Traditional methods of working, holding meetings, and training are changing. When choosing a digital platform to train people, it is critical to understand which platform will be best for specific user groups. There are multiple factors, for example, access to technology, connectivity, access to data, job level, content complexity, and digital literacy to consider.
- Mobile learning entails receiving and completing training via a smartphone. This is aimed at entry-level staff that do not have access to computers. Training mainly focuses on the development of functional skills, transfer of product knowledge, and awareness of operating policies and procedures.
- E-Learning is appropriate to complete training courses and qualification online using a computer. This is ideal for senior staff that are digitally literate to complete complex development programmes and attain qualifications.
- Virtual reality involves full digital immersion. The user is transported to a digitally-simulated workplace experience delivered through a head-mounted display-based device. The aim is to expose all levels of staff to relevant work experiences in simulated real-world environments.
- Augmented reality is a partially digital experience. Digital content is overlaid into the real world, blending digital and real worlds. Content is delivered through head-mounted display-based devices or ordinary smartphones. Digital content is generated in a real-world environment where objects that reside in the real world are enhanced by computer-generated graphics and perceptual information. The objective is to expose all levels of staff to relevant workplace experiences, functional skills, and real-time information, on-site in real environments.
There is no one platform that can deliver all training to all staff under all circumstances. Choose the most suitable digital training platforms based on:
- Target audience
- The complexity of training content
- Users access to technology
- Ease of use (User-friendly)
The relevant digital training platform will significantly reduce training cost, deliver standardised training, and reach all participants anywhere at any time. The question is not whether to digitise or not, it is what platform and content to use for which participants.
Hennie Oosthuizen
M4Jam Executive Mobile Training
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