Is Virtual Learning the answer?

Einstein said - In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity.

As most people are confined to their homes amidst Covid 19, organizations and learning institutions are facing a key challenge of keeping their employees engaged. L&D departments across the globe are experimenting with digital learning platforms to ensure that the learning requirements of their employees are not compromised.

While digital learning is not a novel concept, low completion rates and limited application of learning are challenges that come with it. Another challenge is the investment and commitment that any technology led platform requires. The effectiveness and the ROI of digital learning in the corporate sector has also remained questionable.

Digital learning requires a fair bit of rehashing in terms of content – making it relevant and on point. The training platform should be learner friendly and appealing to the audience. The infrastructure supporting the program needs to be solid and glitch-free.

Another important aspect is to create an “in person” training atmosphere, which can be achieved by using online tools such as polling and chat, to gather inputs. It is imperative that the trainers solicit response and feedback from the participants during the session and after. Good participant experience is the key to the success of any virtual training program.

Hypothesis suggests that this is the “black swan” moment for L&D and this global exigency will speed up the adoption of tech-enabled learning. While on one hand, capability development cannot be ignored for long, what we achieve of this, is any one’s guess, at the moment.

As Covid 19 is increasingly dominating our headspace and also impacting our day jobs, it is imperative on us to think fresh. One thing is clear – any remote learning which is primitive and of dubious quality will not deliver results. We need to think agile and be willing to adapt -this will be the only way for us to learn and move forward.