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Dive deep


At Ziiva, we offer more than a comprehensive, tailor-fit Learning Management System. We are always seeking ways to enrich your company culture and improve the online learning experience that you offer to your students, employees, customers, or users.


The Big Benefit of Microlearning

Posted by Kellyann Bryan on Mon, Nov 18, 2019

During my second year of college, I signed up for a macroeconomics class. I had only ever heard of microeconomics, but macro means big, right (?!) and I was considering opening a business. So, I decided bigger was better, and I went for it.  However, bigger does not always mean better, you guys -- and I quickly learned that in order to understand macroeconomics, one must have a firm grasp on microeconomics (a grasp I did not have, since I’d never taken microeconomics).

Micro, macro, what’s with the Greek prefixes? Well, besides confounding the English language (that’s a whole other blog post), they essentially mean small and large, respectively. Throw one of those bad boys in front of a word, and it changes the meaning. Like, macroeconomics or microlearning.  

grads-under-microscope-3

What is Microlearning?

Microlearning is bite-sized, user-centric learning that is efficient and effective. Unlike macro-learning, where things can get in-depth, microlearning cuts straight to the point – without sacrificing relevancy or value of content.  Studies have found microlearning to be more engaging for learners, and not surprisingly, the knowledge retention rate is higher. 

Make no mistake about it -- you cannot just cut your same old training into smaller chunks.  Microlearning modules and learning paths should be specifically created to engage the learner, quickly convey the necessary information, and support the retention and application of that knowledge.

A good rule of thumb for your training is “Just long enough to cover the subject, but short enough to stay interesting.”

Schedule a Demo

 

What are some examples of Microlearning?

  • Show examples with short videos
  • Use info-graphics and diagrams
  • Provide concise text and step-by-step instructions
  • Test learning often with just a few focused questions
  • Build a library of just-in-time “how to” training items
  • Require short follow up refresher courses to increase learner retention
  • Incorporate quick online training modules and quizzes to supplement classroom training

 

How will Microlearning benefit me (and my learners)?

  • It’s faster and easier to create and deliver than complex training
  • It’s more engaging
  • It leads to better retention
  • It’s on-the-go friendly (and we all know that ease-of-use and accessibility are a top priority these days)

So what are you waiting for?  Microlearning is an invaluable tool for training and eLearning that can save you and your learners time, and make your training more effective. 

Talk to a consultant about how Prosperity LMS  can help you get started with microlearning

Got questions? Want to suggest a topic? Set up a demo? Let us know 😊

Topics: lms, elearning, microlearning





An LMS helps close the manufacturing skills gap

Posted by Dan Wheeler on Fri, Sep 28, 2018

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Finding qualified candidates is getting more difficult, and the outlook is that it will continue to be a significant problem for manufacturers.  The cost to a business is significant as positions remain unfilled and recruiting time and expense continues to increase.  A learning management system (LMS) can help human resource managers retain and develop the skilled workforce needed to succeed.

Consider these statistics from Deloitte Consulting LLP and the Manufacturing Institute in their report The Skills Gap in U.S. Manufacturing 2015 – 2025.  

  • It takes 90+ days to hire a new skilled worker
  • Six out of every ten open skilled production positions are currently unfilled
  • By 2025 as many as 2+ million positions won’t be filled as the skilled worker shortage worsens as baby boomers retire
  • 82% of manufacturing executives say the shortage will negatively impact the ability to meet customer demands, innovate and expand
  • 94% of executives said the most effective response is internal employee training and development

 

Schedule a Demo

 

A learning management system (LMS) is a great solution to help overwhelmed human resources staff train and develop employees. 

In addition to providing a training platform to build employee skills, an LMS can automate the administration, tracking and reporting of training and compliance certification.  A few key reasons an LMS can help include:

  • A standardized onboarding program ensures new hires are oriented, trained and engaged. According to a 2018 study by Jobvite, 30% of workers quit a job in the first ninety days.  Compare that to less than 10% if the company has a well-structured onboarding program.  An LMS can help ensure new employees have the information and skills to be successful.
  • Building a strong learning culture increases productivity and worker retention. Businesses that build this type of culture have 30-50% higher engagement and retention rates than those that don’t.  (David Mallon, Deloitte)
  • High-performing managers create high-performing teams. Manufacturers often put too little emphasis on training supervisors, despite the fact that the quality of the boss is a key factor in both worker performance and retention.  An LMS can help you identify and train new supervisors to increase productivity and reduce liability.
  • Provide the information and training workers need, when and how they need it. According to a Brandon Hall study, e-learning takes 40% to 60% less worker time when compared to a traditional classroom setting, and knowledge retention rates are higher.  An LMS makes you and your workers more efficient. 

