As a Salesforce training expert, I understand the importance of training when it comes to the successful implementation and adoption of Salesforce within an organization. In fact, training is one of the most critical aspects of any Salesforce project. It not only ensures that users understand how to use the system, but it also helps to increase user adoption, boost productivity, and ultimately maximize ROI.
However, with so many different training methods available, it can be difficult for decision-makers to determine which approach will work best for their organization. In this blog post, I will explain why different training methods are beneficial and provide some guidance on how to choose the right approach.
Instructor-Led Training
Instructor-led training is a traditional training approach that involves a live instructor leading a training session. This can be done in-person or virtually through webinars or other online platforms. Instructor-led training is an effective way to teach complex topics, and it allows for immediate feedback and interaction with the instructor.
Instructor-led training is best suited for organizations that have a large number of users who require training, or for complex Salesforce implementations where there is a need for hands-on instruction. It is also a great option for organizations that require a personalized training approach, as it allows the instructor to tailor the training to the specific needs of the participants.
Self-Paced Learning
Self-paced learning, also known as e-learning, is a popular training method that allows users to learn at their own pace, on their own schedule. This can be done through online courses, tutorials, or videos that users can access from their computer or mobile device.
Self-paced learning is ideal for organizations that have a geographically dispersed workforce or for those that need to provide training to a large number of users quickly. It also allows users to learn at their own pace, which can increase engagement and retention. Self-paced learning is also cost-effective, as it eliminates the need for travel and other expenses associated with in-person training.
On-the-Job Training
On-the-job training involves learning while performing the actual job tasks. This can be done through shadowing, mentoring, or job rotation. On-the-job training is an effective way to learn practical skills and gain hands-on experience.
On-the-job training is ideal for organizations that have limited resources for training or for those that have a small number of users who require training. It also allows users to learn in a real-world environment, which can increase retention and accelerate the learning process. Often here a professional trainer will come in and upskill a couple of users in the workforce to become Superusers. They then spread the knowledge to the wider team.
Gamification
Gamification is a training method that involves using game-like elements to make learning more engaging and fun. This can include challenges, quizzes, and rewards for completing certain tasks or achieving specific goals. Gamification is an effective way to increase engagement and motivation, which can lead to better retention and learning outcomes.
Gamification is ideal for organizations that want to create a more interactive and engaging training experience, particularly for younger generations who are accustomed to gaming and interactive media. It can also be effective for organizations that want to incentivize users to complete training quickly or to achieve certain learning objectives. Prime example here is Trailhead, which gives people points for every module they complete. Salesforce offers organisations the possibility to build their learning platform similar to Trailhead by using MyTrailhead.
Blended Learning
Blended learning is a training approach that combines multiple training methods, such as instructor-led training, self-paced learning, and gamification. Blended learning is an effective way to provide a comprehensive and customized training experience that meets the unique needs of each user.
Blended learning is ideal for organizations that want to provide a flexible and personalized training experience, particularly for complex Salesforce implementations that require hands-on instruction. It also allows users to learn at their own pace, while still benefiting from the expertise of an instructor. Most organisations will use a blended approach, using Instructor lead sessions for the more complex areas, followed by self learning and on the job learning to cement knowledge.
Choosing the Right Training Method
When it comes to choosing the right training method for your organization, there are several factors to consider. These include the size of the organization, the complexity of the Salesforce implementation, the budget, and the unique learning needs of the users.
For example, if you have a large number of users who require training on a complex Salesforce implementation, an instructor-led training approach may be the best option. On the other hand, if you have a small number of users or a limited budget, self-paced learning or on-the-job training may be more practical.
It is also important to consider the unique learning needs of your users. For example, if you have a younger workforce that is accustomed to interactive media, gamification may be an effective way to increase engagement and retention.
Another important consideration is the availability of resources for training. For organizations with limited resources, self-paced learning or on-the-job training may be a more practical approach. However, for organizations that have the budget and resources available, a blended learning approach can provide a comprehensive and customized training experience.
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