eLearning is a powerful resource for any business. If used correctly, it can cut down on training expenses and allow trainees and trainers to work more efficiently.
There are so many options out there that it can become overwhelming. Many businesses use multiple applications for different purposes, but problems can arise when platforms aren’t compatible or when they become overly complicated.
A Brandon Hall study found that eLearning requires 40% to 60% less employee time compared to traditional learning methods using the same material. The Research Institute of America provided further evidence of eLearning’s benefits by reporting that online training increased retention rates to between 25% and 60%. Traditional in-person training only saw rates of 8% to 10%.
IBM reported that participants using eLearning could cover nearly 5 times more material without spending more time in training.
It’s easy to see how this could help a business keep its training budget low while cultivating a strong, knowledgeable workforce.
However, this only works if you choose the right combination of eLearning tools and know how to use them effectively. Even if you already have online training available, it may not be performing as well as it should. If you notice any of the following, then it may be time to re-evaluate your ed tech choices.
Tech Doesn’t Give Solutions to Productivity Problems
Many LMS platforms and apps can help you identify productivity problems. However, the really good ones will also provide solutions. If you find yourself manually adjusting to improve results, then the tech may not be doing what you need it to do.
This is a good time to check out other solutions that offer a more complete set of features for your business.
You Have No Idea Why You’re Using the Tech
You should know why you are using the technology. A part of teaching trainees to use the tech should involve explaining what it does and why it is beneficial. If you can’t do that, then it is probably time to take a closer look at why it is there in the first place.
Some businesses get too focused on having the latest apps and software in their training programs. Just because something works for one company doesn’t mean it’s a good choice for all companies. One organization may have specific needs that another does not.
Make sure that the eLearning tech you use is a good fit for your business before you implement it. Involving too many apps can slow down the learning process.
Setting Time Limits for Tasks Becomes Difficult
Time management is essential to being a good employee. And that should start from the first day of training.
The tech your training classes use should not make time management a burden. Instead, it should help trainees become better at scheduling tasks and commitments. If using apps is becoming too time consuming, this will lower productivity and make your training less effective.
The goal of ed tech is to streamline the learning process, not bog it down with unnecessary tasks or information overload.
Constant Automatic Reminders Interrupt Workflow
Automatic reminders can be very helpful. However, they can get out of hand. Too many reminders will disrupt workflow. Instead of accomplishing tasks and reaching goals, employees end up spending time reading reminders.
When a trainee gets a reminder, they have to stop what they are doing and see what that reminder says. This may involve opening an app or logging into a system they are not currently using – which can take up more time.
The LMS and apps you use should only provide reminders for important things that are relevant to what the trainee needs each day or week. These should be issued at appropriate times. For example, a reminder about an upcoming class is ok. However, repeated reminders that are sent for an assignment that isn’t due for over a week may become an annoyance.
Make sure that reminders are issued at the right time and in a frequency that makes sense without slowing trainees down. The tech you use should allow you to change reminder settings so that you have complete control over what is sent and when it goes out.
Tech Makes You Do Too Much at Once
Some people are better at multi-tasking than others. The problem is that trying to do too much at once can lead to problems. It can slow down productivity and increase the risk of errors.
If the technology you use is encouraging too much multi-tasking, it could be hurting your training classes. Learners should be encouraged to focus on one task to get the most out of it. This approach will allow them to complete lessons and assignments quicker and get more out of the experience.
If some tasks aren’t as important as others, look for eLearning tools that offer automation. This can lessen the workload and free up more time and brain space for learning. Ed tech should work with your trainees to make the process easier, not throw obstacles at them by adding more tasks.
No Training is Provided for One or More Tech Tools
Employees should be fully trained on the technology they are expected to use in training. If they are going to get the most out of it, then they have to know how to use it. This should be included as an early part of the training process.
You shouldn’t assume that every employee is coming into a class with the same level of experience with your ed tech – especially if these are apps that they don’t normally use on the job.
Trainees who know how to navigate the system will be far more productive and require less guidance. Otherwise, they may waste time trying to figure out how to access material or complete an assignment.
Features Overlap or Don’t Integrate Well
You shouldn’t need multiple apps to handle the same tasks. This can become confusing, especially if systems do not speak to each other. Many businesses find that having one centralized learning management system that handles all or most of the workload is ideal.
Having one platform centralizes everything and ensures that all data is recorded without requiring extra steps. This gives you the best results when generating reports. It also makes it easy to know where to go when you need to do just about anything. Instead of jumping from one app to another, you can log into one system.
If you prefer to use other third-party apps along with your LMS, you can do so and still work efficiently. Look for products that integrate. This will help create a seamless system that is convenient and always has access to the most recent data.
The right technology will streamline the learning process. It will make the workday easier for your trainers and trainees and will lower training costs. If you need to find solutions, start with LMS.org. We provide in-depth LMS reviews to help you find a platform that will get the results you want for your training program.
