Simple Idea #1: Online Training is About Results

Somewhere in the history of the training profession we forgot that training and learning are about results. We got fuzzy from thinking too much about tracking and ROI, multimedia, games, web 2.0, social media, and other stuff that do not produce results. We became invested in the means and lost sight of the end. We used our energy propagating the stuff that essentially does not matter.

To put it another way, the medium is drowning out the message and the ultimate goal of our training efforts—results.

No one needs to make the case that results are what matter. We all know that it’s our job to transfer knowledge to our trainees. But it’s really easy to lose sight of it when we’re constantly bombarded with new directives and technology.

How do we get re-focused on results? Here are a few ideas:

• Think about the Why before the How
  Let’s focus first on why we’re training (results) before we plan how we’ll deliver the message. We need to persistently, consistently and often stubbornly ask, “What are the results we want learners to learn and apply on the job?” Keep asking this same question every step of the way.

• Introduce New Technology Thoughtfully
  Before you try a new technology, ask yourself, “What in the software supports learning and its context, and how does this produce results?” If you have a good answer, test it for yourself. Then, ask yourself the question again. If you still have a good answer, test it in the wild.

   

• Be a Constant Learner, Experimenter, and Explorer
  Get curious about new learning methods and tools that might offer better results. Experiment with them, learn how other people like you are using them.

   

Ray Jimenez is the Chief Learning Architect and Founder of Vignettes Learning and Vignettes for Training, Inc. He has over twenty years experience in the consulting and training industry. Ray is the author of “3-Minute e-Learning”, “Scenario-Based e-Learning”, “Do-It-Yourself eLearning, “Micro-Learning Impacts Report”, and soon to be released books on “Micro-Learning Worlds” and “Story-Based eLearning Design.” Contact Ray at rayvft@gmail.com or www.vignettestraining.com.

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