Effective Steps for Supporting the Transition from In-Person Training to eLearning

The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the already growing trend away from in-person, classroom-based learning to eLearning, yet not every firm, or employee, is ready to fully embrace this change.

This blog offers effective steps for supporting the transition from classroom-based learning to virtual eLearning so that employees (and employers) are empowered, confident, and learn successfully.

1. Plan Ahead

Moving to eLearning may be a decision you’ve had to make due to the pandemic but this doesn’t mean there is no need to plan ahead.

Effective eLearning planning should involve two main points:

• Short term plan – this might simply involve moving more classroom-based learning to virtual platforms which can be accessed by anyone, anywhere. More likely, it will mean considering training for technological changes linked to eLearning (for example, new platforms or tech that employees will need to use) or, finding a training provider who offers effective eLearning packages suited to your firm’s requirements.

• Long term plan – this should encompass a future projection based on predicted employee’s training needs and future business projections. For example, consider how many employees might require professional development opportunities or more general upskilling, what areas your business is looking to develop, and then create a training plan which accounts for both factors.

2. Create a Budget

Moving from in-person training to eLearning will come at a cost, no matter how much training material you reuse or repurpose, so creating a budget which is realistic and based on your short-term and long-term plan (see number 1) is vital for success.

Set accurate timelines and costings for planning, development and implementation, and match it to your desired learning objectives and predicted outcomes.

When working with a professional training provider such as, Creative Word Training, budgets and plans can be formulated in discussion to create a bespoke training package perfectly suited to your firm’s requirements.

3. Make eLearning Content Relevant

Switching to predominantly eLearning-based training shouldn’t mean a reduction in training effectiveness, or importance, for your firm or your employees.

Courses which have been carefully crafted in conjunction with a professional training provider can provide relevant learning and professional development opportunities to keep learners engaged and absorbed.

Focus on specific eLearning modules or courses which are relevant to your industry and firm, and consider training linked to technology, or upskilling (for example, leadership and management development) as this will show your workforce that you are invested in their development and give them the opportunity to help your firm grow.

eLearning must offer relevant, regularly updated, and reliable content which engages learners and supports their everyday work-related duties, and which addresses their concerns or development.

4. Offer Varied Learning Options

Education isn’t “one size fits all” – we are all individuals with different likes, backgrounds, expectations and opinions, so we all learn differently too.

Some people learn best when working in conjunction with others, while others prefer to set their own pace and personal goals.

eLearning can work really well in this instance as learners are able to access courses when it suits them, move forward at their own pace, or engage with group learning experience via virtual classrooms or gamified learning content.

Ensuring your eLearning offers varied learning options ensures that all employees can find something that suits their preferred learning style and choice.

5. Assess eLearning Results

You’ve taken the time to plan, develop and deliver quality eLearning to your employees but have you assessed the outcome, results, and employee feedback?

If not, now is the time to do it.

Without proper assessment and monitoring of training it is difficult to know what worked well, what needs adjusting or how training is affecting performance.

Consider using regular employee feedback sessions or questionnaires, and measure performance and productivity, so you can assess how it is working both collectively and individually.

Transitioning from in-person learning to eLearning is easier with a respected, professional training provider who can help guide and support you, and your employees.

If you have any questions about how the Creative Word Training team can help you improve your eLearning provision simply contact us here and one of our expert team will be in touch.

Alternatively, you can check out our extensive range of eLearning courses here.