus on the content. While the content of your course is for you to decide on, there are some important factors to consider. The content is the body of your program, so you must be able to look at its parts and understand how it connects where the participants were when they started (in terms of skills and knowledge), and where you want them to finish (at your training needs). Secondly, an e-learning program provides the perfect opportunity to truly integrate your staff development, this can be achieved by using a customizable e-learning course. Through branding, and personalized software, you can help make your staff feel even more invested in the company and their colleagues. It is also the most effective way to allow your training to fully develop, enabling everyone involved to achieve their highest standard.
Maximizing Knowledge Retention
Great training never stops. Make the most out of the time your staff are not involved in the program to strengthen their knowledge retention (this can coincide with the staggering of your KPIs). Positive reinforcement as well as repetition are both good techniques we can use to retain the things we have learned. We store information in our memory and recall it when we need to use it again. Social learning theory suggests that it becomes easier to recall these memories when they have context, or an emotional connection. Communicating about the information that your memory has stored can provide these criteria, and therefore is an excellent way to try to achieve the most out of your e-learning program.
Avoiding the Pitfalls
Always remember that you are developing a training program for your staff, and not for yourself. Try not to lose focus on your training needs. You can do this by asking yourself whether or not the content is delivering them. Procedures and lists are key in creating a well-designed e-learning program; however, you need to use your content and delivery method to make the process fluid. Take advantage of the strengths that e-learning has to offer, and be aware of the benefits that a customized program can deliver.
Training is one of the most important investments a company can make. Be certain not to squander the opportunity to build your business, and create an integrated, encouraged and skilled workforce.
