Converting your training materials into an online learning format is one of the most effective and easy ways you can remove training barriers for your employees.
The global workforce is rapidly growing. It is not uncommon for teams that work together to be distributed all over the world. The number of remote workers has increased by 140% since 2005 (1). In fact, recent surveys have found that 4.3 million people in the US work from home at least half of the time (1).
This increase in distributed teams who work online has led many organizations to look for ways they can adapt their training to better meet employee needs.
Instructor led training (ilt) in a classroom setting is no longer an ideal training delivery method for companies with expanding work from home teams. Although, there are many benefits to instructor led training, scheduling time, reserving a venue and travel expenses can be costly.
The good news is there are many ways organizations can convert the content from their ilt sessions into online learning. These materials can be converted into virtual instructor led training, video lessons or into a mix of content using a blended learning strategy. Converting instructor led training materials into virtual training has quickly become a popular option.
Virtual training sessions are much like face to face instructor led training courses. They can effectively engage learners; however, the class is hosted virtually online making it easier for remote employees to attend. The biggest advantages to virtual training are that it removes potential barriers caused by location and that this form of training still provides a social learning element.
With more than 20 years of experience in unlocking human potential, Infopro Learning has worked with industry leaders to develop business aligned training solutions. This includes creating engaging VILT programs to engage remote learners. Infopro Learning uses a strategic approach to convert training content into engaging virtual learning experiences.
Solution Highlights
Many organizations are looking to convert their current learning materials into virtual sessions so they can continue to train their remote employees. The highlights of these programs can be divided into 3 phases. Each phase is essential to creating an engaging virtual learning experience.
Phase 1: Selecting Suitable Content
The first phase in content conversion is determining which content will be the most effective in a virtual learning environment. Not all learning content is suitable for virtual training. The most effective virtual learning content focuses on interpersonal or cognitive skills.
These are topics that the class can have in depth discussions about. Virtual environments are not suitable for more hands on tasks. This phase ensures that the training content is both relevant and effective.
Phase 2: Developing Pre-Work
To get the most out of the virtual sessions we develop pre-work for participants to complete before the online course begins. These materials often include reading materials and information the employees will need to prepare for the training.
These reading materials often lay the groundwork for online discussions. The additional information that is provided typically includes what employees can expect to learn, how to access the training and how to prepare for the virtual training. This phase ensures that all employees are prepared ahead of time, reduces distractions and technical complications that could disrupt the course.
Phase 3: Creating Engaging Interactive Training
To Keep employees engaged in the virtual training sessions it is important to encourage participation. In VILT we include interactive elements, such as group activities to start discussions, visual elements and break-out sessions.
In addition to interactive content we also break training sessions down into short segments to keep employees engaged. We also provide a recorded copy of the training for future reference. This helps increase knowledge retention.
The Result Highlights
Effective employee training programs have been proven to increase retention rates, boost productivity and increase profits. In fact, Companies who invest in comprehensive training programs have seen as much as 218% higher income per employee than companies who didn’t have formal training (2).
Today’s most successful employee training programs need to have some form of online training available. As virtual teams continue to grow developing an online learning strategy is the best way you can ensure that your employees are getting the training, they need to be successful at your organization.
If you are looking for more information on content conversion and want to know what kind of content can be converted into virtual training, the keys to effective virtual content delivery or what online learning platforms and tools are the most useful, watch the webinar replay of Quickly Converting Classroom Training to Virtual Delivery.
