Convert PowerPoint To Create Interactive Training

Interactive Training: Keep Up With Industry Trends
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Summary: Are digital slideshows still the most effective method to train the current workforce or is this format outdated? Is transitioning and adopting new authoring tools a difficult and cumbersome process? Discover how you can transform your existing content to create engaging, hands-on training.

Transform Training To Keep Up With Industry Trends

It has been three decades since digital slideshows came into existence. They are now widely used by both students and professionals for presentations. With a range of templates, tools, and add-ons you can create beautiful presentations. And so, the slideshow has been the go-to tool for professionals for years.

  • Yet, is this still the most effective method to train the current workforce or is it outdated?
  • Is it the best tool to create engaging training and provide mental stimulation?
  • Will this format bridge skills gaps?
  • Is transitioning and adopting new authoring tools a difficult and cumbersome process?

Are PowerPoints Still Effective?

PowerPoint by design is easy to use. The software is updated regularly to keep up with changes in technology. Thus, this feature-packed, user-friendly software is ever-popular.

It has a massive worldwide reach and user base. It is also accessible for people who have a basic level of understanding of the software.

But is it the best tool for delivering employee training that will stimulate, engage and develop workplace skills adequately, and more importantly, safely?

It has a few shortcomings that leave us questioning its efficiency for this purpose:

1. Hardware Compatibility Issues

PowerPoint is essentially desktop software. It does not render well on mobile devices. This is a major drawback. eLearning modules are especially focused on delivering content "on the go." The prime feature of eLearning is that it is anywhere, anytime learning.

If learners can't access their training from a mobile device, the software will not make the grade!

2. Platform Compatibility Issues

Compatibility issues don’t only rest at the hardware level. PowerPoint is a sophisticated software program that includes a range of features and animations. When exported into a different format before emailing or uploading it to an online platform, the learning program created might become distorted. The content, audio, and video might be missing or misaligned in the exported format. This is an issue with all kinds of proprietary software.

You will need specific plug-ins to address these problems. You must ensure that your exported training material looks the same in any format and on any platform.

There are conversion tools to make the PowerPoint files compatible with other platforms and software. But, the heavier the files, the more difficult it is to export them to other formats.

3. No Interactive Features

Using PowerPoint, it is not possible to create hands-on activities in eLearning modules.

Without interactive features, students are less engaged in the training. This is an important factor in virtual training courses today. Using simulation eLearning and branched scenarios makes the training modules engaging. It also delivers a high ROI to clients.

Is Adopting New Authoring Tools To Create Interactive Training A Challenge?

As an Instructional Designer, you should invest in authoring tools which are specifically designed to create and distribute simulation eLearning and scenario-based training. This will remove compatibility issues for you.

Many of us are resistant to change. It’s more comfortable to stick with what we know. Even though our work involves bringing new knowledge and change to organizations, we have to overcome our own reluctance to change! Learning new software is usually a challenge. That’s why it’s important to choose authoring tools from companies that offer excellent customer support. You don't want to struggle to master them!

Leading authoring tools eliminate the need for coding. You can simply drag-and-drop steps into your training program. They should offer a preview tool so that you can see the end-product at a glance, as you develop it. This saves an immense amount of time and frustration.

They offer a range of different types of realistic, job-like learning activities and track learner’s progress and scores throughout the program. They enable you to easily convert your existing content easily into hands-on learning activities that will bridge skills gaps effortlessly.

They are platform-agnostic and you can add them seamlessly to the other tools and software that you currently utilize. They should be SCORM-compliant and easily integrate with various LMS platforms.

They should be cost-effective. The investment should save you time and effort and produce a superior learning program as the end-result. Your goal should be to transform dull, monotonous, one-dimensional content into learning material that is stimulating, engaging and ultimately delivers ROI to the company using it.

Ultimately, PowerPoint offers some attractive features but if you want to become more competent and stay abreast of training industry trends, you need more than PowerPoint. You need to invest in an authoring tool to create life-like, interactive training.