Software Training With E-Learning: Ways To Create Effective Training Within Available Means

For forward-looking organizations serious about reaping the many benefits of training, e-learning offers numerous advantages when compared to other traditional ways of imparting workforce training like Instructor-led training(ILT) or classroom learning. Among the benefits, efficiency and impact are the most beneficial to organizations as e-learning saves money, time, and energy.

An online learning platform reduces many costs associated with ILT or classroom training, including travel, learning resources, venue and catering. Added to that, is the cost of printing learning content to be distributed in the classroom. With e-learning, learning content can be updated quickly and easily. Learners or instructors do not need to travel, hence cutting down travelling expenses as well.

E-learning also allows learners to pick up speed quickly on new processes which are often a part of all organizations – including new organizational software. Traditional training programs are time consuming and take the employees away from actual work –related deliverables. With Learning Management Systems in place, employees can take up online courses at any time from any location – including at home, during down time at work, or anywhere appropriate. Employees have the ability to participate in online courses from places with an internet connection.

E-learning content can be interactive and learners can access important resources every time they encounter a question or a difficult situation. This is beneficial when conducting a software training as many learners would want to revert back to the training material as and when they have doubts about operating the new software.

Here are 3 ways of creating a software training – with limited budgets and common, available means.

1. Creating a software training with static images and text: For many software trainings, learning content need not be too interactive or in video format. Several features of the software can be demonstrated using static images. Though a video is more immersive, many learners prefer to read the text and can very well understand the features with related images. This is a preferred approach for many software training developers as it provides many benefits. For one, the learning content created with images and text has smaller file size and thus can be disseminated easily – even if learners are using hand-held devices to access the content or have limited or slow internet connections. The content is also easier to update, as and when the software has newer features and functionalities. Finally, the content needs less production time and is ready to impart training even within tight timelines. Commonly available tools like PowerPoint can be utilized to develop simple e-courses like this.
2. Creating software training with form-based development tools: Form-based tools can also be utilized to create software training within limited means. With available forms within development tools, all you do is add your content to the form. This can be just text or you can even jazz up your content with the addition of narration, images, or video. Once the content is all in place, just go ahead and publish. If you choose the text only approach, it is the most straightforward and fastest option. Screenshots or images from the software can be added to highlight the important aspects of the software. Audio narration can also be added to explain in detail some of the features that will be utilized the most. Short videos can also be created and added to insert the immersive value of video-based training.
3. Creating software training with available templates: Apart from forms based tools, other templates are also readily available with most development tools – even PowerPoint. Chunking the content into logical sections can be a useful way of utilizing these templates and working with what you have. Learning content can be made interactive with available tools – like inserting effects like fading, click to reveal, drag and drop or even sound effects to make the training more impactful.

Benefits of online learning are plentiful. The one benefit that attracts all organizations is that E-learning helps them attain ROI. With software implementations, there are reasonable investments in terms of buying software licenses and making needed hardware available. Technology-aided software training provides higher quality, more effective training experience for employees, all at an affordable cost. This makes sure that the software is utilized more and utilized better to project higher working standards that the organization aspires for.

Source and suggested further reading: Nine ways to build your next online software training