Here’s why there’s no turning back from computer-based training

This post was originally published by Jenny Boling on lessonly.com.

Let’s take a quick journey together. The year is 2002 and you just accepted a new position at a company that requires two weeks of training before you dive into the good stuff. The date is set, the conference room is booked, and you’ll be traveling to your company’s headquarters and living out of a hotel room for the time being. You have to get this training done and, unfortunately, there isn’t flexibility when it comes to time, date, or location. So get ready and pack your bags, Jack.

Now, welcome back to the present day where computer-based training has been around for a bit. Unfortunately, there are still a number of companies that haven’t embraced this method of employee training just yet. We get it. For organizations that haven’t previously offered computer-based training methods or for those in no rush to do so, this transition can seem a bit daunting. The good news is it doesn’t have to be! You can consider moving to a hybrid approach—a jack of all trades, if you will—where you can continue to offer face-to-face traditional classroom training and add computer-based training for more flexibility and engagement.

5 advantages of computer-based training 

There’s a reason best-in-class companies use computer-based training. It’s because computer-based training provides the freedom to learn new skills or knowledge from virtually anywhere and at any time. Just remember, to be defined as computer-based learning, there must be flexibility and convenience—which is why the platform has evolved into such a popular channel for employee training and distance learning. The advantages of computer-based instruction are plentiful, including:

1. A computer based training method is expandable. While classroom training can only accommodate a limited number of people per session, online training can be delivered to every employee in the organization at the same time.
2. It’s faster. Various types of computer-based training lessons can be set up in real-time to upskill employees and deliver essential knowledge. On the flip side, classroom training requires scheduling and, as mentioned, can only accommodate a fixed number of employees in one session. Online training saves valuable time.
3. Online training can also be customized and targeted. Not only can it be modified for different groups of employees and roles depending on which skills need to be developed, but it can even be personalized for each individual using adaptive learning.
4. It’s always available. Like we said, employees can access training from anywhere and anytime. These days they are mobile-friendly as well, which offers employees the ease and freedom of learning like never before. This is extremely beneficial when employees need a refresher on a certain topic. 
5. Almost all types of computer-based training methods save money. Nowadays, online training software is so user-friendly, that existing training teams can easily create content without needing to hire training or subject-matter consultants. In the long-run, web-based training requires less operational costs compared to classroom training once it has been set up.

If you’re ready to get started…

Now that we’ve highlighted some of the amazing advantages of computer-based training, it’s time to make that move. Here are four key steps to keep in mind when it comes to migrating your in-person training to an online experience. 

1. Extend learning over time for greater retention. One of the major problems with traditional training programs is that they try to cover too much material too quickly, which leads to overwhelmed learners and poor retention. When you move training online, microlearning is the way to go. This means that each training lesson focuses on one topic at a time. This will allow you to ensure employees understand each topic before moving on to the next one. 
2. Make room for flexibility. Remember, the importance of computer-based training rests heavily on making it more accessible for learners. They need to be able to go at their own pace and even revisit content to review something that wasn’t clear the first time.
3. Incorporate interactive learning. Interactive online learning holds the attention of learners. The better someone can pay attention, the more they are going to get out of each session. Some of the best ways to make training programs interactive include graphics, videos, and interactive quizzes. 
4. Give—and get—feedback. First, your online training platform should give feedback to the person participating in the training session. This lets the learner—and their employer—know how they are doing.  Second, there should be a way for the employee to provide feedback to the leaders, too. If there is an issue with the program or something they do not understand, there needs be a way to convey this information.

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With computer-based training software, companies can get insights on training, see results, and find opportunities to bridge the knowledge gap, leading to more informed and confident employees! Want to see what Lessonly’s online training software is all about? Request a demo today!