How Can L&D Teams Design a Virtual Learning Journey that Delivers Seamless Training Results

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered workplace dynamics, and we now witness the “new normal” of remote operations. In this article, I share strategies that L&D teams can use to design their Virtual Learning journey and deliver seamless training results.

Background

While the percentage of remote learners may change over time, it will clearly be an integral component of the workplace in the future.

The high impact of the trainer-led classroom sessions is difficult to match when the entire audience is working remotely. L&D teams clearly need to have an effective strategy in place to design their Virtual Learning journey that delivers seamless training results.

What Are the Steps that L&D Teams Need to Follow to Design an Effective Virtual Learning Journey That Delivers Seamless Training Results?

1. L&D teams should plan a progressive transition of classroom/ILT sessions to the online mode. This Virtual Learning journey could feature:
   1. ILT to Virtual ILT (VILT). This would map to:
      1. Synchronous connects or live sessions.
      2. Asynchronous connects via online access to VILT recordings and supporting collateral (prep material and hand-outs).
   2. ILT to the Self-paced or Fully Online mode.
   3. ILT to an optimal Blended mode that offers VILT with a Self-paced or Fully Online mode. This would again leverage VILT sessions in synchronous/asynchronous modes.
2. L&D teams must factor for tips and strategies that will create high engagement for the remote learners in each mode.
3. L&D teams should draw up a long-term, sustainable action plan that covers not only the transition but also has crucial measures to ascertain:
   1. The effectiveness of the training in the new mode.
   2. The training impact.
   3. The demonstrable value for learners and business – matching or exceeding what was being met in the classroom/ILT mode.

What Strategies Can L&D Teams Use to Design an Effective Virtual Learning Journey That Delivers Seamless Training Results?

L&D teams can leverage our Learning and Performance Ecosystem to create an immersive Virtual Learning experience and provide a rewarding Virtual Learning journey that delivers seamless training results for remote learners. 

Through the following 6 strategies L&D teams can create immersive Virtual Learning experience:

1. Capture attention about training opportunities – Leverage Newsletters and Teaser Videos to highlight the significance of the initiative.
2. Build awareness around What’s In It For Me (WIIFM) – Highlight what is the value this training will provide to learners.
3. For Formal training, opt for immersive learning strategies like Gamification, AR/VR, Scenario Based Learning, Interactive Story Based Learning, and Branching Scenarios.
4. Augment Formal training with Performance Support Tools (PSTs) or job aids – For knowledge application/assisting the learners at the moment of need.
5. Post the training, reinforce learning to minimize knowledge erosion, challenge workers with complex and advanced learning content, provide practice zones for learners to hone their skills, and have frequent reconnects through curated assets to continue the learning journey.
6. Offer Social or Collaborative Learning opportunities so learners can learn through peer networking and other group forums – both within and outside of the work environment.

Given the “new normal” of remote learning, Virtual Trainings must be the core of an organization’s learning strategy. The Learning and Performance Ecosystem is a great way to work with a bigger picture and successfully achieve your training goals by:

• Creating “sticky” learning experiences.
• Enabling effective application on the job.
• Driving change in thinking and behavioral change.

I hope our unique Learning and Performance Ecosystem provides the right platform to implement strategies for your Virtual Learning journey and deliver seamless training results.

If you have any specific queries, do contact me or leave a comment below.

Read More

1. Free eBook: Virtual Training Guide: How To Future-Proof Your Virtual Training Transformation
2. 24 Virtual Training Best Practices to Follow When Shifting to Remote Learning
3. 5 Amazingly Effective Strategies to Convert Your ILT Program to High-impact Virtual Training
4. 6 Immersive Self-paced Learning Strategies to Maximize the Efficiency of Virtual Training Programs
5. 15 Tips and Strategies to Engage Remote Learners Through High-impact Virtual Training