One of the main problems with outdated Learning and Development (L&D) strategies is that they treat every learner the same. Though performance data analytics have proven that learning styles vary widely and, people who learn according to their own style retain and apply knowledge better. Given this, companies should take advantage of the many technological changes that are continuously taking place. If they invest in state-of-the-art L&D solutions instead of relying on technology that was not built specifically for training and learning, training teams would be able to produce a higher performing group. Relying on technology that other departments, with completely different objectives, can significantly inhibit learning because engagement and hands on activities are limited.
An investment in technology designed specifically for training and learning will ensure engagement, hands-on activities and keep your team learning, growing, and upskilling in ways that translate to employee satisfaction, performance, retention, and a robust bottom line.
Using dedicated and up-to-date training technology makes virtual learning more personalized, more fun, and more social.
More Personalized
Employees all have their own strengths and learning styles. Intelligent learning systems supply performance analytics that register individual performance and provide personalized tools designed to reach every type of learner on your team. A true training and learning solution make it possible for companies to measure outcomes through advanced learning, engagement, performance and behavioral analytics. This information provides results-driven data to further help instructional design team provide curriculum based on the company’s learner mix. This, in turn, maximizes engagement and teamwork to increase performance and productivity.
More Fun
Did we just use the word “training” and “fun” in the same sentence? Yes, and we stand by the claim that training can be fun, although it may sound like an oxymoron. According to eLearning Industry author Neil Glenister, “If you can’t spark a genuine interest, capture and keep your audience engaged, or trigger some degree of curiosity, your training will not be effective.” Kids of all ages (even the adult ones) like to have fun — nothing shuts down learning faster than boredom. Learning technology advancements constantly increase the “fun factor” in training tools through gamification, teamwork, personalization, and increased interaction. The more involved the learners are, the more they invest in the process and the more they learn.
More Social
Along the lines of increased interaction, the best learning technology is constantly improving ways to facilitates social learning. Social learning is important for myriad reasons, including:
- It broadens the conduit through which learners receive information
- It increases the speed at which information is received
- It amplifies knowledge retention
- It supports peer-to-peer motivation
- Reduces the stress of learning by providing what some employees will call a “safe zone” for asking questions
Social learning works best when the trainer can put people into small group rooms that can be customized with different content and learning tools. The power of role play or problem solving in small groups ensures action by all which leads to a better performing team and a higher level of learning.
In this COVID-influenced world, social interaction is the human element that has perhaps been most affected. Thankfully, not everyone’s health has suffered, but everyone has had to endure enforced isolation. For that reason, investing in fully-functioning social features, such as those offered at Jigsaw Interactive, as part of your L&D strategy will go a long way toward improving your virtual training strategies.
