Elearning! Magazine: Building Smarter Companies via Learning & Workplace Technologies.
Lastword Have you got 'virtualosity'? ARE YOU MEETING THE NEEDS OF PARTICIPANTS WHO ARE LOCATED
ACROSS A DISPERSED NETWORK, AND KEEPING THEM ENGAGED BY USING NEW AND ENHANCED INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN?
BY DAVID WITT A
s the world becomes more connected by technology, there is a growing expectation that modern professionals are accessible and responsive. Often, this means stretching boundaries and develop- ing new skills to conduct business with people in far-reaching time zones and geographies. One of the basic requirements in today's new connected world is "virtualosity" when it
comes to responsiveness and engagement. Here are seven core skills to help learning professionals jump start their journey to training virtu-
alosity: >> Set the context - Gain buy-in by explaining how the training is aligned with the organization's vision, values and goals. Make it relevant to how it affects each participant's job, set expectations, and be clear on how the training will actually play out.
>> Know your platform - Know your Learning Management System (LMS) and its requirements in advance, and become thoroughly familiar with your platform.
>> Utilize a technical producer - The producer is the logistical and technical expert who ensures that all platform functionalities and voice connections are working properly to support the suc- cess of the session.
>> Use reporting features and analytics - Tracking and analysis tools are vital to measuring progress and results. Measure participants' completion rates, attrition rates and comprehension.
>> Think global - If your audience is located in diverse geographical areas, you will need to consid- er translation capacity, cultural adaptation and localization of your content as well as scheduling global rollout logistics.
>> Keep participants focused - As Dr. Vicki Halsey, author of the new book "Brilliance by Design" recommends, deliver engaging content in easy to remember chunks and consider partici- pants' different learning styles. Keep it interesting, interactive, fast-moving and relevant.
>> Follow up and reinforce training - Provide opportunities for participants to practice new behaviors with peers or mentors before they attempt to use them with direct reports. Allow time for action planning, and send e-mail reminders with assignments that reinforce the use the skills and behaviors learned.
—The author is the lead blogger for "LeaderChat," a weekly blog from The Ken Blanchard Companies that looks at how organizations can create an engaged, motivated and productive workforce through better HR, OD and leadership practices. Read more at www.leaderchat.org.
50 November / December 2011 Government Elearning!