How To Use Your Blended Learning Platform For Management Online Training
Your managers, supervisors, and department leads often require more training than their subordinates. They may not need to have all the answers. But they do need to know everyone’s tasks and job duties, so they can step in when necessary, as well as provide continuous support to their teams. How do you leverage a blended learning LMS to give them remote access to training tools and conduct ILT follow-up? Here are 7 tips on how to use your new blended learning platform for online training management.
1. Social Media Follow-Ups
Management can log in to the training social media group after ILT sessions to discuss the topics and clarify ambiguities. Such as compliance issues that they’re still unclear, or tips on how to perform departmental tasks. The group serves as a source of support for your management team since they have the ability to engage with remote co-workers and explore innovative ways to approach common problems. Blogs are another good way to facilitate online discussions and encourage managers to reflect on the subject matter, either in the form of employee-published blogs, or comments left on the main blended learning blog.
2. Live Events To Facilitate Experience-Sharing
Another great way to get remote management employees together is to host live events that facilitate collaboration. Choose a topic, but just use it as a starting point. The goal is to get your team leaders to share their experiences and unique perspectives with fellow managers. They can even host their own impromptu events to talk about current issues or challenges to get input from peers. If you take this approach, ask them to post their topic in advance so that employees know what’s in store. This also helps to prevent redundant events that cover similar tasks or challenges.
3. Skill-Based Certification Online Training Courses
A blended learning platform allows you to provide personalized training opportunities that usually aren’t possible with traditional training. Such as giving your managers the power to pursue their own paths and bridge personal gaps. They can take pre-assessments to identify areas for improvement or disclose them during the ILT sessions, then login to the blended learning LMS to sign up for certification online training courses. Each course pertains to a specific leadership skill they need to improve on-the-job performance and set the example for their team. Survey your employees to see which skills they’d like to work on and then prioritize.
4. Team-Based Brainstorming Sessions
Sometimes your managers just need a little room to vent and express their ideas. But they may not be willing to offer their honest opinions in face-to-face sessions. That’s the beauty of blended learning platforms. They can brainstorm and provide their candid thoughts remotely, people still know who’s providing the winning ideas. However, there’s some distance and degree of anonymity when you’re sitting behind a screen. You can provide them with a topic to get things started, or even a problem that your organization is currently dealing with. Set some rules so that everyone can have their say and isn’t offended by inappropriate remarks.
5. Invite Managers To Host Their Own Roundtables
Invite your team leaders to host their own online roundtable discussions that center on a skill, task, or trouble area. For example, they can meet online to talk about how to reduce compliance violations in their respective departments. Or how to speed up a work task without raising the on-the-job accident count. The secret is to encourage them to choose their own interests so that they get actively involved. For instance, a manager has a specific area of expertise or background that allows them to shed new light on the compliance issue.
6. Branching Scenarios To Test Decision-Making
Branching scenarios are one of the most beneficial blended learning platform resources because it facilitates practical application. But it also immerses employees in real-world situations so that can test their reactions. For example, how they might handle an angry customer or co-worker who isn’t happy with the company policy, or how they would diffuse a conflict at work between two of their subordinates using the skills they already have. They get to evaluate their decision-making and problem-solving abilities and identify weak points. Then use ILT training sessions and online support resources to fill the gaps.
7. Simulations That Test Comprehension And Application
Simulations are known for being a top-notch experience-building tool. However, they can also help your team leaders gauge their level of comprehension and their ability to apply what they’ve learned. For example, a simulation involves a problematic task that often results in on-the-job mistakes and decreased customer satisfaction. Managers are able to evaluate every aspect of their performance in a real-world setting, without having to worry about risking the loyalty of valued customers. Many organizations use simulations as a supplemental tool for ILT sessions. Employees attend face-to-face events, then login to the platform for their dose of immersion. Thereby allowing them to spot areas that are still a bit hazy and seek out additional training tools on their own, or ask the instructor for one-on-one guidance to resolve more serious performance issues.
Use a blended learning platform and these tips to give your management team the resources they need to pave the way for subordinates. The key is to learn how to leverage the system to make it mesh with your ILT strategy, without overlooking the importance of peer-based interactions. Empower them to take charge of their own professional growth and be proactive about skill-building. Lastly, use real-world activities to reinforce the ideas and facilitate practical application.
How is conventional training problematic, and how can the blended learning approach fix it? Is there any way to convince employers blended learning software is the way to go? Download our eBook Blended Learning LMS Buyer's Guide: Tips To Bring The Best Of Both Worlds To Your SMB and discover how to remedy traditional training gaps, leverage your blended learning platform for managing online training, and how to bring the best in your SMB by using a blended learning LMS.
