Training Industry Magazine - January/February 2021 - 3

KEN TAYLOR

FROM THE
EDITOR

THE RISE OF VIRTUAL LEARNING

Technology continues to change the
ways we live, work and learn. In 2020,
the push to virtual work and learning
became necessary to conduct business.
In-person training will make a comeback
when the time is right, but virtual
learning is here to stay. Therefore,
organizations must continue to create
high-quality learning experiences for
their employees regardless of where
they are located.

IN-PERSON
TRAINING WILL
MAKE A COMEBACK
WHEN THE TIME IS
RIGHT, BUT VIRTUAL
LEARNING IS HERE
TO STAY.

As we enter 2021 with new goals and
ideas for transforming learning in our
organizations, it's important to consider
how technology can be leveraged
moving forward. Sure, learning leaders
were able to get critical programs
converted to a delivery method that
allowed programs to continue in 2020,
but did they make the optimal choice?
This issue of Training Industry
Magazine examines considerations
for designing and delivering virtual
learning solutions - from managing
sensory overload to measuring the
impact of virtual training to humanizing
the virtual learning experience. In
technology-driven learning, we must
be intentional when crafting virtual
learning experiences to mitigate
employee burnout and fatigue - as
well as generate genuine interest
and engagement.
Converting in-person training to a virtual
format is more than transferring content
to a PowerPoint presentation. It's much

more complicated than that. We must
first determine the behavior change
and outcomes we hope to achieve
through training. After establishing
those key performance indicators,
we can condense the content into
engaging and digestible formats that
provide the right amount information at
the right time.
Rethinking virtual learning solutions
to consider learning in the flow of
work enables employees to consume
information without taking them off
the job. They can source content as
they need it and practice what they've
learned in safe virtual environments,
such as simulations, virtual labs and
even video recording their practice
sessions for feedback.
This shift to virtual will substantially
reduce costs in travel and time. These
savings create an opportunity for the
learning and development function
to reinvest in and enhance existing
programs. The great news is that we
have all had some experience with newly
converted programs and can identify
opportunities to improve the experience
and hopefully increase the impact.
As always, we love to hear your
thoughts on the perspectives shared
in this edition. Feel free to send any
suggestions for us to consider.
Ken Taylor is the president and editor in
chief of Training Industry, Inc. Email Ken.

T R A I N I N G I N DUSTR Y MAGAZ INE - VIRTUAL LEARNING I W WW. T RAI NINGINDU S T RY . C OM/ MAGAZ I NE

https://www.trainingindustry.com/magazine

Training Industry Magazine - January/February 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Training Industry Magazine - January/February 2021