Your best strategy is to engage and develop your current workforce.

The manufacturing skills gap is only going to increase, as will the competition for skilled workers.  Your best strategy is to engage and develop your current workforce, new hires and supervisors with a comprehensive learning and development program managed and tracked by robust learning management software.

And as Propel notes in their article on How to Solve the Manufacturing Skills Gap, never overlook your current workforce as an efficient and cost effective way to build needed skill sets.

The Prosperity LMS is built to support the needs of manufacturers, and our US-based team has the industry experience to make your training a success.   Use our calendar to schedule a brief consultation  or ask us a question.

And if you already have an LMS but still struggle with tracking employee competencies and skills, check out Skills Mark.  Prosperity Skills Mark is the simple and straightforward solution for tracking and reporting on the job training and employee competencies and skills.

Topics: elearning, training, learning management system, training development, manufacturing





Corporate eLearning: Save the environment (and save money)

Posted by susan reuter on Mon, Apr 19, 2010
There are lots of reasons that a learning management system may be a sensible option for your organization - cost effectiveness, consistency of employee training, convenience, measurable results, etc. - but here's one benefit you may not have considered: reducing your carbon footprint.

This isn't a brand new idea, but even two years ago it was still somewhat of a novelty.

According to Rick Nigol, blogging on BreakthrougheLearning.com in 2008, it was an "aha moment" for him when, on a consulting gig, he heard a pair of vice-presidents explaining how eLearning software would help them meet their strategic focus of becoming an environmentally sustainable company.

These days ­- despite recessionary pressures (and possibly, in some cases, as a result of them) - the idea of sustainability continues to grow.

corporate elearning, lms, training

What in it for you?

Here are some green benefits of using an LMS for computer-based training:

Stay home: eLearning is available anywhere you have employees, so travel and lodging costs associated with training - and their resulting environmental impact - are no longer an issue.

Save paper (and ink, and energy): Who needs handouts - which often need to be updated multiple times during a product rollout or large-scale training effort - when you can keep everyone on the same (virtual) page with an easy-to-update LMS? Going this route means using less energy to produce and distribute training manuals and other documentation, as well as less waste.

Green culture: Beyond using an LMS for your regular training and employee development needs, consider creating some green training modules to give your employees practical ways to reduce the company's carbon footprint in their daily activities.

Carbon offsets: If you want your business to be as carbon neutral as possible - whether out of environmental concern or simply as a pragmatic marketing decision - there are several calculators and companies out there that can help you understand what you need to do and certify the results. No matter how intense you want this effort to be, eLearning tools are one of the easiest, most obvious ways to cut your carbon footprint.

When you look at the above list, it's obvious that many of the benefits of learning management systems - such as increasing productivity through reducing travel - transcend reducing carbon emissions and can save your business time and money in other ways, as well.

 

The bottom line

We've come across some companies - mainly outside the U.S. - that are promoting the environmental benefits of eLearning as central parts of their marketing efforts.

That's all well and good, but while LMS vendors may no longer be surprised to hear customers talk about sustainability, one point Rick Nigol made two years ago still holds true: Using eLearning simply to reduce travel, while noble, isn't in the best interests of any organization.

Finding a robust eLearning system that can meet all your training needs is the real holy grail of corporate learning, and anything else is gravy.

Green gravy.


Topics: green initiatives, lms, employee training, e learning tools, corporate learning, e learning software, elearning, learning management system, learning management, elearning tools, learning management systems, learning management software, employee development, computer based training, corporate e learning





A review from the world of eLearning and Learning Management Systems

Posted by susan reuter on Tue, Mar 30, 2010
In case you missed it, here are some recent e-learning-related blog posts and articles that are worth a look:

The big picture

Writing in the Upside Learning Solutions Blog, Amit Guatam poses an interesting question: Do customers look at a Learning Management System (LMS) as simply a tool to get specific things done more efficiently, or as part of a larger overall learning strategy?

All of the above

It takes a good degree of skill to write effective multiple choice questions that fully meet your employee training goals. Check out this list of 10 Rules for Writing Multiple Choice Questions from The eLearning Coach and see how many you are (or aren't) already following.

