Digital learning has become a standard practice in the corporate training world. When done well, it can be an incredibly effective way for employees to upskill and reskill. With its flexibility and convenience, digital learning makes it easier for employees to learn about innovations, build shift skills, and stay competitive. Even still, some may wonder, “Is digital learning effective?” Let’s look at the ins and outs of digital learning in the workplace.
How Effective is Digital Learning for Employees?
Continuing education and credentialing is critical for the workforce. As businesses embark upon digital transformation, digital learning allows employees to learn skills and immediately put them into practice, a process known as rapid learning transfer. This process helps employees internalize the information and directly reap the benefits of what they learned, thus feeling more engaged, empowered, and appreciated. For many employees, excellent career development opportunities will inspire them to apply for jobs and stay in them. The digital learning format makes it easier for employees to take advantage of the opportunities to learn and grow with a company.
Why Digital Learning Works
Many working adults may find it hard, if not impossible, to go back to school or take time out of their day for in-person classes. Financial limitations, scheduling issues, or a lack of opportunities may stand in their way. Digital learning is a way of addressing these challenges and making professional education more accessible. But it’s not the digital approach alone that makes a difference. Within the world of digital learning, many different formats can cater to different learning styles, logistic constraints, and objectives.
How to Implement Digital Learning at Work
Here are a few different ways to bring digital learning to life in the workplace:
- eLearning - This is an asynchronous, self-paced, digital learning solution that is facilitated by a technology platform.
- Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) - In this synchronous format, classes are delivered virtually in a platform where everyone participates at a designated time.
- Microlearning and Mobile Learning - These two, often overlapping, formats feature digital learning in small bite-sized pieces of information like videos, infographics, interactive PDFs, podcasts, etc., delivered with a mobile-first approach. When combined, the mobile micro-learning approach allows employees to consume and implement skills throughout the workday effortlessly.
- Simulations - This format is a virtual environment where learners can test out what they are learning without the risks present in real life.
Tips for Effective Workplace Digital Learning
To make the most of digital learning, consider the following tips:
- Choose the Right Platform - In digital learning, the quality of the platform will make or break the experience and impact. Ensure the technology is user-friendly both for the employees and the administrators. Choose a platform that is easy to manage, facilitates engagement, and has reporting capabilities to monitor performance and outcomes over time.
- Prioritize the Experience - Users expect a consumer-like learning experience with intuitive interfaces and pleasing design. Without this attention to detail, digital learning initiatives will likely fall flat.
- Align Digital Learning with other L&D Initiatives - Digital learning does not have to be exclusively online. Digital learning should be integrated with other learning and development activities so employees have direct opportunities to apply and expand their learning.
- Create Flexible Options - Develop options like self-directed learning opportunities and on-demand digital courses that allow employees to learn when convenient.
- Create an Adaptive Learning Experience - Digital learning provides a valuable opportunity to personalize the experience for each learner. Personalized, adaptive learning accelerates goal achievement because the content is adjusted to each person’s skill level and needs as they progress through the content.
- Incorporate Both Soft and Hard Skill Training - Digital learning is ideal for improving both hard and soft skills. While soft skills may not be at the top of mind, it is important to make skills such as change management, managerial skills development, leadership, teamwork, negotiating, and even storytelling a part of the workplace digital learning experience.
- Create Incentives to Boost Engagement - In many cases, digital learning is a perk in and of itself, but adding in additional incentives can help increase adoption rates. The incentives can range from a phenomenal experience that creates a buzz and draws people in or a raise or bonus for completing a certain number of classes.
- Invite Feedback - As with any workplace initiative, it is important to ask employees for feedback on what they would like to learn, how they would like to learn, and how they feel about the technology in place. This ensures the solution is actually helpful for those it is designed to benefit.
Implement Digital Learning with Encora
Fast-growing tech companies partner with Encora to outsource product development and drive growth. We are deeply expert in the various disciplines, tools, and technologies that power the emerging economy, and this is one of the primary reasons that clients choose Encora over the many strategic alternatives that they have.
Contact us to learn more about digital learning.
