Keywords: E-learning, Approach, Innovation, Gamification
Competence development is a major counterweight to the fast-paced development faced by most companies. But as the world changes and becomes more digital and globally oriented, competence development should naturally follow suit, offering more alternatives. This is precisely why we at Mannaz have worked hard to combine the virtual and digital format with learning, results and quality – to create a new type of virtual education which we are now launching in the form of a new business called ViSiR.
Now, you may think this just sounds like e-learning, but the new form of virtual education is on a completely different level and offers completely different opportunities. In fact, the difference is so great that it is almost like comparing an old modem with modern fibre broadband. The bandwidth and quality are strikingly different today, in the same way, that the new learning platform is a digital quantum leap in virtual education.
The problem with traditional e-learning is the absence of results because the method simply does not work when it stands alone without any form of facilitation.
E-learning is often characterised by digital teaching delivered as one-way communication on a flat platform without any integration of learning elements before, during or after.
On Mannaz’s unique interactive learning platform, there is room for dialogue and engaging learning, which means a serious foundation for what is learned and thus sustained, measurable results. Among other things, our platform includes real-time virtual classroom teaching, gamification, breakout sessions, virtual coaching and educational analytics. These are effective tools for rolling out new competencies quickly and efficiently without too much disruption to the working day. In addition, this new form of teaching can be scaled almost infinitely and works across borders and time zones. As you can probably tell, I am pretty excited about the new possibilities.
Just take a global company that is to roll out new management skills in 40 countries. With ViSiR, the company can choose between either a predefined concept or designing its own. Following this, the company will be able to divide managers into classes and working groups that will undergo a training course consisting of a combination of virtual teaching, facilitation, group work and assignments over a given period. All without ever having to be in the same physical location. And because the course is supported by strong analytics tools, those responsible for the teaching can instantly detect which departments or individuals are falling behind so that corrective measures and extra teaching can be employed. In this way, the company ensures that everyone benefits from the skills boost, whether it be 25 or 25,000 employees – and no one is forgotten or overlooked in the process.
“A virtual course is far less invasive and is thus easier to implement during a busy working day.”
One of the elements included in the new virtual form of teaching is gamification. It is a great tool for getting participants involved. You will be able to measure how you are doing on a scale, win trophies, get a digital certificate on LinkedIn and compete with others who are on the same course. Gamification is a concept that many of us are familiar with from other digital platforms and which is now being combined with teaching at an advanced level. We know that this will encourage many to give that little bit extra.
In the “old days”, scarcely more than 10 years ago, the roll-out of new knowledge involved people having to be gathered in a physical classroom or teachers being moved from one location to another. This principle still works but it is costly, time-consuming and very difficult to scale. It is here that virtual teaching presents an alternative or an opportunity to combine methods. A virtual course is far less invasive and is thus easier to implement during a busy working day.
On Mannaz’s educational journey during the creation of ViSiR, one of our biggest aha experiences was the realisation that, despite the many functionalities, the famous slogan ‘Simplicity is king’ still applies. For both participants and administrators, it should be as easy as possible to access knowledge and use the platform as simplicity is the most effective approach.
At the same time, the requirement for skilled, trained teachers is essential when it comes to delivering virtual courses. The professional skills themselves are the same of course, but the methodology used needs to be somewhat different to teach in a virtual and digital format. Therefore, the teachers are also required to have virtual teaching skills. Having a skilled, engaging facilitator is still essential for both virtual and traditional teaching.
When I talk enthusiastically about the new opportunities in virtual teaching, people often ask me if we will no longer use traditional skills development. Of course, we will. Traditional teaching is incredibly effective and has its place, but with the growing demand for new knowledge, we have to adapt to a world in which knowledge will come to us in different forms at different times.
The important thing is that we do not stall but constantly acquire new knowledge so that we can better handle all the changes that the world throws at us.
ViSiR is an advanced digital learning bureau providing effective tuition in a digital and virtual format. ViSiR is scalable and runs in real-time regardless of time zones and borders, with considerable flexibility while at the same time being cost-effective.
ViSiR can provide courses on such subjects as strategy, innovation, design thinking, change management and project management. Read more here.
A Vegvisir was a magic Old Norse compass that could lead the traveller to their destination through rough weather and across high seas. The word ViSiR is an abbreviated version and represents how flexible, digital learning journeys enable people and organisations to navigate through turbulent times.
