Virtual training programs for employees are an effective alternative to professional development courses that require taking a break from work. There are many business software options that can be used to teach workers new skills and competencies.
In addition to virtual classes and certified courses on major platforms such as Coursera and LinkedIn, company management can create their own training programs. For example, these can be leadership coaching programs for high-potential employees.
Types of Online Learning Platforms
Depending on the specifics of the training program that company leaders intend to use, software options may include:
- Collaborative learning programs. The most common are LMSs such as Microsoft Teams, EdApp, ProProfs, AcademyOcean, and Coassemble;
- Digital tools for creating professional eLearning courses. These are AdaptiveU, isEazy, Wistia, Qstream, aNewSpring, Raptivity, domiKnow;
- Platforms for video conferencing where employees can learn under the guidance of a coach or instructor. The most popular programs are Zoom, WebEx, Skype, TrueConf Server, MyOwnConference, ooVoo;
- Online systems for comprehensive training. These are solutions such as Degreed;
- Specialized platforms for certificate courses and short online lessons. Examples are Udemy, Coursera, LinkedIn, SkillShare, EDX, Mooc, Udacity, and Docebo.
The most solid and feature-rich version of such software is the Learning management system (LMS). This is a web-based application that HR professionals can use to create courses and connect employees to them.
Also, these digital tools often contain a constructor for creating interactive tests. Thus, after completing an entire course or a single module, employees are immediately assessed on their knowledge.
How to Choose a Platform for Online Learning
There is no one-size-fits-all digital tool that has the functionality to meet the needs of any learning format. A virtual training platform for workers should be easy to use. Easy setup and an intuitive interface are both essential criteria.
To select a software or web application, you need to analyze factors such as:
- The purpose of creating the course. It is critical to determine criteria such as the duration of the course, how often employees should participate in it, which team members the course is created for;
- The desired format of the course. In order to make learning interesting for workers, such elements as interactive quizzes, audio, and video lessons, discussion groups, or even games can be used;
- Learning method. Employees can be trained using methods such as self-study followed by testing, training with an instructor or mentor, and hands-on exercises;
- The feature of its integration into the work environment. This feature is necessary for reporting on employee training and analyzing the effectiveness of internal training programs that the company uses;
- Additional educational content. If a company pays its employees to participate in off-the-shelf training programs, it may be worth paying attention to supplemental training materials. Many major online training platforms offer libraries of educational materials and courses on leadership development and other business-relevant competencies, knowledge, and skills;
- Additional features. Many online learning platforms offer convenient tools for training programs, such as people skills and knowledge assessment modules and special portals where team members can track their own progress.
It is essential that even theoretical courses contain information that is of practical relevance to the goals or mission of the company. Any theoretical content in training programs should be useful for gaining practical skills.
Also, when choosing a platform, affordability is essential. Some platforms are completely free to users, while others require a significant financial investment. But the good news for the company owner is that there will be benefits in both cases.
In the first case, there will be no need to spend money on employee training at all. And in the second case, the investment in employee training will pay off completely. This is possible because the skills and knowledge that people acquire as a result of continuous training increase the productivity of their work.
Digital Tools for Professional Development
If we are speaking about the internal system of training for employees of the company, an online platform for improving skills should contain everything necessary for this. These are a builder for creating courses, a system for assessing knowledge, and a library of additional training materials.
Popular software for skills upgrading:
- EdApp. A free web-based application that can support an unlimited number of users. An editable content library is also available to users;
- Degreed. This is an educational startup that offers a large number of features for corporate clients. The online platform provides users with a content recommendation system, as well as the option to certify employees’ skills and abilities. The cost of training ranges from $10 to $12 per user;
- Moodle. This is a completely free, open-source employee learning management system. It can be used for both business training and the professional development of employees. It provides a large set of tools that allow you to customize the course program to meet the needs of each individual being taught. The instructor or coach can track the learning progress of each employee.
Such software is an indispensable component of a successful employee training system.
Conclusion
A virtual educational platform is a digital tool or a set of tools. With its help, company employees can get training materials, as well as take practical classes under the guidance of an instructor, trainer, or coach.
With the help of such training software, company workers can learn new professions, acquire the necessary skills for business activities, as well as improve their competencies.
Such software can be divided into two types: online platforms with ready-made courses and web-based applications for training management. In the first case, these are ready-made courses that the company pays for its employees. In the second case, it is software with which you can create internal training programs.
