The shrinking shelf life of necessary skill sets in a quickly evolving techno-centric economy has led to industries experimenting with a variety of learning formats. Many are formulating strategies in the digital realm, with a firm belief that E-learning and virtual training can support their overarching goals of high-quality learning experiences and development.
Even the demographics of schools and colleges are changing. In India, the newly proposed National Education Policy emphasizes a bigger push for digital education. The sudden nationwide lockdown exposed the digital divide; quality and relevant learning require built-in capabilities to transition to online learning.
Currently, E-learning is adopted by industries and organizations, where crisp knowledge delivery is emphasized, and techniques are imparted to enable learners to apply their learning in the real world. Especially in core EHS and OHS, resuming industrial operations post-COVID-19 necessitates a re-evaluation of training strategies.
When designing an OHSE E-learning course, identifying information gaps and bridging them quickly and effectively remains paramount. Accurate, yet creative, E-learning pre-assessments are one of the most welcoming evaluation methods to test online learners without straining them.
Below are five types of E-learning pre-assessments to incorporate into E-learning design:
- Detect
Skill Gaps with Immersive Simulations
Simulations can identify gaps while learners engage in a virtual environment filled with characters and storylines. The primary purpose is to gauge what learners know, including their ability to apply it in real-world scenarios. For example, an assessment identifying a learner’s ineffective communication or interpersonal skills can help professionals understand why they struggle to lead a safety crew and provide instructions. This data can help bridge gaps during the online training session. - Diagnose
Performance Issues with Branching Scenarios
To test decision-making abilities under pressure, each decision point is an opportunity to evaluate the learner’s breadth of knowledge. For instance, a disaster response scenario—where two powered industrial vehicles have collided and one catches fire—requires the learner to protect air quality and resume normal operations. Such visually appealing setups provide real-world scenarios that enhance experiential knowledge. - Transform
Assessments into Engaging Quizzes
A pop quiz can make evaluation fun and entertaining, keeping learners engaged. Subject matter that’s easy to measure can be converted into quizzes—these can cover topics such as steps in fire rescue or near-miss incidents. - ‘What
to Do Next’ Stories
Open-ended stories allow employees to answer critical questions, testing their knowledge. In a work-related dispute, a narrative that includes natural dialogue and realistic settings leverages a person’s mental schema to solve practical problems. Learners arrive at their own conclusions, giving them insights into their retention and comprehension. - Group
Collaboration Projects
A social setting enables learners to assign tasks, communicate openly, and tackle objectives. These can be hosted where interpersonal skills are essential—though this may require extra efforts from management, as crafting a customized assessment could be necessary. Crucial communication gaps can be disclosed, catering to individual needs.
Needless to say, these approaches can maximize the benefits of online learning. For more insights on effective E-learning strategies, visit Core EHS.