Just-in-time (JIT) online training enables employees to get hold of important material when they need it the most. JIT online training resources must be rapid, expedient and directed towards the precise goals and needs of learners. Here are the 8 best practices to keep in mind when creating JIT online training.
1. Create a Detailed Road Map
JIT online training is often spontaneous. However, it takes careful planning, structure, and analysis to create powerful online training content. Planning usually starts with a detailed road map of what needs to be included in the training along with learning objectives that center on performance and skills gaps. These serve as the structure for the training. Align the learning objectives with the current performance data of your learners to identify the skill gaps that need to be addressed.
2. Pair Each Learning Objective with a Just-In-Time Online Training Activity
JIT online training has to be convenient and spot-on. The most important concept of JIT online training is to pair one learning objective per online training module. That is, to only include the necessary information that learners need to complete the task. The content should emphasize only on the essential skills needed to complete the problem at-hand. JIT online training has to have a rapid approach. Access the training quickly and move on.
3. Focus on Relevant Work-Related Tasks and Skills
The core focus of JIT online training is that it emphasizes on learning pain points. To develop content related to these pain points is to get employee feedback and analyze it carefully. Use that analysis as the base of developing JIT online training content.
4. Create a Micro-learning Online Resource Library
JIT online training must be easily attainable and friendly. Learners usually don’t have time span for looking around to access the training resources. Hence, micro-learning online resource library become a handy option. It must be carefully structured by category, task or department. This serves as an aid to JIT online training. Learners not only have ease in accessing the trainings but they are motivated to learn quicker as well.
5. Develop Multi-platform-Friendly Online Training Content
Multi-platform-friendly online training content goes hand-in-hand with micro-learning. Learners don’t need to run to their PCs all the time. JIT online training content can be developed in responsive authoring tools. It can be accessed via multiple digital devices that makes it easier for learners to access the training right when they want it.
6. Incorporate Real World Online Training Opportunities
Learners must be able to apply their knowledge in practical terms in their work environment. Online scenarios and real world examples give them the opportunity to put their learning into practice. Virtual scenarios can be very helpful for them to learn all the possible outcomes and gain real experience in order to improve their performance. These scenarios also allow them to comprehend their strengths and weaknesses.
7. Integrate Social Support
Most JIT online trainings are asynchronous. They can be accessed by learners on their own. Usually there is no need to interact with their colleagues. Although, at times peer-based support becomes worthwhile. Social media groups, online forums and corporate eLearning blogs give them this opportunity. Using these channels learners can post their questions and share their opinions. They can also search for similar issues in these channels to see if anybody else faced the same issue and what was his/her take to solve it. This can be incorporated in JIT online learning to make it more engaging and interesting.
8. Make Online Assessments Voluntary
JIT online trainings have to be rapid and fast. Learners usually don’t have much time for end quizzes etc. It is wise to make online assessments completely voluntary. This has to be kept in mind that JIT online trainings are complement to extensive trainings. Making assessments voluntary encourages learners to access JIT online trainings when they have problem at-hand.
An increasing number of organizations are adding just-in-time tools to their online training. This comes as no surprise, since it gives employees the crucial information they need to fulfill their work responsibilities. As a result, organizations see an increase in employee retention, online training ROI, and company profits.
