When you're ready to share your courses for the first time, there are a lot of options as to the way you deliver them to your learners. You can send an enrolment link, include the courses in your Catalog, enroll learners directly, enroll groups… the list goes on. You may even be using trackable links.
Although we have all these options at our fingertips, one of the key decisions you need to make upfront is:
Is your learning going to be on-demand, or enrolled and mandatory? Can learners elect to complete your training and browse what you have on offer, or is completion necessary and non-negotiable?
We’re going to talk about the benefits of on-demand versus enrolled learning below, and some of the things you might want to consider when designing how your Coassemble courses will be delivered.
On-Demand Learning
On-demand learning on Coassemble might look like:
Sending an enrollment link to potential learners (via email, Slack, etc.). They choose when and if they are enrolled in the course.
Embedding an enrollment link at a location where your learners can elect to take the course (e.g. your Intranet). Again, it’s up to them!
Including the course in a Catalog that potential learners can access. They can browse course offerings, and choose what interests them with no timeframe or deadlines.
You might use on-demand learning in the form of a Catalog for external customer training, like the example above.
What are some of the features of on-demand learning?
Flexibility: Learners can learn at their own pace and convenience.
Self-Paced: Your learners can dive deep into subjects with the freedom to review materials.
Accessibility: Courses can be easily accessed without going through a gatekeeper or adding extra administration.
Diverse Content: Offering a diverse range of content for your learners to choose from may help them upskill in new areas.
No Enrollment Required: Removing formal enrollment can help lighten your administration load and put the responsibility back on your learners to take accountability for their own goals.
Limited Accountability: It’s important to note that completion rates may vary due to the absence of mandatory deadlines when you elect to offer on-demand training. Learners may get part way through a course, but never complete it.
Compulsory learning
Enrolled and mandatory learning on Coassemble might look like:
Enrolling learners directly using the Users tab
Enrolling groups directly into Courses
Setting course prerequisites for training
Setting course completion timeframes for learners (for example, your course must be completed 5 days from enrollment)
What are some of the features and benefits of enrolled and mandatory learning?
Structured Learning: Having a deadline provides a structured framework for learning, helping participants allocate time and prioritize the course amidst their other responsibilities. This structure can be especially valuable for those who may otherwise procrastinate or struggle with time management.
Accountability: Participants are more likely to take the training seriously and complete it on time when they know there are consequences for missing the deadline (for example, they are unable to complete a specific work task until they have finished the course). This can improve the overall completion rate.
Consistency: Mandatory online training with deadlines ensures that all participants receive the same information in a standardized manner. This consistency is crucial in organizations where uniform knowledge and skills are necessary for compliance, safety, or efficiency.
Compliance and Legal Requirements: Some industries and professions have strict compliance and legal requirements. Mandatory training with deadlines can help your organization meet these obligations, reducing the risk of legal and regulatory issues.
Measurable Progress: Deadlines provide clear milestones for progress assessment. Organizations can track who has completed the training on time, making it easier to identify any gaps in compliance or knowledge.
Motivation: Knowing that there is a set deadline can motivate participants to prioritize their learning and engage more actively.
Time Management Skills: Mandatory online training with deadlines helps participants develop better time management skills, which can be valuable in their professional and personal lives.
To wrap things up...
Choosing between on-demand and mandatory learning in Coassemble is a crucial decision for your training programs. On-demand learning offers flexibility, allowing learners to learn at their own pace, explore various content, and access courses easily. However, it may result in lower completion rates due to reduced accountability. On the other hand, mandatory learning provides a structured approach, enhancing accountability, consistency, and compliance. It also promotes motivation, improves time management, and ensures measurable progress. The right choice depends on your organization's goals, industry requirements, and your audience's learning preferences. Balancing flexibility and structure is essential to designing effective Coassemble courses that align with your learners' needs and training objectives.