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Create a "zoo" of educational services
From 2020 on The educational technology market has seen a proliferation of services and tools for distance, hybrid, and blended learning. This situation has led to the formation of so-called "solution silos"—sets of tools, each addressing a specific need—at large companies and universities. For example, an organization might use one external LMS platform as its primary tool for employee training, a second solution for onboarding, a third for competency assessment, and even develop its own LMS and mobile apps. This approach creates management and integration complexities, which can negatively impact the effectiveness of the educational process. To avoid such problems, it is important to choose universal and integrated solutions that provide a single platform for all training needs. According to Pavel Bezyaev, for effective corporate training, all tools should be combined into a single, understandable ecosystem. This will allow various services to integrate their data. For example, if an employee is training in a dialogue simulator, their results should be automatically transferred to the learning management system (LMS). However, in practice, as Pavel notes, many companies face problems when their "zoos" lack a single authorization. Employees are forced to create separate accounts for each service, which creates inconvenience for both trainees and learning and development (L&D) specialists. According to the speaker, the presence of numerous disparate tools not only complicates the user journey but also hinders effective budget management and increases the opacity of training processes. Creating an integrated system can significantly simplify the work of all process participants and improve corporate training results. Pavel Bezyaev recommends carefully evaluating the set of services used in the company with the goal of solving the maximum number of problems with a minimum number of tools. Before implementing a new service, it is important to consider how it will fit into the existing solution set and how it will interact with other technologies. By eliminating redundant functionality, a company can significantly improve the usability and transparency of the training system. This will not only optimize work processes but also increase the overall effectiveness of the team.
Relying on complex and expensive training "packaging"
Modern corporate training is increasingly turning to gamification, which, according to expert Pavel Bezyaev, may become redundant. In an attempt to increase employee engagement, training specialists sometimes transform standard courses, such as occupational safety, into captivating stories about saving the world from an evil wizard, and corporate values training into exciting space adventures. This fascination can distract from the essence of training and reduce its effectiveness. It is important to find a balance between interactivity and realistic goals to ensure high-quality employee training and development.
Pavel believes that this approach has several drawbacks. First, a focus on games and storytelling often distracts from key aspects of motivation, such as meaning and values. This can lead to participants not recognizing the importance of these elements in the process of interaction and goal achievement. Instead of delving into emotional and meaningful aspects, the emphasis shifts to entertainment elements, which can reduce the overall effectiveness of motivation.
To effectively train people, it is important to first determine the value of this training and its real need. Then, this information should be conveyed to learners. Understanding the value of training motivates adults to take action, and in this case, additional game elements are not required. The speaker is confident that when adults recognize the importance of knowledge, they will take steps to acquire it themselves.
When implementing gamification, companies often strive to create solutions comparable in complexity and cost to products such as Netflix. However, as Pavel Bezyaev notes, training cannot compete with popular TV series and video games due to significantly smaller budgets for educational programs in Russian companies. Investments in the development of a large-scale game with educational content, according to the expert, are impractical. It is more effective to use ready-made solutions and proven mechanics that provide accessible and high-quality training without excessive costs.
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When developing corporate training, it is important not to lose focus on the main goals and objectives. Companies often get caught up in creating flashy and engaging materials, but this can distract from the main focus—training effectiveness. To avoid unnecessary "cheating," it's essential to focus on the content and practical value of the program.
The first step is to clearly define your training objectives. Determine what skills and knowledge employees need to succeed in their jobs. Next, create materials that address the real needs of your audience. Use practical examples and case studies to help participants better understand the material.
It's also important to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of your training. Collect feedback from participants and make adjustments to your programs. This will allow you to adapt training to the changing needs of your business and employees, rather than focusing on formal aspects.
Additionally, implement modern technologies and training methods, such as interactive elements, videos, and online platforms. This will make the training process more interesting and engaging, without detracting from the main goal - employee development.
Finally, strive for a balance between creativity and effectiveness. Remember that the most important thing in corporate training is the result, which is achieved through practical preparation and alignment with business needs.
Design synchronous online training only in the format of lectures and webinars
According to Pavel Bezyaev, synchronous online training for many people is simply a "talking head" on a screen, often with the addition of a presentation. However, it should be taken into account that online lectures function differently than in-person classes. Students tend to become distracted more quickly, and the lecturer has significantly less opportunity to influence the attention and engagement of listeners. Effective online training requires new approaches and methods of interaction to maintain student attention and promote their active participation in the learning process.
Online training should be interactive, which implies active interaction between students and the instructor and with each other. To effectively organize this interaction, it is necessary to use specialized methods and digital tools. Interactive learning elements enhance student engagement and improve material retention, making the learning process more effective and engaging. Virtual reality (VR) training can be particularly effective when it comes to practicing behavior in situations that are difficult or dangerous to replicate in real life. Interactive elements in blended or distance learning courses can significantly increase participant engagement. The speaker noted that various quiz and survey services, such as Wooclap, Aha Slides, and "My Voice," are useful for this purpose. The multifunctional online training platform "TrainingSpace" was also mentioned, offering tools for video conferencing, small group work, brainstorming, and role-playing. The use of such technologies allows for a more dynamic and productive learning environment, which is especially relevant in a remote learning environment.
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Adapting practical exercises from an in-person training session for a synchronous online lesson requires a careful approach and consideration of the specifics of distance learning. It is important to maintain interactivity and engagement of participants, which is a key aspect of successful training.
First, it's important to select suitable exercises that can be easily adapted to an online format. Exercises that require group work can be implemented through virtual breakout rooms, where participants can interact with each other.
Use collaboration tools, such as online whiteboards or documents, to allow participants to contribute ideas and suggestions in real time. This will help create a collaborative atmosphere and increase engagement.
It's also important to consider technical aspects. Ensure all participants have access to the necessary technology and know how to use it. Creating clear instructions for using the online learning platform can also significantly streamline the process.
Don't forget about time. Virtual classes can be more tiring, so it's worth reducing the time spent on exercises and incorporating breaks for discussion. This will allow participants to better absorb the material and maintain concentration.
In conclusion, the successful adaptation of practical exercises from in-person training to an online format is possible with the right approach to exercise selection, use of technology, and organization of interaction between participants.
Not focusing on employee support
In the corporate sector, support for learning employees remains underdeveloped. Pavel Bezyaev notes that long-term blended and distance learning programs only became widespread after 2020. While online schools in EdTech are actively implementing and developing student support, in the corporate sector, the role of a mentor in online learning is either absent or performed superficially. This negatively impacts the quality of training and the overall employee experience. To improve the effectiveness of corporate training, it's necessary to implement a more systematic approach to student support, which will help improve outcomes and employee satisfaction.
Pavel noted that many corporate LMS platforms don't offer sufficient tools for student support. Therefore, for longer courses, it's worth considering event platforms designed for organizing conferences and other public events. Such platforms typically offer a variety of features for participant support. For example, Pavel Bezyaev mentioned Event Platform and Talent Rocks, the latter of which has evolved over time into a full-fledged LMS.