Since COVID-19, remote work has begun to become the norm for many organizations. However, many of your essential training tools might not be geared toward remote learning. Companies whose training platform or Learning Management System (LMS) pre-dates remote work should be evaluating their tools and materials.

Here are some tips to assist you in finding the ideal training platform for your remote work environment.

 

1. Identify Current Weak Points 

"44% of companies are not satisfied with their current Learning Management System." (Brandon Hall Group).

Most organizations have been locked into the same providers for years and haven't realized there are better options now available. Chances are, there are current weak points in your system that should be fixed. Make sure you identify these weak points so that you can get these bases covered in your next platform. 

 

2. Evaluate Which Features Are Must-Haves For Your Organization

Different training platforms offer a variety of features and functionalities. While some platforms specialize in interactive video-based training, others focus on gamification, assessments, or collaborative learning.

Some top features important for engaging remote teams include:

  • Localization and multiple language capabilities
     
  • Live virtual classrooms
  • Mobile friendly accessibility
  • Progress tracking
  • Tools and Integrations

 

3. Prioritize Learner Engagement

Engaging remote learners is crucial for effective training. Look for training platforms that offer interactive elements, such as quizzes, simulations, virtual reality experiences, or social learning features. These elements promote active participation and knowledge retention among remote teams. Additionally, consider platforms that provide opportunities for peer-to-peer collaboration and discussion forums, allowing remote employees to connect and learn from each other. A training platform that fosters engagement and collaboration will enhance the overall learning experience for your remote teams.

 

4. Check the Industry Standard Boxes

Sometimes, there are features that your organization needs that are customizable to you, such as eCommerce capabilities or Digital Signatures. Other times, there are non-negotiable industry standards you need to ensure. Below are a few to check off your list before purchasing a new training platform. 

A User-Friendly UI and UX

  • Is the platforms' user interface easy to navigate? Are the software’s moving parts organized in a logical way? Can you access the same features and documents from numerous places within the program, or is finding your way around a hassle? Is it clunky, slow, or frustrating to use?
  • How responsive is the UI? It should be optimized for different devices, including mobile, and a wide range of screen sizes. Your remote team should be able to access the service 24/7 from any location. Do the pages load rapidly and reliably?
  • How long will it take your team to learn how to use the service? Will end users need training to use the app, or will they be able to find their way around easily?

Administrative Transparency

Check if your app has transparent and clear pricing listed on its website.

  • Are these pricing models reasonable compared to others?
  • Does this technology support Single Sign On (SSO)? Will you need to pay extra to access SSO?
  • Does the brand offer an API and integrate it with other tools that you have already added to your team’s SaaS stack?
  • Does the app offer any analytics?
  • Is it easy to import and export data? Is this data safely stored on the cloud or is it a hybrid model?

Strict Privacy and Security

Any good SaaS app for a remote team should offer an exportable system and admin logs. Some apps allow you to export logs automatically, while others require you to do so manually. Check out Knowledge Anywhere's Security here.

 

5. Ensure Scalability and Future Success

As your organization grows, so will your training requirements. It is important to choose a training platform that can scale your business and accommodate the evolving needs of your remote teams. Look for platforms that offer flexibility in terms of scalability and global support. A few key questions to ask may include:

  • What if we need more Training Administrators added?
  • What happens if our Learner/user base grows?
  • Do you have several tiers that allow room for growth?
  • Does your system include add-ons, if they become necessary in the future but we don't have the budget for them now?

Having support that provides 24/7 customer support or has a robust knowledge base and community forums where users can find solutions to common problems. Global support is also important in terms of making sure your LMS has a variety of language capabilities. 

 

The Takeaway

By evaluating these factors and aligning them with your organization's goals, you can select a training platform that empowers your remote teams with effective and engaging learning experiences. Invest time and effort into finding the right platform, as it will contribute to the growth and success of your remote workforce. If your training program or LMS isn't right for your remote environment us at Knowledge Anywhere. To schedule a free consultation with a training expert, click here!

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