Leveraging Technology for Training and Development: Best Practices and Tools

This article is contributed by: BASH SARMIENTO

Photo by Chris Montgomery

As the world gets more digitally connected, companies must invest in their employees' training and development now more than ever. They must equip every staff with the skills and knowledge to adjust to their shifting consumer and industry needs, as well as the growing technological advancements to remain competitive. 

Fortunately, there are numerous ways to leverage technology in businesses to improve their training programs. How we approach workplace development is rapidly changing, from virtual reality to innovative devices. So, in this post, we will explore the importance of employee training, its benefits, and how businesses can leverage technologies when starting or enhancing their existing training and development programs. 

The Importance of Employee Training

Employee training guarantees you support your employees' personal and professional development by providing them with the skills and information necessary to help them excel in their roles. By doing so, you ensure they remain valuable assets to the company and ensure your digital workforce thrives for years to come. 

Furthermore, an efficient structure for training and development can assist you in fostering the skills and talent you already have inside your current workforce, creating a talent pipeline rather than terminating underperforming employees and continuously searching the recruitment pool.

The specific definition of an effective training procedure varies depending on the function and industry. The industry expectation will always determine the program training employees will take, as some will have higher standards for employee skill sets and certification than others.

There are also benefits of employee training and development, such as greater job satisfaction, higher employee retention, increased engagement, and open and transparent company culture. Collectively, these have the potential to naturally empower your team to become brand advocates, bolstering your strategies for promoting the company. 

7 Best Practices and Tools to Leverage Technology in Employee Training

eLearning systems

eLearning systems include simple platforms for delivering courses or all-inclusive Learning Management Systems (LMS) that can host, monitor, and analyze a whole training program. Although a comprehensive learning management system (LMS) offers features like analytics, data tracking, and even AI-powered customized learning pathways, an eLearning platform is more affordable to set up.

Regardless of your chosen option, using an eLearning system simplifies your training process, gives you more flexibility, and results in staff training that is more efficient and interesting.

Cloud-Based Training Resources 

Employees can access cloud-based training materials anywhere and anytime, giving them flexibility. Through this, all the training materials are centralized and instantly updated to keep everyone informed. Some examples of well-known cloud storage providers are Dropbox for Business, Microsoft OneDrive, and Google Workspace. 

Gamification

Gamification is a training system with features like leaderboards, medals, and points to learning to make it more engaging and enjoyable. Using technology, such as LMS and eLearning platforms, you may increase staff retention, motivation, and engagement to the fullest. Gamification can take many forms, from easy games and quizzes to intricate point and reward schemes.

Microlearning Modules

With information overload a real concern and people’s attention spans growing shorter, microlearning offers a solution by breaking instruction into bite-sized modules. These can take the form of short tests, interactive materials, or videos, which instructors can easily create using cutting-edge technology such as AI voice cloning tools. This innovation simplifies the process of generating voiceovers, and ensures that information is delivered to viewers in an engaging way, while reflecting your company’s professionalism. 

Digital Tests and Evaluations

Quizzes and assessments are a fast way to measure comprehension and memory retention. One of the main advantages of technology use is instant response. You receive real-time data that helps you improve your training modules, and your employees don't have to wait for results. Including these tests in your existing LMS or eLearning systems is also possible.

Video Conferencing Tools for Remote Learning

There will be instances when in-person training isn't practical, even if most of your staff work on-site. Enter the tools for video conferences. These services, like Zoom or Google Meet, let you host in-person training sessions to communicate with staff members in real time. 

One of the great things about video conferencing is that it allows for engaging, hands-on learning without requiring physical presence. Aside from its benefits in building an online social community, it saves time and is especially helpful when personnel are dispersed geographically or when there are urgent, last-minute training demands.

Recordings for Later Use

Don't allow worthwhile training sessions to pass you by. You can save those instructional moments for later by using recordings. This is especially advantageous for training modules with long-term significance and consistent methods. These tools let you build a training library that new hires may access or that current workers can use as a refresher course. You can use audio recordings from customer support calls or video recordings from training sessions. 

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, utilizing technology for employee learning and development has become essential in today's fast-paced business world. Employees may learn new skills, keep current on industry trends, and contribute more effectively to their businesses with cutting-edge technologies and platforms. By utilizing technology as a learning enabler, organizations can attain higher success and realize their full potential.