Software Training Blog

Online learning now depends more on the ability of trainers to support
learners online than the technology itself. - Dr. Ian Heywood

In my last article I talked about how Online Learning often doesn’t get used, simply because users aren’t aware that it exists. This is unfortunate, because Online Learning is a great way to increase staff productivity and reduce support costs. If it’s properly promoted and deployed, an Online Learning program pays for itself many times over.

If you are deploying an Online Learning program, make sure your investment is used! Here are 6 simple ways to promote Online Learning to your users:

1. Post Online Learning Notices and Links on your Intranet or Website
   Make it easy for your users to find and access your Online Learning by placing prominent links on your Intranet and/or Website.
2. Send Promotional Emails to Your Users
   The easiest way to promote Online Learning is to send an email to all your users. Make sure it includes where and how to sign in. Click here for an example of an email targeted towards general users.
3. Send Promotional Emails to Your Training Department
   If your organization has a Training department, make sure they’re sold on your Online Learning so they can help promote it as well. Click here for an example of an email targeted towards trainers.
4. Send Promotional Emails to Your IT Support Department
   Online Learning can make the lives of your Help Desk and IT Support Department easier by reducing their number of calls and support issues so make sure they are aware of your Online Learning! Click here for an example of an email targeted towards IT Support personnel.
5. Send Promotional Emails to Your HR Department
   Your HR Department can also help promote your Online Learning - if they’re aware of it. Click here for an email targeted toward HR professionals.
6. Post Promotional Posters
   Create several posters and/or announcement postings promoting your Online Learning and place them where they will be noticed. Click here to see a promotional poster we use at CustomGuide.

Promotion is an ongoing process. After you’ve finished your big promotional push, sending an Online Learning reminder every so often keeps your user adoption up, and keeps training and self-improvement a priority amid the other responsibilities and obligations that users have.

Jon High
President, CustomGuide
Learn On Demand
CustomGuide Software Training