As employers you provide the training or learning material to your employees. However, how they wish to absorb and retain that information is down to them.
Although, you can guide and direct them through the eLearning instructions everybody learns differently and therefore, their approaches may vary. It’s important to recognise this so, that the presentation of the learning caters to all needs as much as possible.
However, there’s steps that an employee can take to ensure they get the most out of their eLearning. We wanted to share from our experiences some of these steps so, that you can share them with your company.
So, let’s get started…
Set clear expectations
It’s essential that as an employee doing any learning or training that you understand the aims and objectives of the course, you’re participating in.
The difference with eLearning is there is normally more flexibility when it comes to completion. It gives you the option to tackle each aspect at a suitable time. However, this does not mean just ignore it, or start it then leave it a long time till you revisit it to complete.
Set yourself goals and expectations to reach that have time limits applied. We recommend keeping SMART objectives in mind when doing this as leaving a course for too long could lead to losing memory on the topic when you pick it back up.
Check all technical requirements
Before you start any kind of eLearning you must find out whether you have everything you need to be able to complete the course successfully.
For example, if there’s voiceover and you’re in a busy environment, then make sure your device has support for headphones and you have them ready to use to fully immerse yourself in the training material.
Check with your line manager or potentially the course owner/organiser to ensure you have everything and if you find you haven’t, request it. Don’t start the course until you have everything!
Get organised
A course may run over a longer period of time or is simply just more time consuming than the advised duration. In these circumstances it might be best to create a study plan, something that helps you meet personal deadlines and how to fit them around your work commitments.
Work out times where the training would fit in considering any breaks or work commitments. This mean you aren’t cramming and will increase the effectiveness of the course.
Participate in online discussions
Learning doesn’t need to be an individual experience, including others can sometimes help. Although, you must answer knowledge tests and quizzes by yourself, it’s beneficial to discuss topics where you might get stuck on and need some support.
Two heads are better than one so, having more involved should mean more opportunity for success.
Just remember how to seek help and ask someone for support, whether it be your manager or colleague. If you skip through a topic, you don’t understand then you won’t be getting the most out it at the end.
Repeat topics and make notes throughout
Normally eLearning will break a course into bitesize modules to ensure you aren’t overloaded with information, however, there could still be complex topics or information that you’ll need to be more mindful of.
This is when notetaking comes in handy. If you think you’ll not likely remember a topic or certain piece of information, then write it down. It’ll be useful not only for the quiz but, for future reference whilst working.
Remember that you can also repeat topics or slides which are more difficult to take in. You may wish to run through a section then go and re-listen or read back over the content, doing this ensures you get a second chance at digesting the information.
Ensure you have a stable, reliable internet connection
Unlike classroom training eLearning requires the internet so, whether it be you’re in the workplace or at home check that you have sufficient connection for it. With intermittent connections you can expect delays, interruptions, and problems tracking progress. You can learn on the go but with larger eLearning courses we always advise ensuring you have a strong connection.
There are many benefits to eLearning; the flexibility, more engaging, helps information retention and allows ease for the learner.
Read more of our blogs here!
