Everyone knows “streaming on demand,” but what does "learning on demand" mean? In the article, we'll show you how to create useful knowledge libraries online for modern and flexible corporate learning
First: What does "learning on demand" mean?
In the context of continuing education, "on demand" refers to the fact that the content is available exactly when it is really needed – i.e. around the clock, whenever it fits in the daily work routine.
Learning on demand offers companies a new way of training with a high degree of flexibility in the individual learning process. Digital learning methods such as eLearning, mobile learning and, above all, micro-learning are made for this, as they are available anytime and anywhere!
By the way: according to a survey by eLearning learning, learning on demand is the most influential trend for companies in 2021! They define on-demand learning here as a training strategy that gives learners access to knowledge-based content in real time.
4 Benefits of learning on demand in corporate learning
- Time savings, because missing knowledge can be acquired directly in the work situation. Knowledge gaps are therefore closed in the very situation in which they’re needed.
- Lower expenses, because additional costs for training are only incurred in the case of acute training needs. On-demand measures become generally more favored due to the smaller expenditure of time.
- Increased motivation to learn, because employees can acquire specific knowledge for their area of responsibility independently. Material remains at the forefront (and is better remembered).
- Practical relevance, as the training content is strongly linked to the employees' everyday tasks. At the same time, you increase the efficiency of the entire company.
Learning on demand: Employees can refer directly to a knowledge base on an online platform if they are unclear.
Practical examples: Digital learning libraries for just-in-time learning
Prime examples of on-demand learning are corporate learning libraries that serve as reference material for employees at any time. Learning on the job happens in the situation in which its needed, and is tailored to the individual needs of your employees.
At blink.it, we particularly like to use the following measures for our own learning library:
Process documentation with explicit examples
Process documentation at blink.it - This is how we create the graphics for our blog articles. A document including all steps is available on the blink.it platform at any time. // Source: blink.it learning platform
Video tutorials and screencasts
With screencasts, we show new employees how to create courses themselves with blink.it. // Source: blink.it learning platform
Checklists for fixed procedures
Checklists help employees complete routine tasks quickly and enable refresher reference again and again as needed. // Source: blink.it learning platform
Collection of definitions for reference
Clear definitions of the most important terms is fundamental for employees of companies. // Source: blink.it learning platform
Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to learning on demand:
1. Give your employees time to look things up
In many companies, employees lack the time to educate themselves. This also applies to acute knowledge gaps. That's why designated learning times help employees take charge of their own continuing education. In the case of acute problems, they can take the time to read up on the missing information with a clear conscience.
2. Designate a contact person
In order for your learning library to be helpful to all employees, it must always be up-to-date and regularly maintained. Appoint a person responsible for regularly checking the content and replacing it if necessary.
3. Create a structure for all information
To save time, your learning content needs a common structure that all employees can understand. This doesn't just apply to your learning library itself – the individual documents in your library should also be structured according to a clear principle. This will make it easier for both the creators and the readers to find the information later on.
4. Find a common place for all content
Last but not least comes the most important point: any systematic order and great content is of little use without a suitable location. You should create your library on a platform that is available, always and everywhere, in as simple a format as possible. This way, you’ll guarantee that all employees can find information quickly.
Learning on demand is a valuable method – especially for new employees, because it very efficiently supports knowledge gain in the beginning. At blink.it, we actively use the examples you see above in our own onboarding process, and over time have created an extensive learning library!
For additional useful information, feel free to check out our free resources or the blog!
