Whether you are just starting with corporate learning or need improvements in the existing system, think of having these online training modules for employees.
When presenting the perks and benefits of a company, businesses often include training programs for employees to level up their skills. In fact, learning should not be a perk, just like free snacks or coffee. Learning culture is a necessity to grow professionals who will cover business growth processes without constantly recruiting new talents. To have this process structured and smoothly performing, companies should have corporate training modules documented and widely practiced across the departments.
Whether you are just starting with corporate learning or need improvements in the existing system, think of having these online training modules for employees.
What Is a Training Module?
A training module is a structured unit of educational content (like a chapter in a book) designed to teach specific skills or knowledge. These modules are generally part of a larger training program and are delivered through various formats, such as eLearning courses, workshops, or on-the-job training. By breaking down complex topics into manageable chunks, training modules facilitate easier learning and retention.
Key Elements of Training Modules
An ideal training module will have these components:
Course introduction: An overview of a course and modules the learners will find within the program.
Learning objectives: Description of an outcome learners will get by the end of the course.
Course content: Training materials in different formats: text, interactive elements, and multimedia.
Activities and tasks: Synchronous and asynchronous activities and tasks where students will apply their knowledge.
Learning Assessments: Quizzes to evaluate a student's comprehension of the current module.
Summary and Conclusion: Reiteration of training material and objectives as a recap of the program.
References and Additional Material: Materials like recommended readings and case studies to support learning.
Following such structured learning courses with modules, organizations implement skills mapping techniques to further evaluate the results of corporate learning.
Why Are Training Modules Important for Employees?
Online learning, whether initiated by the organization or by an employee, is a way to acquire knowledge and skills without spending valuable time on offline events. Training modules as part of online learning and employee development, provide structured learning journeys with milestones reached.
Boosts Productivity: Well-designed training modules equip employees with the skills and knowledge needed to perform their tasks efficiently.
Develops Employee Skills: Continuous learning opportunities help employees stay updated with industry trends and improve their expertise.
Enhances Collaboration: Training modules can promote cross-functional collaboration by teaching employees how to work effectively in teams and understand different roles within the organization.
Types of Training Modules
Training modules come in various formats, each suited for different learning objectives and environments. Modern learning courses usually include different types of training modules to make the material more engaging and digestible.
Informational eLearning
These modules provide detailed information on a specific topic, often through text, images, and videos. They are ideal for knowledge-based training. This type, though not led by instructors, is an effective way to keep employees on the same page.
Example of Informational eLearning: A course on workplace safety regulations that includes written guidelines, instructional videos, and infographics.
Best suits for:
Onboarding new employees
Compliance training
Product knowledge updates
Interactive Assessments
Interactive assessments involve activities like drag-and-drop exercises, simulations, and branching scenarios to test the learner's understanding in a practical context.
Example of Interactive Assessments: A sales training module that uses simulations to navigate customer interactions and decision-making processes.
Best suits for:
Sales and customer service training
Technical skill assessments
Certification programs
Video Lectures and Screencasts
Video lectures and screencasts are excellent for demonstrating processes or explaining complex concepts. They provide a visual and auditory learning experience.
Example of Video Lectures and Screencasts: A software training module that includes screencasts demonstrating how to use specific features and functions.
Best suits for:
Software and IT training
Process demonstrations
Expert-led courses
FAQ Interactions
FAQ interactions address common questions and concerns, providing quick and accessible answers to learners' queries. This type of training module is mainly integrated into a more complex training course.
Example of FAQ Interactions: An HR training module that includes a searchable FAQ section on company policies and procedures.
Best suits for:
HR policy training
Customer support training
Product information modules
Quizzes
Quizzes help reinforce learning by testing the knowledge acquired during the module. They can be used at the end of each section or module to ensure comprehension.
Example of Quizzes: A compliance training module with end-of-chapter quizzes to assess understanding of legal regulations.
Best suits for:
Compliance and regulation training
Knowledge checks in eLearning courses
Certification and accreditation programs
Role-Play Scenarios
Role-play scenarios simulate real-life situations, allowing learners to practice skills and decision-making in a safe environment. This type is widely practiced in training courses for customer support and sales.