By design

Along the lines of the previous link (i.e. making sure your e-learning tools are the best they can be), listen to Cammy Bean's interview with Will Thalheimer on common mistakes e-learning designers make.

Just thinking about eLearning?

Tom Kuhlman offers more than a dozen reasons Why e-Learning is So Effective.

Metrics matter

Listen to this podcast from American Society for Training and Development on how technology has advanced the analysis and evaluation of computer-based training and development programs.

World of eLearning

Depending on where you fall on the e-learning spectrum, this may be really interesting or really, really yawn-inducing. A group of researchers at Anadolu University in Turkey has put together a two-volume survey of e-learning in 39 countries. The first volume of the book called E-learning Practices, is available for download at Scribd in multiple formats. Thanks to Gary Woodill's writing on the Workplace Learning Today blog for pointing this one out to us.

There's a LOT of eLearning chatter out there, so we'll keep an eye out for the most relevant information to share with you. And, of course, please post a comment if there's anything you want to share.


Topics: employee training, elearning, training, learning management system, learning management, training development, elearning tools, computer based training, corporate e learning





Five Reasons Your Department Needs Its Own Learning Management System

Posted by susan reuter on Tue, Mar 23, 2010
OK, your company already has an enterprise learning managementlearning management, training costs, corporate training program system. So why would you even consider a separate training software for a project rollout in your department? Believe it or not, there a several instances where using a separate LMS could save you time and money, as well as potentially increase product sales.

Intrigued? Here are five things to take into account when weighing the costs and benefits of sticking with your enterprise training management system for your specific project or using a web-based training funded by monthly costs:

1. Training-dependent launch delays: Can you afford to wait?

You're a department manager in a Fortune 1000 company - or any large organization, for that matter. You want to deploy e-learning tools, either for staff, clients or maybe even your vendors. You've defined goals, set up a project plan, and assembled relevant subject details. You've got a tight deadline.

That's when you hit the bottleneck. Learning departments, training departments, and even IT departments have been decimated by the layoffs of the past two years. Because these departments were probably already operating at low staffing levels, their lead times are longer - much, much longer. (Chances are, companywide workforce reductions didn't take your department's project into account.)

Since training often can't be designed until a product or software implementation is near completion, it's naturally one of the last steps on a project plan. When training gets delayed, it can delay product launches or internal cost-saving software implementations, or even risk expensive compliance issues.

2. Customer training solutions: Do you want your customers to use the same LMS as your employees?

As a product manager, you might want your customers to experience the look and feel of your specific product, rather than the look and feel of the company as a whole. You may want to have customer training data separated from employee training data, keeping each statistic pure. Further, if this is an early experiment into training customers via e-learning, your internal training systems may not have adequate security to allow non-employee access.

3. Compliance: How close are you to compliance deadlines?

Government-imposed compliance deadlines frequently underestimate deployment time lines. What are the penalties and risks of non-compliance? What are the public relations and brand implications of non-compliance?

4. Temporary, quick time-frame training needs: Is the web-based training need permanent or temporary?

Training initiatives can be implemented by e-learning at rollout to quickly train large employee groups. A web-based learning management system that allows fast deployment can be cheaper than hiring consultants to implement temporary training needs into a corporate e-learning system.

5. Customization: Does your company's enterprise LMS meet your department's needs for this project?

Trying to fit a square peg in a round hole can only lead to corporate training, elearning, learning management solutionsfrustration and delays. Working directly with the provider of your department-level LMS cuts through several levels of red tape and allows you to get exactly what you want, when you want it. And because the LMS is dedicated to a specific project, it is faster and easier to handle any upgrades or updates.

    

  

Summary

When faced with one or more of the above issues, a responsible manager may be forced to consider other alternatives to their existing corporate learning system.

What if the opportunity costs or hard costs of delay override the actual cost of the web-based training solution that could prevent the delay? What implications would this have to your project, your department, your boss, or your entire company?

If the implications of delay are large, then the ROI of an alternative training development solution can quickly become significant enough to gain top management support.

A number of vendors offer web-based learning management systems that can be used as a stand-alone LMS, and can eventually interface with an enterprise solution if necessary, when learning and IT staff become available.

A stand-alone, easy to access, web-based LMS supported by a monthly subscription may not only be cost-effective, it may also provide the custom solution for your particular need.

Has anyone out there gone this route? We'd like to hear about your experiences.


Topics: lms tips, lms resources, elearning, learning management system, enterprise