Essential E-learning – October Issue

Welcome to the October edition of our monthly newsletter: Essential E-learning with Hubken.

This month we focus on skills development, from using e-learning assessments to tackle widening skills gaps to the importance of reskilling in a time where automation and new technologies pose a threat to many workers. We look at the role of blended learning within the ‘on-the-job’ training method, examining whether standalone OJT is enough to get the most out of your employees. Finally, we look at worldwide L&D and how the latest technology and e-learning platforms can help organisations access the global talent pool.

Using e-learning assessments to tackle skills shortages

Recent insights shared by HR News indicate that 77% of senior managers feel there is a significant gap between the skills offered by their workforce and those needed to achieve business goals. Failing to meet targets can be detrimental for many organisations so tackling skills shortages has become a top priority for many business leaders. We know that L&D programmes are the solution to closing skills gaps but how do we first identify which essential skills an employee or candidate is lacking?

One of the most effective ways to identify skills gaps is to use e-learning assessments. Using e-learning software in a robust LMS, businesses can create a diverse range of assessment types such as multiple-choice quizzes, drag-and-drop activities, or essay-style questions.

These assessments can be designed based on individual job roles or proficiency levels, and using LMS technology, the results will be automatically collated and distributed – providing instant, data-driven insights into company-wide skills shortages.

For organisations looking to proactively tackle problems caused by skills gaps, LMS assessments can be implemented in a number of ways. Assessments can be given to new potential hires, with the results driving the decision-making process in choosing the most skilled candidate. Assessments can also play a pivotal role in skills mapping during the onboarding process or in identifying whether existing employees possess the skills required to take on new responsibilities.

Discover everything you need to know about making the most of e-learning assessments by reading our five top tips here.

Reskilling to overcome technology-driven disruption

A significant amount of recent business discourse has been focused on the threat of job displacement caused by AI and automation. Discussions have centred around the idea that some people will need to rethink their career trajectory over the coming decade and focus on building up new skills in order to take on new roles and responsibilities that cannot be carried out by AI.

A recent survey conducted by IBM found that 40% of executives estimate that workers will have to reskill within the next three years to keep up with AI implementations. However, 87% of those executives expect generative AI to augment roles, rather than replace them entirely.

To leverage the latest automation technology, businesses will need to adapt and workforces will need to be agile. The solution is to provide employees with comprehensive and diverse reskilling programmes that will adequately prepare them for new roles and responsibilities, to avoid displacement and employee churn. We recently shared an article exploring the many benefits of including reskilling programmes in your core L&D; you can find it here.

On-the-job training or blended learning?

Can on-the-job training (OJT) be used as a standalone training practice, or will trainees benefit from additional methods? While standalone on-the-job training boasts benefits such as cost-effectiveness, fast administration and a simplified training method, most employees would further benefit from a blended learning approach to OJT.

Taking a blended learning approach to OJT means combining practical hands-on learning with theory-based learning. Blended learning offers additional benefits such as reduced risks, increased employee efficiency, and providing an opportunity for autonomous learning.

What’s the best way to achieve a blended learning strategy? The most effective solution is e-learning software, with powerful features such as scenario-based learning, learning plans and reporting tools. Find out how you could deliver blended learning and OJT by reading the full article here.

Achieving wide global reach with the latest technology

Placing a spotlight on the upcoming changes and trends to look out for when it comes to hiring in the near future, HR News suggested that there will be an increased emphasis on diversity and inclusion. While societal changes over the past several decades have had a positive impact on the landscape of hiring, advances in technology have also played a key role in more recent years.

The article shared by HR News highlighted the benefits of remote work in ‘eliminating geographical constraints’ and giving organisations ‘access to a global talent pool’, allowing them to source the best talent and introducing a more diverse set of candidates.

It’s important for these organisations to provide impactful training that will cater to the broad range of requirements that come with having a global workforce. From multi-lingual support to facilitating peer-to-peer learning for remote teams, the answer here is to use e-learning software that offers all the functionality and tools to deliver the same standard of training regardless of location. For example, an LXP such as Totara Engage allows teams to work together and engage with one another in a virtual environment using features such as forums and discussion boards.

Looking for powerful e-learning software that will allow you to tap into global talent and develop the workforce you need to achieve your goals and objectives? It’s possible with our e-learning solutions, find out more here.

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