Mind the Gap: Successfully Deploy Virtual Learning to a Workforce with Technology Gaps

Our workforce is always changing. New employees come onboard, policies need updates, and approaches change; training is unavoidable. But what happens when leadership determines that all learning will be virtual and asynchronous—and a portion of your staff isn’t ready for that jump in technology? What do you do when staff members struggle with basic computer skills but must complete everything without an in-person instructor?

It’s time to face the technology skills gap and prepare your learners for a digital world, starting with intentional training.

In this case study session, you will find out how the SDP Office Of School Safety transitioned their staff to a virtual, asynchronous training model despite over 60% of learners self-identifying as someone with a technology skills gap. Together we’ll explore how the team used direct communication, support materials, and microlearning to increase staff completion of online training modules by from 47% to 86% over a five-month period.

You’ll leave this session with a list of digital learning tools that are easy to implement for a virtual team full of learners with diverse education levels and technical skill sets.

In this session you will learn:

• How to identify a technology skills gap in your workforce
• Strategies to prepare staff experiencing a technology skills gap for a transition to a virtual, asynchronous learning model
• A proven, replicable approach to increasing completion of virtual, asynchronous learning despite technology skills gaps
• Techniques for follow-up and coaching to increase learner comfort levels in technology-based learning