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Different training resources include:
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Classroom training |
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On-the-job training |
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Mentoring and coaching |
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On-line seminars (e-learning) |
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DVDs and videos |
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Webcasts or webinars |
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Podcasts |
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Books |
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Conferences |
The video, DVD, and now webcast or webinar have progressively entered the scene as additional
learning platforms; either as participatory or self-directed learning programs.
What It Is
The prolification of technology, the decrease in associated costs, and the increased ease of access
to skills development has opened up webcasts as a viable training resource.
Webcasts or web-seminars (sometimes known as webinars) can include interactive components to keep
learners engaged. Polls, group chats, private chats, breakout sessions, questions, microphone use
and testing are all examples that can improve the learners' involvement during an on-line session.
These webcasts or seminars can then be archived on a website, or on DVD, or video, to be
accessed by individuals at a later stage as the need arises.
Webcasts or videos are well placed to provide the following:
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To convey a strategic message.
If not everyone in
an organization has the opportunity to meet the CEO or top leadership in person on
a continual basis, then getting crucial messages across to everyone with the
essential import expressed from the key person in a filmed version is a solid
backstop to use. It is a quick way to get desired communications to go viral in
your organization. |
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To inculcate a culture.
As culture is basically the way things get done around the organization, reinforcing
values or behaviors over a series of webcasts can be a strong tool to use, especially
if the organization has multiple locations. |
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To instruct on standardized procedures.
Observing
a procedure being executed can strengthen the learning process and memory recall as
opposed to just reading about a procedure. The do's and don'ts can be highlighted
and humor can be injected. We often learn best while having fun. |
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To facilitate orientation of new employees.
The
onboarding period into an organization can involve information overload. A well
structured accessible resource that can direct a new employee to specific
information as and when required is invaluable. Through its visual nature, it can
also bring the organization, its processes, procedures, culture, and people to
life. If it is created by using bite-sized segments of information, it can easily
be kept up to date by inserting replacement pieces. Including a "who's who in the
zoo" always has great impact. This option of webcast can be used for employees new
to the organization, business unit, department, or to a new level of
management. |
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To increase product or service knowledge.
Allowing
employees access to the range of products and services available aids them in
becoming familiar with the organization’s offerings, in understanding the part they
play in these overall offerings, and in being able to cross-sell or up-sell where
appropriate. Having the range of products and services also available for customers
to become familiar with aids in the marketing and sales process. |
There are benefits to using webcasts, videos, or DVDs. People can access them across all time zones
from the comfort of their own desks and computers. Availability is 24/7 and it provides a
consistency of message while at the same time creating a common lexicon throughout the
organization. There is mainly a once-off production delivery cost with the need only for updated
pieces when required.
What It's Not
Webcasts, videos or DVDs are not an excuse to avoid personal contact with staff or with
customers. Face-to-face training contact is always more powerful as a means to influence or
persuade, to practice skills, or to engender a sense of "everyone is in it together". Webcasts
cannot ensure skill proficiency as that requires a plan-do-review-adjust-redo cycle that entails
observation and feedback occurring. Webcasts also cannot build a team or truly foster a sense of
belonging. Webcasts can also become dated, so segments need to be edited in or out as required so
as to keep the material relevant.
Webcasts, videos and DVDs are a wonderful extension to an organization's training resources. It allows for creativity, focus, and an
extensive reach. It is well worth exploring as an extra training and communication tool to use
in your organization.
Be sure to also see our Organizational Training Videos.
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