Rapid eLearning Techniques That Are Always Relevant
The L&D landscape seems to always be evolving and changing. New technologies or design principles come into the picture and then you rethink your entire online training plan. However, some rapid eLearning techniques are always relevant regardless of your objectives, goals, or current gaps. These design methods help you maximize resources and simplify content maintenance since the rapid eLearning development process begins and ends with targeted L&D aims; not to mention a learner-centered approach that personalizes employee development every step of the way. Without further ado, here are 7 rapid learning techniques to consider for your L&D department.
7 Rapid eLearning Strategies That Stand The Test Of Time
1. Topic-Centered Training
One of the most effective rapid eLearning approaches is topic-centered content. Every JIT resource or activity involves a specific task, skill, or policy which improves knowledge retention and active recall. Employees can concentrate on topics that resonate with them and their work duties instead of sifting through an hour-long course to look for certain protocols or steps. As an example, a module covers communication skills in customer service. Because interacting with customers at the front desk or call center is different than engaging them on the sales floor, there’s a separate online training module that sales staffers can take to master empathy and active listening.
2. Immediate Real-World Application
Putting new knowledge into practice helps it move from working to long-term memory. Thus, you need to include real-world application so that employees can use what they’ve learned immediately. For example, a simulation encourages them to go through all the steps and learn from their mistakes. They can also try different approaches and reflect on their personal performance. Above all, real-world application makes the information stick so that they can use it on the job. Keep in mind that rapid eLearning also applies to your back-end team. Use branching scenario and simulation templates to speed up the process. You should also consider a rapid eLearning tool with an asset library.
3. Short Bursts Of Information
Another rapid eLearning technique that’s always relevant is JIT support. These are short bursts of information that serve a niche purpose. For instance, a quick self-assessment that allows employees to identify personal areas for improvement or a bite-sized demo video that shows them all the steps in action. Since it’s rapid eLearning, you can always repurpose existing assets to create JIT tools. That hour-long webinar or slideshow presentation becomes an entire library of microlearning resources. The catch is that every rapid eLearning activity needs to stand on its own; no confusing or fragmented online training experiences.
4. Accessibility For All
Successful rapid eLearning development doesn’t just make content easy to consume. It always eliminates accessibility barriers so that employees can get the info they need when they need it most. They should be able to use any device to log into the online training platform and bridge gaps independently. Accessibility also extends to learners with special needs. For instance, staffers with learning disabilities or hearing impairments can turn on subtitles.
5. Niche Skill-Building
Skills are the foundation for everything employees do on the job, whether it’s helping customers pick the right product or resolving an IT issue. Thus, rapid eLearning should include niche skill-building for every member of the team. For instance, your HR team needs to brush up on their interviewing and interpersonal skills. So, your rapid eLearning library features scenarios and podcasts to set a real-world example. They can listen to the podcast to learn which questions to ask and how to broach sensitive topics, while the eLearning branching scenario lets them put those tips into practice. And all those resources were converted from legacy content that was collecting virtual dust…until now.
6. Knowledge Checks And Progress Tracking
Your L&D team can add knowledge checks to existing courses to gather feedback, which also helps employees identify hidden gaps discreetly as well as track their own progress to see how far they’ve come. In fact, self-assessments are one of the quintessential elements of rapid eLearning design since they can uncover holes in your current online training plan. For instance, 75% of your sales team fails the product knowledge pop quiz. Therefore, it may be time to re-evaluate your product knowledge certification course. Maybe even give it a rapid eLearning makeover, like incorporating new audio narrations, images, and video clips after you convert it from Flash to HTML5.
7. Immersive Performance Management
A popular rapid eLearning development approach is to bring content from the archives and add new elements. This can be a slippery slope since some assets are too outdated or they simply don’t align with your current needs. However, if you choose wisely, you can create immersive performance management resources. As an example, you recorded a webinar two years ago. Some of the topics are no longer relevant but there is a half-hour clip that might benefit your modern staffers. So, use a rapid eLearning tool to remove that portion and incorporate fresh visuals and audio elements. You can even add knowledge checks and resource links to enrich the experience.
Conclusion
These rapid eLearning techniques improve knowledge retention and reduce online training seat time. Beyond that, they help your L&D bridge specific gaps and update content in record time. You don’t have to wait a month to develop fresh resources to mitigate compliance risks, because your team can reuse existing assets and convert legacy content to bring everyone up to speed. Another option is to bring in an eLearning content provider who knows the rapid eLearning design process inside out.
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