Humanizing Online Learning Platforms

Companies are using technology, both online learning platforms and more informal collaboration and learning tools, more than ever before. In today’s changed world, digital learning solutions and online learning platforms have a real chance to prove their worth and deliver measurable business value. This gives HR and L&D professionals a role to play in creating an effective digital learning environment, by helping their workforce maximize technology.

At the same time, a human, empathic approach is necessary to get the best out of technology deployments. This should be part of a broader focus on creating an organizational culture that values human attributes that are key to success in a fast-changing global society. Customers – who are likely to be experiencing transformational change themselves – value flexible and adaptable suppliers who display a human insight into the challenges they face.

Add value to online learning with soft skills

When PWC asked more than 1,200 business and HR leaders from 79 countries what they saw as most important for the future of their organization, the top response, cited by 91% of respondents, was that the company needed to be ‘trusted by society’. The second ranked response was to ‘highly value, develop and reward ‘human’ skills such as leadership, creativity, empathy and curiosity (87%)’ . Clearly, soft skills are now more important than they have ever been.

Digital and online learning platforms and technologies can help companies boost and support soft skills even among a dispersed and remote workforce. Digital learning, possibly delivered in micro nuggets as needed during each individual’s workflow, can support soft skills from leadership, negotiation and communication skills right through to building foreign language skills via corporate language training. As well as making sure the technology is fit for its intended purpose, HR and L&D professionals can also add the human element. This might take the form of providing cross-functional forums and virtual social events for employees to practice skills such as language acquisition in an informal environment that is more relaxed and fun.

Keep your online communication human

Keep your online communication human

In the context of our working and learning environments rapidly changing on a global scale, Speexx recommends the following actions to maximize digital or online learning platforms and technology to boost soft skills:

Use metrics wisely

It may be tempting to focus on employee productivity or learning progress data at a time when many employees are not under the watchful eye of their managers. But it is important to use productivity metrics with care, recognizing potential employee concerns about excessive surveillance and fears that they need to be constantly available. Communication is crucial. HR and L&D professionals must communicate to employees how and why metrics are being used and what the benefits are for individual employees.

Build trust in digital learning solutions

Employees’ personal data is at the heart of online learning platforms and digital learning solutions – HR and L&D need to explicitly state what the data is used for and how long it is held for. They must communicate to employees that their data is used for good, to help deliver personalized learning solutions that will have a positive impact on their learning.

identify bias in online learning platforms

Identify and address bias in online learning platforms and tech

Intelligent software and data analytics have been playing an increasingly important part in delivering personalized digital learning. Artificial intelligence (AI) technology can see when a learner is struggling or offer the right learning content at the right time. However, AI tech is programmed by humans and benefits from human oversight to spot any inherent bias. Amazon abandoned recruitment AI after discovering it favored certain words more often used in men’s resumes and applications. Google has produced a useful guide to focusing on achieving fairness and eliminating bias.

Reskill meaningfully through online learning

Purpose is the number one reason that will keep employees engaged at the moment. If you are going to ask employees to undertake digital learning in a remote setting at this time, it will only stick if employees are convinced of the purpose of it. Line managers have an important role here in setting the context and requirement for training and the use of online learning platforms at work. This may be that the organization needs to serve customers in different ways at short notice or to pivot its products and services to ensure its survival. This is exactly why a continuous learning culture is necessary – business changes rapidly, therefore employees need to change their skill sets along with it.

embrace a continuous learning culture

Embrace a continuous learning culture

In uncertain times, many employees may fear for their jobs. They want to know that they are employable now and in the future. If employees feel that they are part of a continuous learning culture, they will buy into the need to drive their own learning and career. Language and communication skills can help employees plan for a future where they are employable in a global marketplace. They can also look forward to a time when they will be well-prepared to travel the world or work effectively across different cultures and nations and progress their career.

Get the best out of online learning

As HR and L&D professionals work to get the best out of online learning platforms and technology to support employees working from home, it is imperative to maintain a firm focus on the human side of the equation. The workforce and customer base are highly stressed at the moment and empathy and trust are vital to keeping both employees and customers engaged. Keep in mind that now more than ever, effective communication is essential to business survival. And reach out to us for additional resources or support with empowering communication; Speexx is the new normal!