In a previous post, I introduced the concept of learning in the flow of work and how it’s usually more effective than traditional “one and done” training techniques. This week I’m going to talk about the first four elements of every successful Learning in the Flow of Work program. Let’s get to it!
The elements I’ll be covering in this post are:
- Mobile-first software application
- Video-heavy instruction
- Microlearning design
- Interactive activities
1. Mobile-first software application
Let’s be real – most employees have mobile devices with them every waking second of the day. Meet the people where they are! Designing training to be accessible and functional on mobile devices is the way to go if we want to encourage learning in the flow of work. They’re great for delivering both text, graphic, video, and audio content exactly at the time of need. A successful learning in the flow of work program takes advantage of the magical and revolutionary devices in our pockets.
2. Video-heavy instruction
Yes, reading is fundamental. But video watching is even better when it comes to learning in the flow of work. It’s engaging, relatable, and a format with which almost everyone is very comfortable. Video learning content is great for showing examples of desired behaviors, teaching hands-on skills, and even personalize your employee’s learning experiences. Whether it’s live-action or animated, video content is an efficient and memorable way to get information to your learning audience.
3. Microlearning design
Your employee has a few minutes in between customers or right before lunch. Imagine they can whip out their phone and consume effective training specific to the situation they’re dealing with right on the factory floor. It’s quick and simple to access and gives them exactly what they need. Your learning in the flow of work content should take advantage of those little moments! Employees shouldn’t be endlessly scrolling to get the information they need. The best learning in the flow of work programs are chock full of bite-sized, well-organized, and personalized content, designed for their specific job role’s needs.
4. Interactive activities
No one remembers much if they’re just being talked at. The key is to get learner brains engaged and make learning more of a give and take situation. Real-life scenarios with questions, images with tappable hot spots, and videos that post questions can be very effective when learning in the flow of work. The key is to keep things varied and think about very specific questions, goals, and information your employees will want and need throughout their day. Gamification also keeps things exciting! When an employee sees their “score” go up as they achieve certain milestones or answer enough questions, that interactivity can do a lot to keep them engaged.
Summary
Learning in the flow of work can decrease the gap between learning and doing as well as decrease the time needed to “train” away from the job. There are many elements essential to a successful Learning in the Flow of work program, but in this post, we tackled the first four. Content should be designed as mobile-first, to meet the learners where they are – on their phones! Video-heavy instruction is effective, engaging, and efficient. When making learning in the flow of work, everything needs to be bite-sized. Learners will not want to be on their phone learning for more than a few minutes at a time so catch their attention, serve up some knowledge, and let them move on with their workday. Finally, interactive content is the best content. Gamification and scenarios are great ways to keep your employees’ eyes on the learning prize.
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