The world might be grappling with multiple slowdowns today, but if there is one area that the COVID-19 crisis has fast-tracked, it is the adoption of remote work and remote learning. As organizations try and decode the new normal, there is a complete paradigm shift underway. The huge momentum towards remote work has led L&D leaders to fall back on technology to deliver remote learning. They are leveraging technology to move the needle in a variety of training contexts – skill building, leadership development, sales training, compliance, and education. Remote learning technology is also witnessing a lot of investor interest.
As a corporate L&D leader, you are in a very sweet but tricky spot. You are expected to drive this whole transition to remote learning successfully. But for that, you need to have a sound strategy in place. Do you understand the potential and boundaries of remote learning in organizations? Do you know what are the drivers of successful transition beyond giving zoom accounts instructors and trainers? Is your business model in-sync with your transition plan?
Harbinger had the privilege of hosting 3 highly accomplished learning and development leaders recently, for a virtual Power Hour, on the topic ‘Successful Transition to Remote Learning: Decoding the New Normal.’ The guests were Christopher McLaverty (Senior HR Business Partner and Organization Development Practitioner), Ganesh Natarajan (Co-Founder of 5F World and Kalzoom), and Walter Davis (Head of Talent and Learning Technology at Aggreko). The discussion was led and facilitated by Dr. Vikas Joshi (CEO at Harbinger Group).
Key Challenges and Drivers of Remote Learning
Vikas opened the session with some fascinating statistics indicating the increased investor interest in remote learning and then moved on to talk about the key challenges that organizations face when moving to remote learning. Some of them being,
- Engaging learners
- Managing stakeholder expectations – Internal customer, executive leadership, and learner
- Creating classroom-like experiences
- Selecting technology
- Internet connectivity
The panelists talked about how they addressed these challenges at their workplaces and managed a successful transition.
There was a lot of interesting discussion around the drivers of a successful transition to remote learning, which includes, right early wins, careful revision of metrics and measurement, and most importantly, the use of the right technology across the whole learning experience.
Tips for Transitioning to Remote Learning
After a detailed and insightful discussion with the panelists, Vikas shared some useful tips for organizations to plan their transition to remote learning. As an L&D leader, for a successful transition, you need to
- Align training programs with business strategy
- Make internal customers and L&D co-owners of the transition
- Assess new capability gaps and focus on them
- Design it as a learning journey instead of discrete sessions
- Pilot a training session and then scale-up
- Define KPIs and measure impact
- Integrate L&D in the flow of work
- Invest into systems and technology
Remote learning is here to stay. The sooner you adapt to it, quicker you can reap the benefits. L&D leaders need to sensitize executives and customers about the boundaries and potential of remote learning. They also need to educate instructors, curriculum designers, and learners on how they should prepare for remote learning. And yes, not to forget, technology is a key driver in this whole transition.
Here is the link to the Power Hour session recording.
Have you been struggling with transitioning to remote learning? Or have you successfully navigated this challenge? What success stories, experiences, or tips do you have to share? Please comment below or drop us a note at contact@harbingergroup.com.
