How to Manage Training in the Era of Internet Search and YouTube Trends

Consumers want to get what they want when they want it, and that is no different for learners. Today’s learners want access to learning at a time and in a way that works for them. As a result, learning leaders are often asked the same question, “Can you give us the training we need, in a fraction of the time, as we see it on YouTube?”

Many of us roll our eyes and shake our heads at this is a loaded question. While the idea of “Can you train us faster?” is nothing new, YouTube, internet search and microlearning channels have dramatically accelerated the trend. Instead of wanting faster training alone, learning departments are now being asked to deliver large amounts of content in a just-in-time format. Time spent in the classroom needs to be reduced – but how?

 

On a recent Training Industry webinar, Sean Champion, Vice President of Learning Services at TriZetto and Art Mirrow, Software Education Leader, shared their insight into how training leaders can rest easy by leveraging the changes in preferred learning styles to move the needle on time to productivity.

Here is an overview of the main points that they map out in the session.

1. Teach the Tools – Technical training will never cover every situation that an employee may face on the job. But what does this mean for training? The goal is to create a framework for employees where they can identify scenarios that may take place and the appropriate response to those scenarios. Employees are trained to search for the correct resolution, instead of learning each one of the dozens (if not hundreds) of possible scenarios. This prepares employees to quickly and confidently search for the information that customers need.
2. Focus on Reusability – If we begin teaching employees to search, then the answers they are seeking been to be easy to find and clearly laid out. This is where microlearning comes in. Instead of thinking in terms of modules and lessons, design around individual tasks and bundle the videos or job aids into units. These quick and targeted training modules then become your library of searchable answers.
3. Optimize Your Learning Management System (LMS)– Why is an optimized LMS important in this case? Many organizations find that their learners struggle to find content in their LMS. According to Bersin, 34% of respondents believe a lack effective tools (such as search) makes it difficult for users to find information, and 68% said the overwhelming volume of information makes it hard to notes and keep track of information.¹ The courses you offer need to be easy to find, download and complete. Do you want to track what is being searched and by who? Do you want to organize your learning by job function and ensure that employees don’t have to find the videos or job aids by searching through the entire original course? If you really want to optimize your learning, then an optimized LMS is a must-have.

The bottom line is that learning stakeholders want the tools to find answers for themselves and to create a corporate culture of continuous learning. View the webinar replay for all of the insights into how you can answer the demands for both education and efficiency in your learning programs. And if you want more information, check out Art Mirrow’s whitepaper “What Keeps CLOs Up At Night?”

¹ “Reimaging L&D Capabilities to Drive Continuous Learning,” Bersin by Deloitte, 2015