Top 5 Modern Training Delivery Trends for Improving Employee Engagement

This year has created a new set of challenges for organizations in just about every industry. Some of the most pressing challenges that have arisen this year involve finding new and more effective ways to continue employee development. More traditional methods such as classroom training are no longer effective. L&D professionals now have to find new modern ways to provide professional development to their organization’s workforce. In this article we will share with you which types of training delivery are the most effective today and what to expect as we move forward into the new year.

Modern Training Delivery Methods That Will take Off in 2021

• Microlearning

The microlearning strategy is an instructional design method that breaks down training content into small bite sized segments that can be completed in minutes. This approach is known to be engaging, makes training more flexible and prevents information overload. Microlearning content is often used to create more personalized learning experiences. Due to its highly focused nature employees can take the courses that are the most relevant to them and their learning journey.

Microlearning also makes training course design and delivery easier. Today businesses are constantly making changes to keep up with current trends and training content often needs to be updated. Microlearning content can be updated quickly and is often less expensive than many other formats.

Microlearning is already a popular approach. However, it is expected to grow even more so now that engaging the remote workforce, personalized learning and regular updates are needed now more than ever.

• Virtual training methods

Covid19 and the restrictions that followed have increased the need for alternatives to more traditional training methods such as instructor led training. It is expected that a large portion of the workforce will continue to work remotely moving into the future. Virtual training methods such as virtual instructor led training and virtual mentorship programs will continue to grow this upcoming year.

• Video Based Learning

Video content has already become an every-day part of life for most making video-based-learning a training format that is both familiar and engaging. Today video content often contains interactive components to help keep learners even more engaged. This format also provides the kind of flexibility modern learners will need moving forward.

Immersive Technology Gaining Momentum

Although immersive technologies are still considered to be in the early stages of design and development they have already made an impact on the training industry. Many industries use AR for technical on the job training. Using AR and visual overlays to help direct them through complex processes.

Healthcare, construction companies and businesses in the retail industry are already using VR for employee training. Walmart successfully implemented a VR training program to teach their customer service teams both soft skills and how to use new technology (1). VR is also used to help train employees how to use tools such as advanced surgical equipment.

The use of augmented reality, virtual reality and now mixed reality is expected to grow. Now that many are working from home immersive technology is a learning solution will allow them to work through complex scenarios without risk.

Mobile Learning Expected to Grow in Popularity

The popularity of mobile learning started to pick up in 2019 and has continued to increase over the past several years. With nearly 90% of the worlds population using mobile devices daily it is no surprise that employees prefer the flexibility of mobile learning experiences (2). Recent studies have found that currently 67% of employees learning are doing so using mobile devices (3). What is even more interesting is that 99% of mobile learners shared they feel that mobile learning enhances their experience.

With the current restrictions, the expansion of the global workforce and the increase of employees who work remotely learning solutions that provide flexibility like mobile learning are only expected to grow rapidly.

Final Note

The training industry has always continuously changed. However, recent events have rapidly increased the rate of change we have experienced in the last year. As business models continue to shift selecting the right methods for designing and delivering effective training has become crucial.

Learn more about more modern learning solutions are watch the webinar replay of Navigating Through the Learning Journey with an Online Only Approach.