How To Train Your Team Virtually!
Ever since the pandemic forced businesses around the world to adopt (or speed up their adoption of) remote work strategies, a lot of emphasis has been placed on how much of an improvement it is.
And while it’s true that remote work allows for more flexibility, new management styles, and unique ways to collaborate — the change hasn’t necessarily been an easy one for everyone.
Particularly because of the myriad of new platforms and tools, re-learning how to help your colleagues and employees learn has been a challenge. But it remains as important as ever to ensure that your learning management system is effective for everyone.
If you’ve come here today to read up on ways to train your team remotely, then you’re one of many mindful managers who’s in luck! Today, we have 7 ways to improve your virtual learning experiences!
1. Device compatibility
Just as there are many different types of educational content you may wish to share with your team, there are many different platforms and file formats to choose from.
As you decide what your digital classroom will look like, consider how accessible the content is to people with different devices.
It’s possible that your team is using their own equipment — desktops, laptops, tablets, cellphones (and screens of various sizes). And they may not be using a setup which allows for the type of content you’re offering.
What type of operating system will they need? Will they need headphones for left/right audio? Will they need a camera with a certain resolution? Will they need a device that knows when it’s being rotated, like a cellphone? Will they need a certain amount of processing power?
Make sure they have the tools to train.
2. Language options
If you’re growing your team through remote members, especially internationally, there’s a chance they may have different language abilities.
Your training should be available in as many languages as possible, and absolutely needs to accommodate the language needs of your trainees.
This also includes other forms of communication, such as Text-To-Speech or described audio for those with a visual disability. Or for those with an auditory disability: closed captions or a sign language interpreter.
3. Use feedback
No one gets it perfect right off the bat. Allow your team to provide feedback about the course quality and any suggestions they have for improvements.
Not only should you have a passive way for them to submit feedback, such as a suggestion email or a troubleshooting form, you should also take the initiative to proactively ask them what they think.
A simple survey, or even a quick 5 minute open-ended chat about the training, will give you even more ways to improve your virtual learning!
4. Allow learning 24/7
When working remotely, your team can be in several different time zones.
Make sure your content is always available to the team to learn. Don’t simply hold face-to-face training on a video call when it’s convenient for you — make sure that same video is available for someone with a different schedule than your own.
Another aspect of working from home is that home life can sometimes interfere with your work life. Since most remote workers expect a reasonable amount of flexibility to handle these situations, then you should be sure to offer flexibility for your learning opportunities.
5. Be mindful of culture
With workers from around the world, your team needs to respect more than just each other’s time zones.
You also need to make sure the tone of your content is acceptable to everyone.
Avoid specific cultural references, and consider any gestures or actions that could possibly be misconstrued by someone with a different perspective than yourself.
When in doubt — be as neutral as possible. And when you need to ask (or apologize) — then do so!
6. Regular testing
Just like asking for feedback about someone’s experience with the course, you should be applying a regular testing schedule to make sure your learners are retaining information.
Be sure your system isn’t too strict about grading their performance, and offer regular positive reinforcement. Grade curves should be used to get a sense of whether your curriculum is effective, not to punish poor performers.
Make sure to test frequently after training, too. It’s important to make sure your team recalls important information for the long term (not just long enough to pass your test).
7. Know who needs what
Stay on top of your different trainings/course offerings and know who needs to complete what.
It may be more difficult without having students sit in a classroom with you, where you get to know them more personally. But by charting your team’s studies thoroughly you can ensure no one misses important info or feels left out.
Also consider what type of courses you might choose specifically to help them acclimate to the virtual learning world!
Conclusion
Do you feel you’ve learned a bit more about online learning? Great!
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