Example of Role-Play Scenarios: A leadership training module that includes role-playing exercises for conflict resolution and team management.
Best suits for:
Leadership and management training
Customer service training
Conflict resolution training
Microlearning Modules
Microlearning modules deliver bite-sized content that can be consumed quickly, making them perfect for busy employees who need to learn on the go. These are mostly short-form videos that are easy to watch (cause we are used to short video format).
Example of Microlearning Modules: A series of 5-minute videos on effective email communication tips.
Best suits for:
On-the-go learning
Just-in-time training
Skill refreshers and updates
Steps to Create Corporate Training Modules
Having effective training modules ensures the organization has effective corporate learning with objectives and a system to measure results. This section is for organizations.
Find the Problem
Identify the skills gap, level of knowledge, or performance issues that the training module will address. This step is crucial for ensuring the training is relevant and targeted. At this stage, you should have similar open-ended questions:
What are the skill gaps?
What knowledge is needed to bridge the skill gap?
What is the current level of knowledge and performance?
What is the expected level of knowledge or performance by the end of the course?
Write a SMART Training Objective
SMART objectives are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Clear objectives guide content development and provide a benchmark for success. For better outcomes, think SMART.
Choose the Right Content Format
Select the format that best suits the training objectives and the learners' needs. Consider a mix of formats to cater to different learning styles. Carry out an A/B testing to understand which format is more acceptable for the team. Moreover, the more diverse and interactive the module the higher the engagement is.
A study by Edison Research shows that 54% of podcast listeners are more likely to consider new products and services they learn about during podcasts, indicating high engagement and retention.
Conduct a Test Run
Before full deployment, conduct a test run of the training module with a small group of employees to gather feedback and identify any issues. This step will ensure you are safe from failures.
Give Feedback and Revisions
Use the feedback from the test run to make necessary revisions. Ensure the content is clear, engaging, and effective.
Assign the Module and Track Progress
Finally, deploy the training module to the relevant employees and use tracking tools to monitor their progress and completion rates. Think of implementing cross-functional collaboration for learning and feedback gathering to make sure corporate learning serves your goals.
What are the Tools and Technologies to Build Training Modules?
To create a highly performing online collaborative learning environment it is important to integrate digital tools and smart solutions.
Learning Management Systems: A Learning Management System (LMS) is a software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, reporting, automation, and delivery of educational courses, training programs, or learning and development programs. Platforms like Moodle and Blackboard offer solutions for creating, delivering, and tracking training modules.
Authoring Tools: Authoring tools are used to create multimedia content for educational purposes. These tools make it easier to design courses that cater to different learning styles and preferences. Software like Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, and Camtasia helps create interactive and multimedia-rich content.
Collaboration Tools: Collaboration tools enhance communication and teamwork by providing platforms where team members can interact, share ideas, and work together seamlessly. Platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Trello facilitate teamwork and communication during the training development process. Here Saima HUB has its very unique role in providing real-time video note-taking, an AI-based video speed controller, and a dedicated workspace for capturing, sharing, and organizing notes and video materials.
Assessment Tools: Assessment tools offer various formats for knowledge assessment, including multiple-choice questions, short answers, and interactive games. Tools like Quizlet and Kahoot! enable the creation of engaging assessments to measure learning outcomes.
How to Measure the Effectiveness of Training Modules?
Measuring the effectiveness of training modules is essential to ensure they meet learning objectives and provide value to the organization:
Pre-and Post-Training Assessments: Compare the results of assessments taken before and after the training to measure knowledge gain.
Feedback Surveys: Collect feedback from participants to understand their learning experience and identify areas for improvement.
Completion Rates: Track how many employees complete the training module to gauge engagement and relevance.
Performance Metrics: Monitor changes in job performance and productivity to assess the impact of the training.
Conclusion
Corporate training may look chaotic, like not structured interpersonal learning or employee training. But these activities are hard to follow and measure. Developing corporate training modules is a strategic investment that enhances employee skills, boosts productivity, and fosters a collaborative work environment. Give your team a nice plan for growth as a professional and they are more likely to invest their potential in your business growth.