Rapid changes to tech over the last decade have created a market with highly sophisticated expectations and demands. Custom software solutions and interactive websites are so commonplace that they are now the standard, rather than the exception. More recently, ChatGPT and similar artificial intelligence (AI) models are on their way to becoming as ubiquitous as smartphones.

Keeping pace with this trend will mean increased demand for employees with upgraded coding skills. Corporate training managers would do well to upskill or reskill teams from within by training their employees in coding languages.

Use Cases for Writing Code

There are several ways in which coding ability translates into business agility. Software development teams can change the way companies show up in the marketplace by writing code to enable the following:

Automation

Writing code is commonly used for automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks. By learning how to code, teams can automate workflows, increase efficiency and free up time for more strategic work.

Customization

Many businesses use off-the-shelf software that may not fully meet their needs. By learning to code, teams can customize software and develop applications that are tailored to their organization’s goals. For example, developers can harness the capabilities of AI tools by integrating their functionalities into their business applications.

Data Analysis

Coding is commonly used for data analysis and machine learning, giving teams the ability to analyze data more effectively, make data-driven decisions and develop predictive models.

Collaboration

Coding transcends borders and cultures. By learning coding languages, teams can collaborate more effectively with colleagues and partners from around the world.

Innovation

Learning to code can help teams develop new ideas and innovations that can drive business growth and success. By understanding how to use technology to solve problems and create new products and services, teams can stay ahead of the competition.

Training your team in the right coding language to meet your organization’s specific goals is the first step to success. Some of the most popular coding languages that teams might consider include:

• Python: Python is a high-level, versatile programming language that is used for a wide range of applications, including web development, data analysis, machine learning and more. It is popular for its simplicity, readability and flexibility. Since Python is cross-platform, it can run on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. These and other factors make it the go-to choice for developers at all skill levels.
• JavaScript: JavaScript is a popular programming language for front-end web development. It is used for creating interactive and dynamic web pages and can also be used for back-end web development.
• Java: Java is a widely used programming language for developing desktop and mobile applications, web applications and enterprise systems. It is known for its security, scalability and cross-platform compatibility.
• C++: C++ is a powerful, high-performance programming language used to develop operating systems, system software and embedded systems. It is known for its efficiency, speed and ability to handle complex tasks.
• Swift: Swift is a programming language developed by Apple for developing iOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS applications. It is fast, easy to use and has a simple syntax.
• SQL: SQL is a programming language that is used for managing and querying relational databases. It is essential for data analysis and data-driven decision-making.

The Case for In-house Talent Development

Naturally, it isn’t always practical (nor desirable) to hire for every skill gap identified within your organization. Employees who are already part of the team understand its objectives, processes and culture, which significantly reduces the learning curve associated with the application of newly acquired skills. Newer employees do not usually have the tools to be productive in the first several weeks or even months of employment and therefore come with hidden costs.

Additionally, a 2021 Gallup study shows that today’s workforce considers employer investment in their professional development and training to be a retention consideration, with 61% stating that upskilling opportunities are an important reason to stay in their current job.

Online vs. Classroom Training Methods

eLearning offers several advantages over traditional classroom training methods. For one thing, online learning is often more affordable than classroom training programs, as it eliminates travel, accommodation and other related expenses. It is also worth noting that several online learning platforms come with a regularly updated, built-in course library, so learning and development managers do not need to spend inordinate amounts of time researching and republishing new content.

A virtual learning environment also has the advantage of being convenient, with learners being able to access training materials anytime, anywhere, making it easier for them to fit training into their busy schedules. Content can usually be paused or replayed on demand, which allows learners to catch up on any point they may have missed.

Online learning platforms can usually be customized to meet the unique needs of each learner, allowing them to progress at their own pace and focus on topics relevant to their job role. Online learning platforms can offer a variety of training formats, including video tutorials, interactive exercises and quizzes, to cater to different learning styles.

Types of Online Learning Platforms

Several types of online learning platforms are available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common types:

Massive open online courses (MOOCs): MOOCs are online courses that have free open enrollment to anyone anywhere with network access. The courses are often self-paced and can be a great way to provide training managers with an inexpensive way to introduce coding to the organization. MOOCs do not seek or require accreditation, which can be a drawback for learners who want their credentials to be recognized in the future.

Learning management systems(LMSs): LMSs are software platforms that are designed to deliver, manage and track online learning content. They are a great way to provide employees with access to a variety of industry-accredited learning materials. When an online learning platform is part of a learning management system (LMS), learning and development (L&D) managers have an all-in-one tool to deploy training, create learning paths, track their team’s progress and provide timely feedback. By using the analytics provided by the platform, L&D managers can identify where their team needs training and provide individuals with personalized support to meet their goals.

Online tutoring platforms: Online tutoring platforms provide one-on-one tutoring services to students. They can be useful for employees who need personalized support, but online tutors tend to be more academic than corporate, so it can be difficult to find an instructor that adapts the curriculum to business use. Scheduling may also be a challenge since live courses require the availability of students and instructors at the same time.

Selecting an Online Learning Platform

Once you have decided on the type of platform you will be using to implement training, you will then need to choose a provider. At this stage, there are several key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Content quality: The platform should offer high-quality, up-to-date content that covers the latest coding languages and industry best practices.
2. User experience (UX): The platform should be user-friendly and intuitive, with easy navigation and a clean, organized layout.
3. Customization: The platform should allow trainers to customize the training content to meet the specific needs of their organization and employees.
4. Support: The platform should offer reliable technical support and responsive customer service to address any issues that arise.
5. Instructional design: The platform should incorporate effective instructional design principles, such as clear learning objectives, engaging multimedia and interactive assessments. Look out for a platform that employs microlearning techniques in its course delivery, as research has shown that using such methods in training boosts knowledge retention by at least 50%.

Deployment

Ironically, the convenience of online training programs may also contribute to their notoriously low completion rates. How can training managers make the implementation of online training programs work for their team instead of against it?

1. Set Clear Learning Objectives: Clearly define the learning objectives and goals for the training program to ensure that learners understand what they will be expected to achieve. Team members should understand why the training is important to the organization, as well as to them as individuals.
2. Communicate Effectively: Communicate the importance of the training program to learners and provide regular updates and feedback throughout the training process. This includes setting a clear deadline for completion.
3. Provide Support: Offer support and resources to learners, such as access to mentors, discussion forums and additional training materials.
4. Monitor Progress: Regularly monitor learners’ progress and provide feedback to help them stay on track and address any issues or concerns.
5. Encourage Application: Encourage learners to apply their newly acquired coding skills to real-world projects and assignments to reinforce their learning.

Overall, online learning platforms provide corporate training managers with an effective way to train their teams in coding languages. With the convenience, cost-effectiveness and flexibility afforded by online learning platforms, training managers can be confident that their software development teams are in a position to unlock new opportunities, increase efficiency and drive growth.