Monday 29 June 2009

Gain Staff Unity with LMS Online Training

By Rob Wallace

If you are adopting learning management system (LMS) online training for your company's needs, keep in mind the fact that some trainees might never have experienced online courseware before. Because of this, a good trainer with strong leadership skills is a critical factor.

In cases where students are asked to work together as a group or team, creating an environment of trust and group unity is also important. Trainers are able to create a trustful environment by setting goals and simple steps for trainees; in that way when members accomplish these steps, they seal their commitment to the group.

Virtual collaboration can be facilitated by a moderator to create dialogue between group members. Video conferencing, wikis and discussion boards can all be paired with an LMS to ensure group success.

Group members can perform tasks assigned to them using an LMS; they can brainstorm and plan, create project summaries, maintain logs, and write a final report.

When teaching and coordinating a team of trainees, it's essential to communicate standard processes--both technical and "soft" processes. Particularly, when a team project or course is in its early days, clarity and consistency are key to preventing conflict later on.

Unfortunately, communication is both the source of and the cure for conflict. And unclear relegation of roles within team members is a classic course of group conflict.

Online tools can help trainees lead successful groups, but empowering members is something that requires a personal touch. A sense of teamwork is cultivated by respect, encouragement, and caring for trainees--not dictating to them. A sense of mutual respect is the most important prerequisite to a successful student group.

LMSs are an effective tool for helping training teams organize and stick to clear objectives and goals. An LMS functions as a tracking system which can be used to provide rewards and recognition to team members. But more effective than an LMS online training program or any online tool is an encouraging, communicative, and trusted leader.

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