Adopting a new operating model means, at the same time, the creation of a new operating culture

Using digital tools changes common operating models in a variety of ways. Unified operating models, automatics, and analytics come into play. Inter-personal interaction on digital platforms is also different from face-to-face interaction.

Thus, adopting a learning platform means renewing operating models and introducing new ways of working for an organization. Digitality brings with it efficiency, a new kind of flexibility, and the unifying of processes. This text goes over a few useful practices to support the smooth introduction of digital tools.

Participation creates ownership

When a need for a learning platform has been recognized, it is beneficial to ask oneself who will be using the tools and how to have key users take part in the project as early as possible. Some organizations have key users take part in introductory training, others already include them in the platform selection process.

The most important thing is to ensure the key users have opportunities to bring up their wishes and concerns regarding the new processes and tools. This brings the right people along in the process and also produces valuable information to ensure the successful implementation of the project.

Practical ways to include users in the selection and introduction of a learning platform:

  • surveying user needs and wishes with discussion or a poll
  • inviting users along to the survey and selection processes
  • involving users in the planning and content production of online courses
  • introductory training or info sessions for different user groups
  • piloting or testing the solution together
  • asking for and collecting feedback

As in other projects, not everybody needs to be involved in every step of the learning platform introduction project. It is more essential to offer opportunities to different user groups to be heard about things that are relevant to them.

Success breeds competency and encouragement

A successful online course by a colleague encourages people to try to create a digital course or reuse the materials.  Thus, it is beneficial to actively share information on what has been done, what has worked, and what has been learned along the way. Learning together is also a source of motivation, and many find it helpful to know a colleague with whom to spar about the subject.

Not everybody needs to begin making use of online learning at once. Different tests and pilot projects can be used as learning experiences and additionally as proof of what works. It is essential to freely share information and make it possible to learn from the experiences of others.

Easy ways of sharing know-how:

  • teamwork in setting up pilots and tests
  • analyzing course feedback together
  • pre-arranged feedback sessions along the project
  • showcasing training projects on internal information channels
  • collective opportunities to share what has been learned

Online courses are easy to update based on collected feedback and support success at work through things learned together.

Good communication enables participation

When people are aware of new tools and opportunities to use them, it is possible for them to take part. Clear instructions and responsibilities are also helpful in communication. It is a good practice to decide who are the primary users of the platform and how user privileges are distributed.

Once the learning platform and its usage possibilities become familiar, new usage opportunities may become apparent. Usage tends to often increase over time as the tool becomes more familiar and digital learning more commonplace.

It is good to communicate the following about the learning platform:

  • where to find a link to the learning platform
  • where to find support materials and help for platform use
  • what one can do with the platform and what it is meant to be used for
  • who has access to using the platform and who to ask for user privileges
  • the kind of participation expected and wished for

It is a good practice to actively communicate about the learning platform if active and widespread participation in creating and using online courses is desired from the organization. This keeps the platform on people’s minds and they remain aware of their participation possibilities.

Feedback aids in the development and evolution

Collecting feedback helps to gather valuable information and additionally makes it possible to include even large user groups in the development of online courses. Feedback can be collected via different kinds of polls or discussion sessions.

Evolution and upgrading of practices is fast and agile in e-learning. Therefore, it pays to collect and make use of feedback actively.

Feedback can be used in e.g. following ways:

  • asking for course feedback (Likert-polls, open questions at the end of a course)
  • service provider consultations on developing course material
  • content producers’ learning sessions and course workshops
  • supervisors’ or project managers’ feedback sessions
  • freeform discussions with different user groups

Collecting feedback and reacting to it motivates and includes all user groups in online courses. It also sends a message of being open to develop and evolve in e-learning.