Six ways e-learning can help enhance performance of employees

It is often said that the process of learning has no end, since knowledge is infinite. Yet many of us tend to become complacent about our knowledge and skills after acquiring a job. No wonder then that there is so much investment by successful corporate houses in training and development of their manpower to constantly assist and motivate their staff to continue the life-long process of learning. 

This is where comprehensive e-learning methodologies come in. They help organisations ensure that their staff is on top of the skills they need, as per market trends. Corporates are now adopting technical and custom-made e-learning facilities that act as a learning reinforcement and alsonimprove learning effectiveness.

Here’s a more concise look at six specific ways in which e-learning adds value to employee training, upskilling and management.

Cloud reaches everywhere

Uploading the learning module on cloud servers ensures that it can be shared digitally with every member of the organisation. Regular updates, comments and feedback can be gathered, stored and disseminated on the spot as well. Employees can carry out the learning process simultaneously with the job, thereby not hampering the workflow. Cloud-based learning platforms are also useful for employees who are on a leave yet want to remain abreast of the latest developments in the industry.

Customised e-learning

With e-learning, it is very easy to customise the modules according to the need of an individual. The learning process can be paced in a way that every member can compare her/his progress with the ideal time taken to understand a concept. Post classroom training, learners can still access online courses and specific job-aid videos to add more precision to their work.

For perfect sales pitch

E-learning modules are highly effective with sales personnel. Online courses on product training can act as good refreshers, and help describe the product better in a more cohesive and detailed manner to the buyers. Updated information regarding the competitor’s strategies in a certain domain can be quickly communicated to the sellers, who can then modify their pitch accordingly.

Quizzes and questions for a quick revision

A few e-learning providers have created their modules in a manner that allows personnel to recall the main pressure points regarding a particular product or process easily. At the click of a button, crisp questions and engaging quizzes comprehensively summarise the module. Such learning alleviates the sense of confidence of an employee regarding the task at hand, and acts as a strong support system.

Virtual study room for discussions

Discussion forums on e-learning platforms are great spots for keen learners to compare their knowledge base, share opinions and views, discuss problems, and have an overall healthy sense of competition. The presence of online leaderboards and top performers bring in the jostle of a competitive, academic atmosphere. Combined with the urgency of being the best at your job, this feature brings out the best in any employee.

SCORM model for systematic learning

The Sharable Content Object Reference Model or SCORM, an e-learning format on which most of the e-learning available in the market today is prepared, ensures that the learner experiences content in a standardised way. It allows content creators to build highly engaging experiences, all the while capturing rich data about every interaction.

An e-learning platform that can create engaging content comprising videos, animation, graphics etc., which motivates the employees to keep learning about their trade can work wonders for the development of a business. It also helps to act as an evaluatory mechanism for the eventual process of promotion or appraisals and facilitates identification of potential executives, managers and directors in the organisation. Corporate e-learning has indeed emerged as a powerful tool for organisations to identify the prospective leaders. 

The writer is CEO CoursePlay, an e-learning solution for organisations.