In the past, employee training consisted of two different methods of learning. Employees were either taught by in-person instructors, or they were given a booklet they were supposed to learn before their job began. And there may be some companies who are still operating under such a structure. But many businesses have modernized their employee training plans thanks to the advent of digital learning. Not only has digital learning ensured that employees can get access to training materials on their computers and smartphones, but it also means the way they are being trained is changing all the time.
Microlearning
One of the best things to come out of digital learning is microlearning. Because companies can now use computers and smartphones to offer interactive training courses, employees have the chance to learn in a situational and incremental way. For instance, companies can put up interactive training guides where employees are taught how to talk to customers with different personalities. Or they can have situational training, where a customer has one of a few response options, and they see how the situation plays out depending on their responses.
Making Adjustments
Employee training has always been important. But the rigidity that was shown by many companies in the past is being cast aside for more fluidity. And that is thanks to the digital learning programs that companies can access.
The emergence of xAPI means that companies are able to quickly gather and analyze data from their various learning channels. They can see what training programs are getting a good response, and which employees are progressing the quickest. It allows them to see what works, and what may need some tweaking. It means that training programs rarely stay the same, especially if there are concerns the programs are not connecting with new employees.
Continuous Learning
Companies that want successful employees for the short and long-term must accept these people cannot learn everything before starting their job. Not only is some information bound to be forgotten, but there are new skills and techniques coming out all the time. Employees must be learning continuously. Digital learning makes it easy and affordable for companies to put out smaller training courses every few weeks or months. Whether these are interactive courses, situational training exercises or training videos, they allow employees to learn on the job, instead of relying on a single crash course before the job starts.
