In a recent OpenSesame survey, 55% of respondents cited building a culture of learning as their biggest L&D issue while 45% were most challenged with meeting the needs of a diverse workforce. In this month’s ATD Watch & Learn Webcast, our very own Brittany McClain discussed why content selection is your best weapon when facing these challenges and shared tips and tricks on how to increase consumption of learning content.
As L&D professionals, you strive to achieve a measurable organizational goal while simultaneously creating a positive experience for your learners. McClain emphasized that the relatability of learning content to a learner enables you to achieve both of these goals at the same time. Think about each learner and what motivates them; if the training is not relatable to them, their engagement will be low. For example, will learners outside of the United States relate to a course designed for American learners? Are there references to current events or laws being described in a course that don’t apply to everyone taking the course, or are simply outdated?
Content that is easy to find and consume results in a better learner experience and more positive, measurable outcomes, according to McClain. If field workers need to take safety courses, choose content that is mobile friendly. What are other system requirements do you need to consider for learners who don’t work in the office? What about employees who speak different languages or have a disability? Walk in the shoes of learners as often as possible to maximize results and prevent breakdowns.
Tips and Tricks
Here are McClain’s top four tips for choosing, communicating, and delivering content:
Search through a lens: While looking for new content, always ask yourself if it supports the one specific business goal of your L&D program. Print out the goals and competencies and start with one course at a time. Many courses can be weeded out simply by going by this rule.
Apples to apples comparison: Start with one course, then find two new course providers who provide courses on the same topic. Compare them to one another and also to what is currently offered. Compare authors presenting the same topic if possible to make the most well-rounded selection for your learners.
Think like a marketer: Learners need to be asked and encouraged to take courses in a way that makes them excited and engaged. Facilitate user testing ahead of time and watch how easy or difficult it is for them to use the learning platform in the way it is intended. Test as many aspects of a platform as possible including internal communication and explanations.
Review and refresh: Schedule regular reviews of your content. Take a small batch of content and set review once a month throughout the year to not be overwhelmed.
Preparation = success
You should strive to link content selection to a well prepared and strategic plan set by your organization. As often as possible, stop and look at your training content from the viewpoint of your learners in regards to location, language, job role and how the learner will relate to the content provided and their user experience. With relevant, consistently reviewed and easily delivered content, you will ensure an increase in elearning consumption and success of your L&D programs.
As learning professionals, we know that the delivery, variety, and quality of content determines how engaged your learners are with training. Let us help you get started in knowing if your training content is effective in two easy steps:
- Assess your current content by taking this quick three-minute self-assessment. Based on your results, you’ll receive video tips on how to improve your content and stay up-to-date on the latest training industry trends.
- Download this ebook with easy checklists to assess how you are doing today.
To learn more of McClain’s top tips for content selection, watch the webinar recording here.