Successful E-learning Methodologies for Software Training Used by Top Corporates

Software applications have become the driving force of any organization of any size. It simplifies the work process and reduces operation time along with maximizing efficiency.

But, in order to make the most out of the software applications, it is necessary that your employees are well-versed with every relevant aspect of it. Different functionalities of the same software are useful and relevant to different employee levels. For e.g., with HR Information System software, employees only need to know basic options like say applying for a leave, clock in timesheets, etc. However, the same software when used by managers, will be open to more options like seeing the status of all employees, setting targets, approving leave, sending notifications, setting completion dates and other managerial functionality. The same holds true for supply chain software or ERP software or any software used by an organization.

Training your widespread employee base in an intricate software ecosphere with traditional learning methods can prove to be a challenging task. Quite often, the same training is rolled out to all employees, irrespective of what they use the software for. This makes it ineffective and cumbersome.

Also, employees using the same software functionality can be located in different locations; hence gathering them all for a common classroom session is not feasible. More so, managing the huge number of roles and the corresponding software functionalities manually can become quite cumbersome. Instead, use e-learning courses to facilitate effective software training. Here are some of the e-learning methods that can be highly useful in software training:

Role-based Simulation Learning

What better way to impart software training, than give employees hands-on experience in using the original thing? With simulations, your learners are not left with assumptions on how to practically use the software. They get to learn step by step the exact functionality related to their roles without the pressure of using the real thing in a production environment. That way, when learners actually sit down to perform a task, they know exactly how to do it because they have done it before.

Scenario-based Learning

In many software trainings, the learners don’t get real life ramifications of using the application. Like, a click of a button in the supply chain software can initiate the movement of tons of raw materials, or not filling in the timesheets properly can severely affect performance and so on. With scenario-based learning, you can create relatable situations around the work role of your target audience. This way when they undertake the course, they not only know how to use the software but also where exactly it is used in the organizational infrastructure.

Game-based OR Gamification Elements

Using a software application might be a complicated task. There are many steps involved and many options to look over before you can proceed. All things considered, learning to do this can become a little boring. E-learning courses can help you overcome this with game-based content. This method converts your software training content to a full-fledged game. Games are designed in such a way that just playing them is enough to grasp the necessary knowledge. If you are running too tight on budget, then you can even integrate gamification elements like scores, leaderboards, progress bars, achievements, badges etc., with your usual digital learning methods.

Just-In-Time Support

Most often, the gap between software training and its actual application is significant, causing employees to forget what they have learned. With e-learning, you can create short and impactful microlearning nuggets for employees to use when they need it the most. Such modules just cover one task in the software comprehensively so that learners don’t need to hunt for the needed information much. These just in time support courses greatly reduce the number of errors that employees might make in the production environment.

Video-based Learning

Videos can be used in many innovative ways to impart software learning. You can create how-to tutorials with a voiceover to easily cover the necessary role’s functionality. In order to highlight the usefulness of the software, you can record learner testimonies and promote the use of software. In case the software undergoes a major update, then you can easily broadcast a webinar for users to remain up to date with the changed functions.

Use e-learning courses and untie the knot of software training for employees in different locations and roles. If you find yourself stuck doing this, then seek the help of e-learning experts and give your workforce the learning it deserves.