How to Manage Training in the Era of Internet Search and YouTube Trends
Consumers want to get what they want when they want it, which 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, which is a loaded question. While “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 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 Mirror, 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 from time to productivity.
Here is an overview of the main points of the session.
- Teach the Tools – Technical training will never cover every situation an employee may face. But what does this mean for training? The goal is to create a framework for employees to 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.
- Focus on Reusability—If we begin teaching employees to search, then the answers they are seeking must be easy to find and clearly laid out. This is where microlearning comes in. Instead of thinking about 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.
- Optimize Your Learning Management System (LMS)– Why is an optimized LMS important? 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 must 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? An optimized LMS is a must-have if you want to maximize your learning.
The bottom line is that learning stakeholders want the tools to find their answers and create a corporate culture of continuous learning.