Adapting to new ways of Learning!

-Alisha Mani

These are unique and challenging times for all of us. Organizations around the world are having to learn to conduct business remotely. With social distancing now the norm, it is essential to find new and innovative ways to carry on our work, with the least damages involved. This poses new challenges for learning & development professionals, virtual learning is nothing new, organizations have recognized the value of webinars, e- learning courses and other virtual experiences. Nevertheless, there remains a deep and understandable concern that virtual formats may not be sufficient for all learning experiences. We are now looking at how organizations are taking it up in today’s time where it will benefit both the employee as well as the employer. It is essential to develop the efficiency and competency of the employees to achieve the organizational goal.

With the added pressures due to the restrictions, getting your people the necessary training, they need may seem daunting. The fortunate companies have robust Learning and Development (L&D) departments to help with the transition to virtual training. However, many companies do not have that luxury, and L&D departments may not have the bandwidth to respond to every piece of knowledge transfer required. So, the key is to figure out a way to create effective learning experiences. As we do not know how long these restrictions will last, but learning must continue, as this is now considered as the new normal. Engagement is the number one issue when it comes to creating an effective virtual learning experience, and with the new normal now it is essential for organizations to find new and innovative ways to carry on work even if one cannot be together in the same room. Virtual learning is not a new concept; however, it was not as adapted as much earlier, and it is required to look at now. Organizations have long recognized the value of webinars, e-learning courses, and other virtual experiences, as they cut down a lot of cost with respect to accommodation, travel etc. Nevertheless, there remains a concern that virtual formats may not be sufficient for all learning experiences. We understand as to how does one engage workshop participants effectively through virtual platforms and make individuals accountable for their learning. And crucially, how does one maintain the momentum of learning programs that were usually designed to be delivered face to face?

 It is very important not to replicate the so called traditional classroom into online environments, makes no sense if the only aspect to change is the place or area; for instance, in a virtual world, it makes little sense to have learners simply sitting in rows listening passively to the facilitator. 

 New methodologies should be employed to encourage communication and interaction and collective networking. It is essential that we focus more on learners and their needs than in technology itself, and come up with new and innovative ways to engage workshop participation without the need of physical presence, as this is the new NOW

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