3 Questions Every Leader Should Answer Before Creating Online Training

Hi learning leader,

Are you considering online training as part of your organization’s learning plan? If so, you may be nervous about how to offer online training that:

• Helps the learners learn new skills; and
• Helps your organization to improve performance.

In this time of hybrid and remote working, we may feel the pressure to offer employee training online. Yet, there is always the concern that online learning is not as effective as in-person training. Jack and Patti Phillips write in the 2022 article, Linking hybrid learning to the business, “In polls with L&D webinar participants, the vast majority (about 90 percent) suggest that participants in virtual learning are not using what they have learned.” This doesn't mean that we shouldn't provide online learning to employees. To develop a successful online learning strategy, we begin by analyzing learner and organizational goals.??

Why is online learning not always successful??

One reason is because it is out of line with what learners want or need. According to LinkedIn Learning’s 2022 Workplace Learning Report, “Employees’ top three motivations to learn are all connected to careers.” Employees feel that learning should:?

1. Help me stay up to date in my field;?
2. Be personalized to my interests and career goals; and?
3. Help me get another job internally, be promoted, or get closer to reaching career goals.

To motivate learners, we have to provide content focused on learners' goals and needs. In other words, learner focused content.

This past year, I created an online learning strategy for an organization with approximately 15,000 employees. Our first step in the process was to analyze the current training. We asked learners how the online learning program can help them to be successful. Most employees felt what was missing were:

• How to be successful in the organization; and
• Opportunities for advancement.

The online learning now includes background on the organization's processes and policies. Coaching was also included within an online learning community for new employee training.

Let's look at how you and your design team can create successful online learning.

Begin by answering these 3 questions

Question #1: Should our training be offered online or in-person?

Not all learning topics should be delivered online. The LinkedIn Learning report finds employees are motivated to learn from online content when it helps them both personally and professionally. This means that a strategic approach can help determine what should be offered online and in-person. Talk with your design team, leadership, and workforce to determine what learning topics are needed and how they should be delivered.?

Question #2: How do we motivate online learners??

To answer this question, you will have to ask the people who will take part in the training. Consider asking learners: “What are you interested in learning?” and “What will help you grow personally and professionally?” Use the learners' same words when describing and promoting the training.

To keep learners motivated throughout the training, incorporate online learning communities. These communities help learners apply learning to their own unique situation. Communities are also a great place for leadership to share opportunities for advancement.

Question #3: How do we support online learners?

This is a topic that lends itself to an entire article, but I will keep this answer to 3 elements for the sake of time.

1. Incorporate learning methods that keep learners engaged, i.e., simulations, gamification, microlearning, etc.
2. Consider offering learning on multiple devices (i.e., mobile devices and computer desktops). This allows for flexibility, so learners can jump on any device when they are ready.?
3. Hold learners accountable. This means online learning requires due dates, check-ins, and milestones. Check-ins and milestones are a structured time where learners share and test skill development. Online learning communities are a great way to help with accountability.

Great! Now you know what questions to ask and it’s time to take action. Begin by reaching out to your stakeholders - this includes your design team, leadership, and learners. Having them provide the answers to the 3 questions is the first step in creating learner focused content. This, in turn, will lead to better performance within the organization.

If you aren’t sure how to begin, I can help!?I provide strategy sessions for L&D leaders and teams. These sessions are structured meetings to:?

• Analyze your current online program and/or students;
• Develop an organizational plan for online learning;
• Evaluate learning tools and platforms; and/or
• Develop online learning buy-in.

Together, we analyze your current learning strategy and create an online learning plan. I work with leaders and their teams to help them find a custom solution for online learning. Schedule your consultation call today at https://www.raspersonalized.com/strategy

Hi! I’m Rachel Schell, online learning expert and founder of RAS Personalized Solutions.

Since 2008, I’ve been helping organizations and leaders plan and create online learning solutions. During that time, I found that successful online learning happens when three elements align:?

• Content is focused on a single audience and message.?
• The audience is engaged in the learning.?
• Learners are motivated to take action.?

Below is how I can help you to create focused, engaging, and motivational online learning.?

1. Featured Speaker - Looking for a featured speaker to inspire your team? I draw on 12+ years as an educator, speaker, and facilitator to motivate and provide your team with quick wins so you can implement new ideas immediately. Find out more at https://www.raspersonalized.com/speaking
2. Training - We offer workshops and training programs for you and your team. Each training takes a deeper dive into the tools used to create focused content and develop engaging materials, as well as strategies to motivate learners. Workshops and training information is available at https://www.raspersonalized.com/training
3. Strategy Sessions - Not sure where to start? We offer strategy sessions to analyze current learning, develop a plan for new learning, evaluate learning tools and platforms, and gain buy-in for your learning plan.

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