In the modern age of rapid technological developments, it’s important for businesses to adopt a method of employee training that is fast-paced and can provide the flexibility and efficiency needed to stay ahead of the game. Going digital will help you to future-proof your company and prepare for the digital transformation. And with
the emergence of new digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality, there is now the opportunity to expand the value of traditional classroom training even further.
Implementing a blended learning programme
A digital training plan doesn’t have to mean abandoning the traditional L&D methods of classroom training. We recommend a blended learning programme – one which combines the benefits of face-to-face sessions with digital training tools. Supplementing your employees’ learning with digital reinforcement means that training can be delivered through various devices, like mobile phones, which makes it easier to provide continual learning that is not restricted to a classroom setting.
Blended learning benefits both the learner and trainer in different ways. For learners, it caters to individual learning styles, as not everyone retains information in the same way as others, resulting in higher engagement and better knowledge retention. It also provides them with the chance to learn at a more relaxed pace, as there is no need to cram in knowledge and learning materials are accessible at any time, on any device.
Trainers can track engagement and learner progress by analysing metrics provided by digital learning platforms, which helps them to improve their learning and development strategy and spot knowledge gaps on an individual or team level.
Going digital can seem like a major step, and yet it has been proven to be the most effective, with microlearning increasing learning transfer by 17%. It is clear that the growth of edtech is not only making workplace learning easier, but more powerful. Instead, learners can reinforce bite-sized pieces of information over time.
Finding the right blend
Tata Steel Europe, who have recently been awarded the ‘Steelie Award for Excellence in Innovation in Training’ by the worldsteel organisation, have highlighted the crucial role that a blended learning programme has played in their success. Commenting on this transition, they said:
“We knew instinctively that traditional classroom approaches or even modular eLearning were not the answer. But we didn’t actually know what it was, until we found Wranx.”
“The [digital] learning approach is new to Tata Steel and, we believe, unique to the industry. We believe it is future focused and attuned to the needs of a changing workforce demographic.”
– Andrew Barker, Tata Steel Europe
Continual, digital reinforcement is what makes Wranx an effective component of a blended learning programme – without this reinforcement, people can begin losing up to 90% of the information within just a few weeks of learning it. Wranx extends the longevity of classroom training, thereby improving the ROI. So, instead of thinking that future technology will replace existing training, start considering what technology can be used in partnership with it to provide the most value to learners.