The digital age has created a new kind of employee — one that thrives through the use of technology. EDUCAUSE has published several studies that support this notion. This is big news for employers because they must think differently when it comes to training employees that grew up with technology at their fingertips. Take a look at how expectations for on-the-job training have changed thanks to technology.
Virtual Training Is Cost Effective and Expected
Computers have become such a significant part of life that employees expect to be trained in a virtual environment through a Learning Content Management System (LCMS). This allows them to watch videos, read information, and take tests all in one place and at their own pace. In the past, training has always been delivered either in a classroom setting or with hands-on experience. With virtual training, previous training methods can be eliminated or reduced.
Additionally, many employers opt for virtual on-the-job training simply because of the cost savings. There’s no need to hire a trainer, and new employees can work at their own pace to complete their training. The only cost is the initial investment to have an instructional designer make and program the course. This saves employers thousands of dollars each year.
Virtually Training Settings Are Ideal for Young Employees
Not only is virtual training expected by employees, it is one of the best information delivery methods. One of the biggest changes brought about by technology is that young employees think differently than their older counterparts. For instance, instead of memorizing facts, young people now memorize how to find facts. This creates a deeper learning environment where students can focus on more complex subjects instead of trying to memorize the beginner information. Therefore, virtual training is very effective, especially when accompanied by a manual or guide of facts that students can look up at a later time.
It’s also important to note that young people are so used to using technology that more of them are visual learners instead of hands-on learners. This means that, in many cases, there’s less need for a physical classroom or hands-on training because virtual training can do it all, at least for many jobs.
Virtual Training Creates a Higher Standard of Learning for Young Employees
In the past, there were limited ways to assess employee understanding after a training session. This made it difficult for employers to improve their trainers and training material. With an LCMS training course, employers can give assessments, track employee progress, and continue to make courses better for employees.
Additionally, virtual assessments guarantee that new employees understand key concepts before moving forward in the course. This is because an LCMS can require new employees to go back and review material if a high enough score is not achieved during an assessment.
As you can see, virtual training is an effective and expected way to train young employees, and it has changed the way employers must think about training. Of course, this is not the only thing employers must change about their workplace. Young employees have also come to expect a mobile friendly environment, an open and cooperative workplace, and more flexible job descriptions.