Challenges of online learning and how to solve them
Advances in technology, the urgent need to upskill and above all, the transition into hybrid and remote work, has made online learning increasingly popular. Online learning has gone from being a ‘want’ that a few organizations desired, to being a ‘need’ that every enterprise around the world has realized the importance of.
However, as more organizations experiment with different ways of online learning, certain challenges are expected.
Limited interaction
Interactions between learners and faculty is crucial for long-term benefits and strong outcomes from a learning program. These interactions are where ideas flow, issues are resolved collectively, successes are celebrated together, and new friendships and networks are formed. These interactions are often ignored, especially by learning programs that focus only on access to content.
To overcome this challenge, L&D leaders should adapt programs that offer a healthy blend of live learner and faculty interactions along with self-paced learning. Interactions can be in the form of group discussions, virtual icebreakers, break-out rooms and other such activities.
Lack of customization
When it comes to online learning, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’. There is a high probability that even employees in the same role, will have different learning needs. If learning programs are not customized, chances are that employees will find themselves enrolled in a program that don’t meet their specific requirements or match their learning style.
The easiest solution for this is to find programs that include customizable learning paths. Such programs will give employees more autonomy over how and what they learn and will lead to stronger learning outcomes and will benefit the organization as a whole.
Poor motivation in learners
In today’s fast-paced, challenging world of work, employees don’t have the time to consume lengthy, complicated content. Add to it the woes of complex navigation, nonintuitive layouts, lack of engagement and unclear direction, and you have yourself employees that are unmotivated and simply not interested in completing the learning journey.
The solution is simple — focus on engagement instead of access to content. Employees need to feel that the learning program is worth their time. They need to have clarity on what they will get out of the program and every element of the program needs to lead to that outcome.
Learning programs that solve every challenge
Now that we’ve established the challenges with online learning, it’s time for you to find the right solution for your employees and organization. Speak to our expert today and discover a learning experience that meets all your expectations.