5 Methods IT Companies Use To Train Their Employees

Featured article by Caitlyn Bell, Independent Technology Author

As a result of globalization, IT companies must operate from various offices located at different locations around the globe. This is because of the need for better support, more productivity, and better ROI. So is there a way to train employees at different locations at any time? Yes, by using eLearning, when training modules and technology join hands to deliver knowledge at any time and place.

The demand for eLearning training programs is predicted to grow at 13% every year as companies are using newer training methods that not only impart knowledge but make learning fun.

But why is eLearning becoming so popular?

For starters, It is versatile and connects a global audience through desktops and mobile devices. In other words, eLearning has brought training programs into learners’ hands.

Categories of eLearning methods:

There are mainly two types of eLearning, i.e. synchronous and asynchronous.

– Synchronous training – The literal meaning of synchronous is ‘happening in real-time’, thus these training methods are time-dependent with the instructor and participants attending the training session at the same time. All the attendees can interact with each other through chat, audio, or video conferencing. A popular synchronous eLearning method used nowadays is webinars.

Some advantages include:

– Real-time tracking of learning
– Engagement of all attendees 
– Ability to clear doubts in real-time

Asynchronous training – Asynchronous means ‘not at the same time’. These training sessions allow the user to learn at his own pace, without any live interaction with the instructor. The training material can be accessed anytime offering the information whenever needed.

Some advantages include: 

– Flexibility to access information
– One time effort to produce content

Let’s have a look at different eLearning methods used by IT companies:

– Game-Based Training – Is practical learning better than theoretical learning? Yes, and companies have found just the right method to do it. Games are always considered to be fun. When gamification is added to the training, it not only creates a fun learning environment but also helps the learners to utilize the acquired skills in a practical scenario. One of the best ways to learn is while playing, isn’t it?

– Training Computers – This method was widely used before massive adaption of the internet. The training material was accessed offline through specified computers where the learners could learn at their own pace, giving real-time insight into training progress and training scores. The training material also can incorporate various multimedia elements for better learner engagement.

– Video-Based Training – Engaging videos are used to motivate learners. The idea is to use videos with more imagery to grasp the attention of the learner, which can be accessed round the clock. It is a proven fact that we learn and remember more by seeing than reading. Thus interactive videos are a great way of creating engaging content for a positive learning experience.

– Web-Based Training – Such training modules are accessed through web browsers or Intranet, providing the employees with the flexibility to learn at their own pace, at the desired time. This gives them the advantage to learn at their desks as there is no need to travel to training centres.

– Webinar – A webinar is a web-based training session connected over video conferencing to deliver knowledge to a large number of people. It is not just limited to a one-sided conversation, as people can interact and share documents over a webinar.

– Mobile Training – The next big breakthrough in eLearning is the use of mobile devices for training purposes. Mobile devices empower the employees to view the training material anywhere, anytime, and all that information is in their ‘hands’. The best advantage it offers is to sales representatives where they can go through the training material again before meeting the customers.

Final Thoughts 

Above mentioned are a few types of eLearning methods used by the IT companies to make training fun and interactive. There is no doubt in the fact that eLearning methods are more dynamic and efficient than regular classroom training. Want to make your eLearning more effective and accessible? Try using an LMS for Microsoft Office, it will give people access to all the updated documents and any updates will not get lost in email threads.