Online training provides an attractive
option for today’s busy employees,
many of whom travel and/or telecom-mute. Among the most compelling benefits
of online training is that it dispels the barriers
of time and place when it comes to “attending class.”
According to Amanda Mead, director of
online programs at Fontbonne University,
online training and education continues to
grow at a rapid pace.
“It’s exploding,” Mead says. “I’ve been in the
business for five years, and each year, I’m
asked for growth predictions. I might predict
5 or 10 percent growth, and the actual growth
after the fact hovers around 25 or 30 percent.” Mead attributes the growth to an amazing amount of technology that’s being developed at a dizzying pace.
“Today’s students want to be engaged,”
Mead says. “Technology is making online
training and education entertaining. In addition, it eliminates travel time and makes
learning more accessible to more people.”
Smart Business asked Mead what companies considering online training programs for
their employees should look for in a provider.
What are some of the most compelling reasons to use online training for employees?
The training goes with the employee.
Employees can access training wherever
they are. They also may be able to access programs that were out of reach otherwise, for
example, they are on the East Coast and
want to access a program that was designed
on the West Coast. Students can participate
very easily in online classes. Also, generally
speaking, online education includes a lot of
active training that can be applied right away.
When evaluating online training programs,
what are some of the first things a company
should consider?
Know what you are getting. This includes
doing research on the accreditation of the
organization supplying the training and
knowing what specialty accreditations are
used within your industry. Always look for
both national and industry-specific accreditation. The program doesn’t have to be but
should be affiliated with some larger body.
Review the training objectives and make sure
they match your needs — beyond the bells
and whistles, the information given has to be
the information your employees need.
How can a company ensure that the
provider’s offerings meet quality standards?
Don’t be afraid to ask about quality standards. All online programs should be utilizing
some type of quality assurance process in the
design and development of their courses.
Look for objectives that are spelled out clearly. A quality assurance program should be in
place for those designing the courses as well
as a system of review for each course. There
also should be internal instructions for the
instructors to ensure they are complying
with the guidelines set forth by the program
provider. In addition, ask to see the set of
standards the provider is working toward.
Ask for documentation on how the provider
designs its programs. Obviously, you want to
get the biggest bang for your buck.
What types of learning activities should be
offered?
Look for differentiated learning activities.
Many lesser training programs will have essentially one mode of learning: read. A
quality program will provide students with
many avenues for learning, including a variety of activities (reading, real-world observations, simulations/case studies, hands-on
practice) and delivery methods (reading,
PowerPoint style presentations, audio/video,
podcasting). When students can start to discuss objectives, put theories in their own language and apply what they’re learning to real-life work experiences, that’s when real learning occurs. In addition, look for interaction
between students and between students and
instructors.
Is online training expensive?
The cost of a quality online training program is similar to that of a quality face-to-face
program. Cheap fly-by-night online programs
exist, just as cheap in-person programs exist.
To ensure that you get what you pay for,
again, look for accredited programs, quality
instructors and a variety of learning activities.
An added bonus with online training is that
there often is more access to the instructor
via e-mail and discussion boards. A lot of
instructors of online programs are in the
‘constant contact’ mindset. Keep in mind that
you will also save dollars — in terms of travel, mileage and time away from the job. There
are a lot of hidden savings.
How can the company gauge the success of
the program?
You can do two things. First, observe.
Watch to see if your employees are integrating the learning right away, either in
specific work situations and/or by talking
to/showing other employees what they’ve
learned, thus ‘extending’ the training.
Second, listen to the employees taking the
training. They will tell you if the instructors
are doing what was promised. Students
generally are not concerned with the class
being ‘easy.’ They really want to learn and
have their education work for them. They’ll
give you accurate feedback. Value their
feedback and, if they are unhappy, shop for
a new training program.
AMANDA MEAD is the director of online programs at Fontbonne University. Reach her at (314) 889-4514 or [email protected].