Digital learning platforms are rapidly becoming the industry standard for employee training. Traditional methods used to require every worker to be in the same classroom at the same time, which was costly and inefficient. Today, with the help of digital training methods, you can open your organization up to a global network of employees who can receive training online and at their own pace. If you’re thinking of upgrading your employee training method to include digital options, here are some things you should know.
Historical Overview of Employee Training
Most people who have been through the traditional method of in-person employee training can tell you it isn’t very effective. Every employee has to be gathered in the same location at the same time, in a traditional classroom setting. Production grinds to a halt while the training is underway. Companies try to cram as much material into an eight-hour session as they can. It’s exhausting for the employees to sit in a chair for eight hours straight and they don’t retain the information as well, especially during afternoon sessions as they’re getting more tired. This was how employee training was conducted for decades, and companies managed to muscle through.
Benefits of Digital Learning Platforms
With the advent of digital learning platforms and cloud-based training methods, organizations can experience many benefits that were not possible under the more traditional methods.
Accessibility and Flexibility
With the help of smartphones, tablets, or computers, employees can access training materials from anywhere at their convenience. Workers can learn the materials during their morning commute, while they’re on a coffee break, or while they’re at home on their own time. They don’t have to be tethered to their workstation or stuck in a classroom. The fact that the training can be accessed from anywhere with internet access also allows you to hire employees far beyond your local market. You might have some employees in Indiana, others in Florida, and some in the UK.
Customization and Personalization
While traditional training methods were one-size-fits-all, digital training platforms can be customized to match the learning paces and preferences of individual workers. If an employee needs to spend extra time on a particular concept, they can. Everyone learns at a different pace, and online training allows the best range of options to provide the most effective learning methods.
Scalability and Cost Effectiveness
When you move to a digital model of training, you’re not limited by classroom size and productivity doesn’t have to grind to a halt until the training is over. In fact, you don’t need a physical space for the training at all. Online training modules can be used as you expand your business without having to reinvent the wheel every time a new employee is onboarded. Employees are also more likely to retain the materials when they learn them at their own pace.
Current Trends and Innovations in Digital Learning
Microlearning, gamification, and mobile learning are three big recent advances in corporate eLearning trends. Mobile learning via a smartphone or tablet allows workers to consume training content on the go. They can incorporate their training into their daily routines. Microlearning involves providing training materials in bite-sized lessons, rather than bigger one-hour (or eight-hour) chunks. This makes the contents more consumable and easier to retain. Gamification methods involve incorporating elements from video games into the training. Employees can earn points and badges for completing training modules, for example, which incentivizes participation.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) are increasingly being used in employee training as well. AI allows employers to more easily identify learning gaps among their workforces and then strive to fill those gaps. VR allows you to simulate real-world situations so that employees can undergo training in a safe and risk-free environment.
Challenges and Considerations
Making the jump to digital training methods may require companies to invest in their infrastructure. This model requires high-speed internet, secure platforms, and compatible devices. Privacy and security of employee data are extremely important. Remember that not all employees may have access to the technology or internet connectivity required to participate in eLearning, which can be an additional investment. Even though digital learning platforms are highly interactive, keeping employees engaged and motivated to complete the training can still be challenging.
Future of Employee Training
Artificial intelligence will continue to revolutionize digital training methods in the years to come. AI allows for data-driven insights into employee training materials and their effectiveness. Thanks to technology, organizations will be able to analyze trends, gaps, and areas for improvement in their training modules at a much faster rate.
How ASAP Payroll Can Assist
ASAP Payroll can help your organization make the leap to a digital learning platform with minimal effort. Our learning management system, iSolved University, offers a comprehensive system with dozens of courses in bite-sized modules. Employees can access the training from any mobile device at their own pace and start adding to their skill sets.
Join the Employee Training Evolution with ASAP Payroll
Digital learning platforms provide more flexibility and accessibility compared to the traditional classroom training model. It’s also a more effective way to train your employees while ensuring they are more likely to retain the materials.
If you’re ready to transform your employee training with ASAP Payroll’s digital learning solutions, contact us today! Discover how we can help you innovate your training programs.
