Transforming Employee Training for a Digital-First Era
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the way businesses operate, forcing many to adapt to remote work and virtual collaboration. While this has been a necessary adjustment, it has also presented a challenge for employee training and development. With traditional in-person training programs no longer an option, many companies are struggling to keep up with L&D demands. But according to education expert Brandon Jordan, an online-first approach to learning and development could actually provide a better solution for businesses, if done correctly.
Jordan is one of the world’s top online learning designers, having helped transform The Princeton Review into a digital-first education company before helping Trilogy Education become a $750 million online learning giant. He has won numerous awards for his innovative tools and trend-setting approaches to e-learning, including being shortlisted five times as E-Learning Designer of the Year at the Learning Technologies Awards.
As businesses consider the future of employee training and development in a post-pandemic world, Jordan’s insights offer a valuable perspective on the potential benefits of an online-first approach. While many businesses have been forced to adapt to remote work, Jordan suggests that a deliberate and strategic approach to online learning and development could actually provide significant advantages.
For one, online learning offers greater flexibility and accessibility for employees, who can participate in training programs from anywhere with an internet connection. This can help to reduce barriers to entry and increase engagement among employees who may not have been able to participate in traditional in-person training programs.
Additionally, online learning provides greater opportunities for personalized learning and tailored training programs. Through data analytics and other technologies, businesses can better track employee progress and provide targeted training interventions that meet individual employee needs. This can help to optimize training programs and ensure that employees are receiving the support they need to succeed.
Of course, there are challenges to be addressed in adopting an online-first approach to employee training and development. One key challenge is ensuring that the technology and tools used are user-friendly and accessible to all employees, regardless of their technical expertise. Another challenge is maintaining engagement and motivation among employees who may feel disconnected from their colleagues and the workplace culture.
However, Jordan suggests that these challenges can be addressed with the right approach and a commitment to continuous improvement. By working with top online learning designers and educators, businesses can create engaging and effective online training programs that meet the needs of their employees and support their growth and development.
In conclusion, the future of learning and development in the workplace is likely to be increasingly focused on online-first approaches to training and development. By leveraging the expertise of top online learning designers like Brandon Jordan, businesses can develop effective and engaging training programs that support employee growth and development, even in a virtual environment. With the right strategies and tools in place, online learning has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about employee training and development, and help businesses thrive in a rapidly changing world.
