Training Industry Magazine - January/February 2021 - 57

MICHELLE EGGLESTON SCHWARTZ

LEARNER
MINDSET

MANAGING YOUR
VIRTUAL LEARNING JOURNEY

Technology enables learners to take
greater control of their learning journey -
from quickly finding a video to complete a
new task to downloading an app or training
course that expands your knowledge and
expertise. In the last year, virtual learning
has skyrocketed in adoption and usage.
Many training organizations are leveraging
technology to provide employees access
to learning resources through learning
management systems (LMSs), learning
libraries and external training partners.
Today, the options are limitless when it
comes to learning for employees. But
limitless options can be overwhelming.
Combatting
virtual
fatigue
and
employee burnout have been key
focus areas for leaders over the past
year. Remote work has given employees
more autonomy over their working and
learning experiences, leading to an
increase in demand for self-management
skills. In the World Economic Forum's
2020 Future of Jobs report, selfmanagement skills topped the list of skills
employers see rising by 2025. These
skills include active learning and learning
strategies, resilience, stress tolerance
and flexibility.
Active learning and learning strategies
secured the second spot on the list -
emphasizing the increasing importance
of this critical skill set. The report defines
active learning as, " Understanding
the implications of new information for
both current and future problem-solving
and decision-making. " Active learning
occurs when learners engage, apply
and reflect on the knowledge they have

just acquired. By immediately applying
the new skill or information, the learning
is more likely to be retained.
Active learning can still be successful
in the virtual environment. By utilizing
facilitation tools within virtual platforms
- such as polls, breakout rooms, videos
or simulations - facilitators can ensure
learners have the chance to engage,
apply and reflect on their new skills.
Managers can also play an important
role in engaging employees throughout
their learning journey.

THE MOST SUCCESSFUL
PEOPLE ARE LIFELONG
LEARNERS.
PARTNERING FOR SUCCESS
As employees gain more control
over their learning journeys, training
professionals must work to create
learning pathways that identify the
skills employees need in their job
roles. With the help of their managers,
employees can better map their
learning goals to achieve the skills and
behavior change necessary to succeed
in their current role and beyond.
While giving employees freedom over
their learning journeys is empowering,
they also need guidance and support
to achieve their goals. Coaching and
feedback are critical for employee
development but become even more
necessary in a virtual environment.
Leaders must frequently check-in with

employees to assess progress and
address any concerns or challenges the
employee may be experiencing.
IT'S OK TO FOCUS ON YOU
Finding the time for learning and
development can be a real challenge.
However, reflection is an integral part of
the learning process and allows you to
uncover insights and identify areas for
improvement. This process can provide
employees with the self-awareness that
leads to better performance.
Managing your learning journey also
means managing and protecting your
time. It's easy for the work week to get
away from us. Unexpected meetings
and impromptu chats often wreak havoc
on our schedules. As learners, we must
be diligent and dedicate allotted time for
learning and development each week.
Block off time in your calendar, put your
phone on " do not disturb " or close out of
your email - whatever it takes for you to
focus on your development.
The most successful people are
lifelong learners. They never stop
looking for opportunities to grow and
expand their perspective. Technology
enables greater access to learning
and development, and - while virtual
burnout is very real - the right balance
and approach enables employees
to effectively leverage technology to
reach their full potential.
Michelle Eggleston Schwartz, CPTM, is
the editorial director at Training Industry,
Inc. Email Michelle.

T R A I N I N G I N DUSTR Y MAGAZ INE - VIRTUAL LEARNING I W WW. T RAI NINGINDU S T RY . C OM/ MAGAZ I NE

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Training Industry Magazine - January/February 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Training Industry Magazine - January/February 2021