During my years as a clinical educator, I’d get super excited about teaching. I loved to gather the materials, make copies, plan little giveaways and healthy snacks. That’s just me. That’s why I was always reluctant to try e-learning.
But more and more often, on the day of my planned training, I’d find myself waiting for the team to show. Some would be there as scheduled. Some would show up five, ten, even twenty minutes late. And some just didn’t show up at all. Which usually meant I’d have to plan another session and teach the topic over again to those who missed the first date.
I get it. People are busy. Things come up. And, not everyone is as jazzed about education as I am.
So, I put down my dry erase marker and stepped away from the copy machine!
It was time to explore e-learning.
Here’s what I learned.
1. E-learning Saves Money.
It seems like a big investment, but dollar for dollar, e-learning costs less in the long run. All those live classes I taught were expensive. There was the cost of my salary in planning and teaching time. There was the cost of paper and copies. And don’t forget the snacks and prizes I bought to keep everyone motivated! Time away from clients and interruptions to my team’s daily tasks also added to the cost.
2. It’s Easier Than You Think.
I was sure my team would have a hard time adapting to the technology. But, it was so easy. If your Caregivers can use a smart phone, then e-learning will be a breeze! And, it can be done anywhere! There is no need for your Aides to travel to you. And no need to plan classes that are impossible for your caregivers to attend with their crazy schedules!
3. E-learning Improves Comprehension.
E-learning is self-paced. That means learners take more time where they need more help. It also gives them a safe space to explore more difficult topics. This is important for adult learners who may be nervous about answering questions in front of peers and their supervisor. And, when the material is interactive, studies show there is better long-term retention.
4. E-learning Reduces Caregiver Turnover.
E-learning courses are fun and interactive with game-based content. This leads to a more committed learner and better understanding of content. Well-trained Caregivers are more confident and more committed to your company, leading to reduced Caregiver turnover.
5. Tracking, Reporting & Compliance.
E-learning eliminates the mountains of paper you file in charts every day! One simple log in lets you assign new topics, check on your Caregiver’s progress, send reminders and run reports for surveyors. Having all that information at your fingertips makes staying in compliance a breeze!
It doesn’t have to be an “all-or-nothing” solution!
Did I miss teaching monthly inservices? Yes! But, I still held some live classes which I required everyone to attend. I still think it’s important to get everyone together—to keep the team connected—and to be able to really check in with each person from time to time.
But, I can honestly say, everyone was happier when I made the the switch to e-learning.
Are you ready to make the switch?
With In the Know On the Go, you’ll gain access to 125+ e-learning modules, create customized training for each employee, track learner progress, and much more. Request a demo with a Caregiver Training Advisor to preview the back end of the e-learning platform, see a course in action, and preview all of the tracking and reporting features.
Want to learn more about how e-learning can actually save your organization thousands of dollars per year! According to Training Magazine, organizations typically save between 50-70% when instructor-led training is replaced with online course delivery.
