By Austin McKenzie, eLearning Delivery Manager
When it comes to training and development, the COVID-19 outbreak has certainly brought with it a number of challenges.
Face-to-face classroom learning, for example, is not always as easy to facilitate as it was prior to the global pandemic, both in terms of the tasks required to set it up, and the actual delivery of course content.
However, what we have seen instead is the adoption of a truly blended approach using online and virtual tools. Businesses are clearly making use of new technologies and the growth of cloud computing to facilitate more virtual training than ever before.
Where previously companies may have been more cautious about moving to eLearning , they’re now embracing it fully and making the most of the flexibility it offers for workforces operating remotely.
Along with that, more and more businesses are using online Learning Management Systems (LMS) to manage their training activities.
These software systems enable HR managers, for example, to share information, deliver training, track competencies, produce certificates and update learning plans, anywhere in the world, at any time. These systems can also fully integrate with others such as a Single-Sign-On protocol or HR system.
From our offices in Aberdeen, Scotland and Calgary, Canada, we deliver a wide range of eLearning courses to clients globally, and also support our customers in setting up and implementing their LMS.
There are so many great benefits that a LMS can bring, not least the obvious cost and time savings that result from managing everything online.
Learner progress is much easier to track, while keeping content up-to-date and current can become much more straightforward and efficient.
All materials are stored in one location, which means everything is really easy to access wherever people are located, and the fact the content is centralised means that it is consistent and relevant for everyone logging on.
Video, imagery and text all play a part in a LMS, making the learning process more engaging, while greater collaboration amongst teams can be achieved easily and efficiently.
Also many of the industries in which we operate – oil and gas, renewables, manufacturing and transportation, for example – continually have to meet new regulatory compliances. This is also something a LMS can help with, with new standards being added online in a matter of minutes.
However, while eLearning and managing training via a LMS can really improve the way a company supports its team’s professional development, it doesn’t mean that there’s no longer a role for great people too, it allows for more time to be spent doing other important tasks.
We’ve been in business for more than 20 years now, and in that time we’ve seen the way training and learning is delivered change significantly, but what hasn’t changed is the need for skilled and talented people to lead the way.
By combining great leadership and strong management, with new ways of working and modern technology, customers can really reap the benefits of digital change.
One thing we are sure of is that online learning is here to stay.