As well as ensuring staff members have the knowledge and skills they need to perform in a constantly evolving environment, learning and development programs are a good way to keep employees engaged and enthusiastic.

Amid ongoing pandemic disruptions, however, the way in which development programs are delivered has had to change. Where once educational sessions were delivered to groups in meeting rooms, now this activity has to be conducted virtually.

Beyond video calls

When the pandemic first forced organisations to allow people to work from home, learning and development facilitators turned to video collaboration tools and platforms to connect with remote staff and deliver content. Using Zoom, Teams, or some other conferencing service, staff participated using their home-based computer.

While this worked to a degree, it quickly became obvious that such platforms were never designed to support remote learning. For facilitators, it is difficult – if not impossible – to see the faces of participants when making a presentation. This means vital non-verbal feedback on whether key messages are being understood is lost.

The platforms also mean that both facilitators and participants need to be in front of their PC throughout proceedings. This means the presenter is unable to move around their room or use a device such as a whiteboard while also viewing the faces of those taking part.

Dedicated learning platforms

With online learning now likely to remain a permanent feature of professional development programs, organisations need to consider deploying video platforms that have been specially designed with these activities in mind.

Such learning platforms offer a range of features that can significantly enhance online learning sessions. They include:

• Trainers are able to see the faces of all participants at all times, even when giving slide presentations
• Motion-sensing cameras can be added that follow the trainer as they move around a room
• There is an ability to add electronic whiteboards that can be easily viewed by all participants
• Systems can be readily integrated into existing training rooms, to allow staff who are physically present and those working remotely to participate in the same session.

Deploying such platforms ensures that, while the needed technology is in place, it doesn’t end up getting in the way of the learning process. Links with participants can be easily established and the inclusion of directional microphones and speaker arrays ensures everyone can hear clearly proceedings at all times.

No turning back

Many of the changes brought about by the global pandemic are set to remain a permanent part of daily business life, and this is certainly the case when it comes to professional learning and development.

According to market research firm Fosway Group 94% of respondents to a recent survey indicated their learning and development strategy has already changed as a result of COVID disruptions. However, somewhat alarmingly, 59% said they felt their adoption of digital learning was still ‘immature’.

Just 29% of respondents felt their existing learning platforms were ‘fit’ for modern workplaces, however 71% of staff reported they had higher demands for digital learning options. Of the companies in which they are working, only 15% have completed the digital transformation of their learning capabilities.

This research is clear evidence that, for many organisations, there is considerable work that still needs to be done to enhance their online learning and development infrastructures. Failure to take the necessary steps could lead to staff skill levels slipping and, eventually, a reduction in the standard of service being provided to clients.

All organisations should take the time to review how their learning programs are being delivered, and what changes are still required in the ‘new normal’ workplace.