2020 provided plenty of challenges – in this video, Knowledge Anywhere reflects on the 3 biggest lessons learned this year, while looking towards the future of training in 2021. To see this video, alongside many other free and insightful training resources, sign up for Elucidat’s free Digital Learning Skill-up Program.
Transcript
Hello, I’m Charlie Gillette, President of Knowledge Anywhere. Today, I’d like to share three key lessons we’ve learned from 2020, a year of significant change and adaptation in virtual education. Let’s dive into some macro trends impacting our industry and the lessons we’ve drawn from them.
Firstly, we saw a significant experiment with K through 12 education moving online. This shift, while challenging, provided valuable insights into remote learning’s successes and areas for improvement. Additionally, the unprecedented unemployment rates have resulted in a crucial need for retraining as workers return to the workforce. Moreover, with 40% of Americans working remotely, we’ve faced new challenges and opportunities that required adjustments in how we operate.
Lesson Number One: Staying Internally Connected
Even before the pandemic, about a third of our team was remote, but for the other two-thirds, the shift was significant. We had to enhance our use of communication tools like Slack, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams. Regular video calls, virtual coffee breaks, and maintaining one-on-ones were essential to keep our internal community strong. These tools aren’t just about maintaining productivity but also about preserving our workplace culture.
Lesson Number Two: Multiple Channel Customer Connection
Traditionally, customer interactions were often face-to-face. The shift to virtual has pushed us to strengthen multi-channel connections, from regular emails to social media engagement, and webinars. It’s crucial to stay connected with our customers and ensure they feel supported by their trusted partners.
Lesson Number Three: Adaptation is Hard
The shift from traditional in-person training to virtual formats was challenging. Many organizations were deeply rooted in conventional methods and found it hard to pivot. We’ve learned it’s essential to support these organizations by demonstrating that virtual training can be deployed quickly and effectively, not over months but within weeks, and help them devise personalized plans to transition smoothly.
These lessons from 2020 have not only informed our approach moving forward but have also prepared us to face 2021 with a stronger, more adaptable strategy. Thank you for participating, and we look forward to your feedback and continuing to learn together. For any inquiries or further information, please feel free to contact us.