If you have employees who need training and information sooner rather than later, and most organizations do, you might be interested in virtual learning possibilities.
With almost limitless choices and options, virtual learning can serve to meet the educational needs of almost any enterprise. To get more of an idea of what virtual learning is, you might be interested in reading “Get Real with Virtual Learning: It’s the Digital Age in the Workplace.” Employers can use virtual learning tools for a variety of business objectives, ranging from coaching employees to rolling out new benefit plans.
Why are so many businesses exploring or offering virtual learning opportunities in the workplace? Here is one very practical and overriding reason: a trainer’s time and energy is a finite resource. Alternatively, you will find that virtual learning can often serve as a 24/7 kind of infinite resource.
In some cases, a business may need to break up the type of training. For instance, if you’re working toward a teambuilding focus, some results-oriented techniques can be conveyed during a virtual learning session. Then again, you will want to do some things in person, such as when you’re developing those teambuilding relationships that are built on trust.
So virtual learning can help a company save significantly when it comes to those expenses relating to human capital, time and energy costs. Here are just a few scenarios to give you an idea:
- When employees are geographically scattered throughout the organization.
- When workplace topics demand a great deal of attention and you need to ensure that employees have participated and completed the training. For example, (1) ethics training or (2) workplace discrimination prevention and sexual harassment prevention trainings. These types of employee training needs can be handled in a virtual learning situation. Simply sending out information in an e-mail is usually not enough. You will want to ensure that the employees participated and that they were engaged during the session. A virtual learning program can be developed to ensure these objectives are met, and it can also provide for documentation.
- When you are introducing, updating or making alterations to a product. Perhaps you need to inform your sales force of product or service changes. Especially if they’re scattered geographically, you will need to get them this information as soon as possible. This need represents a “just-in-time” virtual learning training opportunity. Obviously, the quicker your sales force has this information, the quicker they can get out there and sell this product or service.
- When you want to branch out and reach your customers. You may want to deliver some important details or information to your customers about services or products.
- When your work groups need to collaborate and they need to use e-tools. Virtual learning provides them with opportunities for sharing applications and virtual tools, and you eliminate the expenses and inconveniences related to traveling, etc.
While virtual learning will not change your organization overnight, I think that most businesses will find that the limitless opportunities and significant cost savings it provides will give them an ongoing competitive edge.
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