For decades, corporate training has been one of the fundamental pillars for the growth and success of companies across the world. From conference rooms right through to printed manuals, we’ve witnessed the gradual evolution of training methods designed to help employees acquire ever more skills and knowledge. However, in an era where digitalization has completely transformed the business landscape, corporate training has taken a dramatic leap towards the clouds.
That’s right – in this article we’ll be covering cloud-based training, a methodology that has come to redefine the way we think of learning. We’ll explain its characteristics, its business advantages, and finally reveal how you can implement this strategy in your own company.
What is cloud-based training?
Cloud-based training is a training method that uses cloud infrastructure to host and deliver educational content. It represents an evolution in the way in which organizations deliver training and development programs, as it involves migrating these traditional processes to online platforms. Instead of being held in one specific geographical location, training becomes accessible from any location (and at any time) through the internet.
Rather than relying on physical classrooms or printed manuals, cloud training allows an organization’s employees to access courses, resources and activities from a variety of devices, such as computers, tablets or smartphones, eliminating the barriers of geographical distance and time.
Key advantages of cloud-based training
Carrying out training through cloud learning platforms offers a host of advantages for both employees and companies. Some of the most significant include:
Remote learning
One of the main benefits of cloud-based training is the fact that it allows training to be accessed from any place and at any time. This not only breaks down geographical barriers, but also allows participants to learn at any time and at their own pace. Employees can choose to access training in their free time – or even during work hours – in order to resolve any questions or issues they may have.
Accessibility
Cloud platforms offer instant access to educational resources from a variety of devices. Whether using a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone, students can get on with learning in just a few clicks. This accessibility improves engagement and knowledge retention, as users can tailor the learning experience to their own personal preferences.
Interactive content
A standout ability of cloud training platforms is their capacity to offer students interactive content. Employees are not limited to consuming information through text, but can also take part in practical activities, simulations and online discussions, or learn by watching videos and tutorials.
This interactivity is essential in promoting deeper and more meaningful learning, as it allows users to immediately apply what they have learned in real-world situations.
Collaborative learning
The advantages of collaborative learning are many, including the development of new skills, improved motivation, and an enhanced understanding of diverse points of view that enrich the learning process. Cloud training platforms help to create a social and collaborative experience through tools that facilitate debate, problem-solving, and the free exchange of ideas.
In their report on distance learning, Mckinsey affirm that cloud-based training offers businesses a significant advantage, since employees can collaborate even when far apart and in different time zones. In today’s professional landscape, this is an indispensable benefit for global organizations.
Essential features of cloud training platforms
Cloud-based training is carried out through online platforms which, helpfully, do not require the installation of either hardware or software, since all the necessary information is stored in the cloud. However, beyond this, all such platforms must have certain essential characteristics in order to guarantee an effective learning experience:
Real-time collaboration
Cloud learning platforms must facilitate real-time collaboration and communication between users, whether through chats, forums, or online collaboration tools.
Data security
Security is essential to protect the privacy and integrity of user data. A cloud training platform must implement encryption and authentication measures, as well as comply with security standards for the protection of information.
Scalability
Scalability is an essential feature of these platforms as it facilitates the growth of an organization. They must be able to handle both a small group of users and significantly higher numbers without compromising on quality.
Data analytics
A cloud training platform must offer student progress tracking and analysis features, allowing managers to test the effectiveness of the training. In general, these tools should also provide detailed information on individual and collective performance.
User experience
An easy-to-use interface is the key to successful training. This is why such platforms must offer an intuitive user experience, with effortless navigation and quick access to essential functions.
How to implement a training strategy in the cloud
A cloud training strategy is not just about migrating content to a digital platform, but also about carefully selecting the tool that best suits the specific needs of your organization. Below, we share some of the essential steps in developing a strategy to choose your platform:
1. Define your needs and objectives
Before leaping into the search for a platform, start by clearly identifying the training needs and objectives of your organization. What are you looking for? To improve your employees’ technical skills, level up their soft skills, or encourage closer collaboration? Answering these questions will help you form an idea of the platform you need.
2. Evaluate the key features of each platform
Researching and comparing the different features of the platforms available to you is essential. Make sure the one you choose offers scalability, advanced security, data analytics, real-time collaboration options, and an intuitive interface that puts the user experience front and center.
3. Opt for customization and flexibility
The option to customize is key to adapting training to the specific needs of your organization. For this reason, the platform you choose must offer enough flexibility and customization capacity to ensure a learning experience aligned with your business objectives, from personalized learning pathways to the integration of logos and corporate branding.
4. Evaluate the user experience
As we’ve emphasized, successful online training depends largely on the quality of the user experience. Opting for a platform with an intuitive interface, easy navigation, and accessible from multiple devices, will ensure that users engage faster and get the most out of their training.
Conclusions and the future of cloud-based training
Cloud training platforms have proven themselves indispensable tools for modern business training. Their ability to offer remote learning, accessibility and interactive content makes them an ideal option for organizations looking to stay competitive in an ever-changing digital world.
With emerging trends to consider, such as AI-driven personalized content, the use of gamification to increase engagement, and the implementation of virtual reality to deliver immersive learning experiences, cloud-based training promises new and innovative forms of training that will drive growth and professional development.
If you’re looking for your ideal platform, then isEazy LMS is the cloud platform that can manage all your training, communication and corporate knowledge processes in one place. Our tool is so much more than a simple cloud learning platform, combining the best features of an LXP with those of a powerful LMS, so you can organize your training content in the most attractive, dynamic and flexible way possible. Enjoy advanced communication, analysis, security and scalability features, plus a whole lot more. So what are you waiting for? Request a demo today!
