The Evolution Of ILT
Everything must evolve to survive. From wild beasts to training methodologies. But old isn’t synonymous with antiquated. There’s still a case to be made for ILT, especially if you’re willing to integrate learning technologies. Tried and tested instructor-led training paired with an LMS can transform your L&D initiatives. But you must be ready and willing to adapt to modern employees’ needs and expectations to achieve the best outcome. Below are 7 ways that instructor-led online training will change in years to come, and tips to keep up with tech tides.
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1. Less Travel, More Live Events
When your accounting department thinks of ILT, piles of money usually spring to mind. All those travel expenses, accommodations, site rental fees, and payroll hours. This is why the future of instructor-led online training involves much less travel and more live events. An LMS becomes their all-in-one collaboration platform. They’re able to schedule webinars and one-on-one meetings, as well as record events and upload them to an online training library.
2. Instructors Utilize LMS Metrics To Diagnose Performance Pitfalls
Another clue that LMS is not intended to replace instructors but make their lives easier is built-in reporting. Instructors can use LMS metrics to diagnose performance gaps before it’s too late. This applies to on-the-job and ILT performance. Reports reveal personal sticking points that employees must address. But they also help instructors zero in on aspects of their curriculum or strategy that need some work. Maybe their sessions are too long or don’t provide any real-world examples for employees to follow.
3. Follow-Up Support Via An LMS Library
Instructors already carry a lot of weight on their learned shoulders. They must prepare for each event, gather a list of recommended study materials, and gather feedback. In years to come, they’ll use an LMS library to offer follow-up support remotely. Employees can access the JIT repository when they have a question or need to refresh their memory. They can always turn to an instructor for more complex issues. However, an LMS library gives them greater autonomy so they can troubleshoot challenges on their own, at their own pace, and not have to worry about asking a manager or a co-worker (and losing face).
4. Smaller Groups (And Social Learning) To Provide Niche Knowledge
The longer the attendance roll-call, the less time for each trainee. Many organizations take the mass training approach. They host one event every year and pack a room with every employee they can spare, putting a skeleton crew on the sales floor. In the future, ILT will involve smaller groups that provide niche knowledge and give instructors more time to mingle and to work one-on-one with employees to broaden their skills. There will also be more social learning thrown into the mix to facilitate collaboration and team building. For example, group collaboration projects or online forums that foster a sense of training community.
5. Embedded Peer-Based Support
Support shouldn’t fall squarely on the shoulders of instructors and facilitators. Not when there’s so much in-house knowledge to spread around. Instructor-led online training will incorporate peer coaching and mentoring to enrich experiences and reduce costs. Employees can start blogs or post questions on social media pages. They can hold each other accountable and use live chat features to offer real-time advice. Instructors are still on-hand to provide guidance, but they also have more time to focus on other tasks, such as developing a new curriculum or evaluating LMS reports. Who knows, they may even have a little room in their schedules for much-needed R&R.
6. More Opportunities For Hands-On Experience
Talking to employees and telling them what/what not to do is one thing. However, it won’t help them apply what they’ve learned in the workplace. ILT and LMS facilitate real-world experience and application. Employees have the power to test out new skills and learn from mistakes, instead of making them on the job and losing valued customers or racking up compliance penalties. The future of ILT holds simulations, scenarios, and serious games, which are all training tools that impart practical knowledge whilst reducing seat time. You can also expect to see more virtual apprenticeships that cultivate experience for remote workers.
7. Less Focus On Assessment Scores And Quantitative Know-How
Assessment results used to be the only gauge of success. If a high percentage of employees passed the final exam, instructors did their part. In the not-too-distant future, online ILT will involve more quantitative analysis. Assessment scores will still play a role in the overall evaluation. However, the quality, breadth, and applicability of knowledge will take center stage. It’s not about whether an employee can pass a multiple-choice exam, but if they can use the compliance info to stay safe on the job. Instructors can use LMS data to identify areas for improvement, such as real-world performance results, or see how an employee reacts under pressure and if they’re able to solve problems on the spot. Then, they can customize their ILT strategy based on common sticking points.
Conclusion
ILT will see some drastic changes in years to come. That’s the nature of the L&D industry. We’re always looking for new (and more cost-effective) ways to impart the essentials and fine-tune in-house talent. Blending instructor-led training with an LMS gives you the opportunity to tap into big data, reduce ILT costs, and embed peer-based support. You can also focus more on real-world applications instead of relying solely on assessment scores to gauge proficiency.
Is there an LMS that checks every item on your list, including video conferencing support and robust analytics? Find the best system for your ILT program by using our online directory. Every listing highlights product features, company bios, and other key decision-making info.
How do you know which software will seamlessly blend with your ILT strategy and deliver every item on your must-have list? Download the eBook Instructor-Led Training Tips for SMBs: Get Maximum ROI With The Right LMS for insider tips.
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