Knowledge retention is not a new challenge to effective online training. It has been a known challenge in learning and development circles long before the inception of elearning.
According to Ebbinghaus’ Forgetting Curve, a learner forgets about 50% of information within an hour of learning it. Moreover, the curve suggests that a learner may only retain 10% of information after a month of instruction.
With this in mind, it is not practical to expect learners to retain information when they are taught with 200-page training documents and long, instructional videos.
Thankfully, with the rise of elearning tools, overcoming this challenge is possible.
For instance, a learning management system offers a variety of features that are all designed to make the learning experience more memorable to improve knowledge retention.
Let’s look at some of these features in more detail and understand how the contribute to improved knowledge retention:
Interactive Learning Experience
Unlike most other forms of training instruction, learning does not have to be linear in a learning management system. The ability to create branching scenarios and custom learning paths is a standard feature in most learning management systems.
With these features, the learning experience can be customised for each learner, to better suit their strengths, and of course, to address their unique shortcomings.
Similarly, the learning experience delivered through a learning management system can be designed to encompass a variety of learning styles, ensuring a more holistic learning experience for your learners.
Blended Learning Support
Blended learning combines the benefits of self-paced learning and instructor led training to provide learners with a more personalised and immersive training experience.
Once again, blended learning support is a pretty standard feature in modern learning management systems.
This is especially advantageous since with the prevailing need of social distancing, classroom-style training is not safe.
Moreover, with online blended learning, the effective cost of providing instructor led training is reduced. This is because traditionally, the cost of hiring an instructor would also include their travelling and other logistical expenses. With online training, all a trainer needs is a webcam and an INternet connection and they can deliver training from virtually anywhere.
Automate Follow Up Assessments
In the paper about the Forgetting Curve mentioned about the article, there was also proven a positive effect of repeated reinforcement of knowledge.
In other words, revision improves retention.
Now, most training initiatives assess their learners’ knowledge retention right after the completion of the course. At this time, the retention is strong. With time, knowledge fades away in memory and unless repeated reinforcement is done, knowledge doesn’t last.
To this end, learning management systems offer the ability to automate assessments and repeat assessments. This means, after the learner has completed the first assessment, the LMS will automatically reach out to them with another assessment after a predefined window of time.
Learner Progress Data
Another extremely advantageous feature offered by modern LMS is access to learner progress data. Also known as learner analytics, this feature allows you to dive deep into how your learners and your training materials are performing.
This means, your assessment will not just be limited to how your learners perform with the training provided to them, you will also be able to look at the training experience objectively and perhaps, find ways to optimise it for better retention.
Conclusion
The best part about a learning management system is that it makes training more affordable. For instance, Mindflash LMS, a popular product for employee training, starts at just $599. With the kind of features and tools that the tool boasts, and its ability to train hundreds of learners, the Mindflash LMS pricing is extremely affordable.
Have you used a learning management system before? How was your experience? Share with us in the comment section below.
