Use your Learning Management System (LMS) for more than just training and theory. One of our customers told us how their LMS was used to provide practical support to employees, leading to a faster return on investment. Learn how this approach can help you secure the knowledge of experienced employees and give new employees easy access to crucial information.
A great tip I got from a customer is to LMS except for e-learning can also be used for practical support. In doing so, they realized that they quickly recouped the investment and were able to secure the knowledge of experienced employees. This customer found that their LMS, originally purchased for training, was ideal for providing practical support in the workplace. This ensured that the investment in the LMS was recouped much faster than expected. Actually, that's smart anyway: thinking out of the box. There are many more tools you've already paid for that you can undoubtedly use for other purposes! That's how I also worked in the world of help desk software for a while. A customer used their help desk software to register who entered and came out of their data center. Open a ticket with a photo of someone who signs up via the webcam, close the ticket again when they unsubscribe. Super easy, that's all it took and saved the purchase of an additional software solution.
Many organizations purchase an LMS with the aim of offering employees theoretical training and courses. But what if you also use this system to support employees in their daily work? By placing practical information and instructions in the LMS, employees can have immediate access to the knowledge they need to do their jobs effectively and efficiently.
For example, this customer has short, clear instructional videos and interactive modules made that are specifically focused on the use and maintenance of complex machines. This enabled employees to quickly find and apply the information they need, which not only improved their performance but also reduced the risk of errors and accidents.
Another major advantage of using your LMS for practical support is the ability to secure valuable knowledge from experienced employees. These employees often have years of experience and insights that are invaluable to the organization. By recording their knowledge in the LMS, you ensure that it is retained even when they leave the organization.
For example, by having experienced employees make videos sharing their expertise, you create a rich source of information that helps new employees get up to speed quickly. This makes the onboarding process much more efficient and reduces the dependence on personal guidance.
An LMS that is well set up with practical support makes it much easier for new employees to retrieve information. This is a huge time saver for both new employees and their mentors. Instead of constantly asking questions, they can find the information they need directly in the LMS. This makes the learning process faster and less burdensome for everyone involved. However, provide personal guidance by, for example, placing more emphasis on the social aspect. The best solution is still learning from and with people. But by making a good combination, you ensure double success.
An innovative way to make practical information accessible is to use QR codes that lead directly to microlearning modules.
Step 1: Create relevant microlearning content
Start by making short, clear videos or interactive modules that specifically focus on the use and maintenance of the complex machine. Have an experienced employee record with a phone and explain how the machine works. These recordings are personal and recognisable, and a good phone or simple vlogging camera is all it takes.
Step 2: Place the content in an e-learning module
Use a visual authoring tool in your LMS, such as TheLearning LAB, to combine the videos and other content into short, organized modules. Make sure the modules are visually appealing with images, videos, animations, or infographics.
Step 3: Generate QR Codes
Use a QR code generator to create unique QR codes that link to the microlearning modules. Easily link these codes to the content within your LMS. Make sure you use a generator that generates codes that stay active all the time. A good one QR Code generator is Free QR Code. Codes that you generate via that site always remain active. You can also generate more advanced codes here for a small fee.
Step 4. Ensure familiarity
Make sure your approach is recognisable. Create a simple template, for example in Canva, where you can place the QR code. Think of an icon in your own branding, you corporate identity colors, so that it is immediately recognisable to employees. A good approach is to use your digital brand portal. Ambasco can help you with this. We provide the complete branding and ensure that all your corporate identity elements are available in a handy digital brand book. Place the image with the QR code in a strategic location on the machine or in its immediate vicinity. By always using the same symbol, it becomes recognisable to employees and you don't have to explain anything. This ensures that they can find the right information quickly and intuitively. By consistently using the same symbol, you make it easy and intuitive for employees to find the right information. By the way, we are talking about a machine, but this can also be the printer, where you show how to replace the toner via a QR code, or the coffee machine where you show how to start the cleaning procedure!
Step 5: Place QR codes in strategic locations
Place the QR codes in strategic locations on the machine or in its immediate vicinity, such as control panels or maintenance doors. To do this, use the recognisable template so that each employee immediately knows that the QR code leads to information.
Step 6: Monitor and Evaluate
Keep track of how often the QR codes are scanned and which modules are viewed the most. Use this data to assess the effectiveness of the content and make improvements where necessary. This helps you to continuously optimize the microlearning modules and adapt them to the needs of your employees.
Using a LMS for e-learning for practical support offers many benefits that can quickly recoup your investment. By incorporating practical knowledge and instructions into your LMS, you make it easier for employees to do their jobs properly and safely. In addition, you guarantee the valuable knowledge of experienced employees, which promotes continuity and efficiency within your organization. So, consider how you can use your LMS for practical support and see for yourself the benefits of this smart approach.
