Whether it’s providing feedback to direct reports or telling the punchline to a joke, success often depends on the delivery. The same is true for training.
Figuring out which delivery method will be most successful for a particular training program is no easy task. Training Top 100 Hall of Fame organization Deloitte LLP developed its “right use guidelines” to inform the experience design process, in which modality selection is driven by outcomes (business and performance objectives and/or desired capabilities); content and the right type of learning experience; and audience needs, preferences, and constraints. (For more information, download the latest Training Top 100 Hall of Fame white paper, “Training Beyond the New Normal,” and listen to the May 7 Training Top 100 Insights virtual event recording featuring five Hall of Fame panelists, including Graham Johnston, leader, Talent Development, Strategy, and Innovation at Deloitte LLP. Our next Top 100 Insights virtual event will focus on onboarding and take place on July 16, so please keep stay tuned for an e-mail to register—it’s free!)
With data from more than 75 million users, the Cornerstone People Research Lab uncovered that the average time spent globally online learning is now three times higher than it was one year ago, just a few months after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cornerstone customers such as Clif Bar and BNP Paribas saw spikes of 198 percent and 235 percent, respectively, in self-directed online training hours.
From March through May 2020, Cornerstone saw a five times spike in online learning, primarily focused on COVID-19-related courses such as those covering remote work, personal health, productivity, and technology. Following the murder of George Floyd, from July through October 2020, Cornerstone witnessed a six times spike in online learning focused on critical Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) topics such as unconscious bias, microaggressions, and working with multicultural teams.
More recently, from November 2020 through January 2021, there has been a renewed surge in learning content for remote work, spanning a mix of topics, from “Agile & Scrum 101” and “Microsoft Teams for Beginners” to “What Is Emotional Intelligence?” and “Effective Writing Modules.” (To learn more, read the latest Cornerstone blog.)
In this June online-only issue sponsored by Adobe and focused on training delivery and tools, we explore getting the best out of virtual learning; creating immersive, scenario-based learning experiences; and utilizing digital learning tools to prepare for the post-pandemic hiring surge. Plus, you’ll find a case study on virtual reality training and see how artificial intelligence can provide personalized help and actionable next steps for training. Training Top 100 Hall of Famer McCarthy Holdings, Inc., shares details about its Exceptional Virtual Experiences During a Time of Pandemic. And three of our 2021 Training Top 100 winners reveal some of their learning and development best practices, including Johns Hopkins Medicine’s Virtual New Hire Training via Zoom.
Speaking of the Training Top 100, the 2022 application is now available, along with the quantitative and qualitative scoring guidelines. Click here to learn more about this awards program that recognizes excellence in employee training and development. A big part of the application revolves around the delivery methods an applicant employs for training—it’s always fascinating to see the innovative things organizations are doing when it comes to training tools and technology. I’ll be presenting a Webinar, “Get the Inside Scoop on the 2022 Training Top 100 Application,” at 3 p.m. Eastern on June 30 with three of our Hall of Fame judges. Click here to register—it’s free! I’m happy to answer any and all questions between now and the application deadline of September 13, 2021. Just call me at 516.524.3504 or e-mail lorri@trainingmag.com.
One additional note related to training tools and delivery, our upcoming TechLearn 2021 Virtual Conference (October 25-29) will focus on helping Learning and Development (L&D) professionals design, deliver, and manage impactful training. That means everyone can attend 130 learning experiences, including practical breakouts, solution demos, Technology Test Kitchen, daily problem-solving sessions, Adobe maker labs, and thought-provoking keynotes. This event will be fully online, but all of the sessions will be LIVE; plus all attendees can listen to the recordings on demand afterward. Click here to register today. We look forward to delivering an engaging, informative, and immersive experience!
