Modern, jet-setting learners need online training resources that are easily accessible and mobile-friendly. In this article, I’ll share 8 tips to create online training for your digital nomad workforce.
Digital nomads are always on the go and ready to take on the next adventure. That includes online training pursuits to expand their knowledge and acquire new skills. The trick is that these travelers work remotely and require anywhere, anytime access to online training materials. They also possess specific traits that you must consider when creating their online training experiences. These 8 tips can help you keep up with digital nomads and provide them with the online training resources they need.
1. Make It Responsive
Digital nomads must be able to login to the LMS platform using their device of choice. As such, you should consider a responsive design tool that allows you to deploy multiplatform-friendly online training content. Survey your audience to determine which devices they prefer, then create breakpoints based on your findings. It’s also wise to offer responsive microlearning online training resources so that modern learners can quickly get the information they need, regardless of where they are or their personal knowledge gaps.
2. Provide Self-Paced Online Training Paths
Self-guided online training paths put your corporate learners in control. They get to choose online training activities and modules that align with their goals and needs. Furthermore, it gives them the opportunity to go at their own pace and focus on personal areas for improvement. This may be in the form of a clickable eLearning course map, eLearning course catalog, or even customized training contracts. The key is to empower digital nomads so that they can learn on their own terms. Another must-have is the ever-popular progress bar. However, you can transform it into an immersive map or board game to make it more engaging.
3. Create Downloadable Online Training Resources
There are times when digital nomads are forced to unplug. Perhaps they venture into a no wi-fi zone or must deal with snail-speed connections. That doesn’t mean they have to miss out on valuable online training opportunities. Include downloadable content to avoid tech obstacles, such as PDF guides, eBooks, and videos. Just make sure to provide clear instructions on what’s required to access the online training materials. For example, a PDF viewer or video player app. As a matter of fact, provide links to relevant tools so that they don’t have to go looking for them.
4. Start An L&D Social Media Group
A social media group is great for sharing updates, posting helpful resources, and facilitating peer interactions. You can opt for a closed social media group if corporate learners feel more comfortable discussing the topics in private, or open it up to generate more interest and get public input. For best results, set some ground rules so that everyone knows what to expect and respects the viewpoints of others. In addition, set up an online discussion or corporate eLearning blog where employees can post resource links and online training content they’ve created, or encourage digital nomads to set up their own blogging platforms to share their insights.
5. Incorporate Challenging Online Training Activities Outside Their Comfort Zone
A quintessential trait of digital nomads is that they are always ready for a challenge. They enjoy putting their skills and knowledge to the test. Especially when it involves new topics that will help them achieve their goals or improve their work practices. Encourage them to go beyond their comfort zone, without making them feel uncomfortable or frustrated. This requires a fair bit of learner research, as you must gauge their pre-existing knowledge base and experience level to find the right balance. For example, an online training simulation that requires skills completely out of their scope may be too challenging, but an online training activity that calls for abilities which tie into skills they already possess helps them gradually expand their boundaries.
6. Include Plenty Of Group Collaboration Projects To Facilitate Social Interaction
They may be globe trotters who often fly solo, but digital nomads still need a healthy dose of human interaction in their online training. As such, you may want to include group collaboration projects that allow them to collaborate with fellow digital nomads and benefit from each other’s experience. For instance, troubleshooting tasks that require them to research the topic and then create a collective presentation to explore the various outcomes. Even a lively online discussion can generate ideas and expose corporate learners to different perspectives.
7. Integrate Frequent Online Self-Assessments
Corporate learners must have the chance to evaluate their own skills and knowledge, and track personal progress. Self-assessments enable them to identify strengths and areas for improvement they may need to work on. Then they can use the online training resources to hone their talents. You don’t have to go the traditional route either. In fact, serious games and simulations are highly effective diagnostic tools. These qualitative assessment methods are entertaining and immersive, but they also gauge how well corporate learners can apply what they’ve learned instead of merely how much they know.
8. Record Live Events To Accommodate Different Time Zones
If you’re planning on hosting live events, keep in mind that digital nomads tend to be scattered across the globe, which means that they are in different time zones. Thus, you should record the event for later viewing or schedule several sessions to accommodate everyone. It’s also wise to offer translated versions of the recorded event. In addition, provide supplementary online training resources so that corporate learners can quickly find the information they need. For example, links to online guides or activities that help them explore related skills, or online training courses that allow them to delve into the subject matter at length.
Digital nomads are self-starters who like to embark on online training adventures and have anywhere, anytime access to online training resources. They like to tackle tasks on their own, but still need social interactions from time to time. This article can help you create online training for your geographically dispersed workforce, no matter where they wander.
Are your online learners tech-savvy? Have they honed their IT talents to take full advantage of modern technology? Read the article 7 Tips To Promote Digital Literacy And Tech Skills In eLearning to discover how online training gives you the power to put technical skills into action and promote digital literacy.
About Christopher Pappas
Christopher Pappas is founder of The eLearning Industry’s Network, which is the largest online community of professionals involved in the eLearning Industry. Christopher holds an MBA, and an MEd (Learning Design) from BGSU.
eLearning Blogger | EduTechpreneur | eLearning Analyst | Speaker | Social Media Addict
