Who benefits from leveraging technology in training?

Technology has allowed organizations to deliver learning in more engaging, efficient and effective ways that don’t sacrifice design or content. Everyone can benefit from leveraging technology in their training and learning environments.

Thanks to on-the-go delivery options and improved design, the overall learning experience for learners today is easier and more efficient.

So what technology could you be leveraging right now that you aren’t currently? Let’s explore.

5 Types of technology to leverage right now

1. Apps

The average adult checks their phone 150 times a day. You’d think checking your phone that many times a day would become a distraction, but 94% of smartphone users say they are more efficient, because of them. So it’s no surprise that companies are developing apps to support their workforce with on-the-go learning.

However, apps don’t need to be just for your internal workforce. When done well, apps are a great tool for consumer education.

2. On-demand eLearning

With app usage on the rise, bite-sized learning eLearning is becoming more and more accessible to learners. Whether their a field rep looking to quickly understand a new product feature or a seasoned employee looking for a refresh on a particular topic, on-demand learning also allows for learners to access the information when it is necessary.

Instead of sitting through an hour-long course on the features and benefits of a new product, learners can access that information in the field or when they are in front of a customer.

3. Custom training videos

Video is the fastest-growing learning technology, and it allows learners to stop and start a subject when they need to. Whether they’re learning a new concept from start to finish or just looking for a refresher, video is leading the way.

Whether you’re looking to create a capabilities sizzle reel or hype up a new product launch to sales reps, video is the way to go.

4. 3D simulations

3D is becoming more and more common in corporate training and selling. For jobs or consumer education, 3D simulations are an excellent way to provide a closer, more hands-on experience without the price tag of Augmented Reality or Virtual Reality.

Think about this, using 3D modeling and animation; companies can showcase the differentiators for new and existing products and quickly convey the value in front of clients and potential clients. Videos that are short in length and have compelling onscreen motion graphics to assist reps in communicating features and benefits can be hugely conducive to their selling environment.

5. AR and VR technology

Thanks to Pokémon Go, AR was front and center mid-2016, and it’s showed no signs of slowing down when it comes to using AR and VR in the training world.

Building on the foundations of 3D simulations, AR and VR allow the user to have a semi or completely immersive learning experience and allows the learner to engage with content through multiple senses.

AR is a type of technology that allows an overlay of digital information on top a learner’s environment in real-time. It could be a device as simple as your phone or tablet or as complex as Google Glass.

On the opposite hand is VR which allows for a 100% immersive experience that allows a learner to feel as though they are interacting with an entirely different world.

What technology has to offer

Not only are the above five technologies excellent tools to leverage both internally and externally for organizations, but technology as a whole lot more to offer than flash and sizzle. Through the use of technology, you can scale your learning, maintain consistency in subject matter and lower overall training costs.

Lower costs

While still a significant investment depending on the type of technology, accessibility and cost barriers have significantly decreased in the last several year’s thanks to innovation.

Organizations are saving money across the board by paying for the technology once and putting it to work for them, instead of paying for an instructor and all of their associated fees time and time again.

Greater scalability

Thanks to technology, we’re now able to reach a broader audience anywhere, anytime. Learning was restricted to when and where a teacher could deliver the material. Reaching learners anywhere is now possible thanks to technology.

Consistency

Technology also allows for flexibility on the method and material being taught to learners. Instead of having to send five different instructors out to various regions and all try to learn the same material, but each in their way, there is now a scalable means to delivering consistent training.

Though varied across the board from custom videos to fully immersive virtual reality experiences, technology has something for everyone; allowing the learner to be met where they are and place their needs first.