How can I overcome common challenges when adopting digital learning solutions?

1. Fear of the unknown

One of the biggest fears employees often experience is a fear of the unknown. People tend to resist change, particularly when it involves new technology that they’re unfamiliar with. To overcome this fear, having the right information is key. Start by doing thorough research to understand the available digital learning solutions and their potential benefits. Learning about how these solutions work and finding examples of how other organisations in your sector have successfully implemented them can also help ease apprehensions. This knowledge helps build confidence and provides a clear path forward, making the transition less intimidating for everyone involved.

2. Too much content

If you’re considering eLearning as part of your solution, then too much content is something you may well encounter. This can be overwhelming for learners and can reduce the overall effectiveness of your digital learning solution. To tackle this issue, it's crucial to work closely with your Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and think about different ways to structure content for the best impact. Start by focusing on the core learning objectives—prioritising what learners truly need to know.

Consider converting some of the content into optional resources, allowing learners to explore more if they choose, without overwhelming them from the start. There are also many different formats to present content, such as videos, infographics, or downloadable guides, which can help break up large volumes of material. It’s often best to think in terms of resources rather than courses, and it’s also worth considering just-in-time learning to support learners when they need it.

3. Not enough content

Not having enough content to support your learning objectives can also create significant challenges. Perhaps there is no Subject Matter Expert (SME) available, or the necessary knowledge exists only in someone's head. To address this, it's important to spend some time carefully considering the learning objectives you need to achieve.

Identify any gaps you may have in your existing content and explore ways to fill them - this may involve gathering insights from internal experts, developing custom content, or even sourcing reputable third-party materials. By ensuring your content is comprehensive and directly aligned with your learning goals, you can make the digital learning experience much more effective.

4. Tight project timelines

Meeting tight project timelines is another concern that organisations often face when implementing digital learning solutions. To combat this, set clear milestones and break the project into smaller, more manageable phases. Allocate resources carefully to ensure that staffing and tools are adequate to meet the deadlines. Regular communication and progress updates also help keep everyone aligned and on track, mitigating the stress that comes with tight timelines. Throughout the process, maintaining mutual respect is key to fostering a great working relationship and ensuring collaboration remains strong.

5. Dated technology

Organisations relying on old, legacy technology can sometimes struggle to support modern digital learning solutions effectively. Start by asking yourself key questions: Is the current learning technology able to support your learning needs? Can legacy systems be adapted to meet new objectives? What are the resource implications of updating our technology?

By using these questions to assess your current infrastructure, you can identify gaps and areas that require upgrades. You should also discuss your technical challenges with your supplier so that the learning solution is developed with full knowledge of your IT infrastructure

How eCom helps

At eCom Learning Solutions, we understand these common challenges and have the expertise to help. Whether it's providing tailored support, creating engaging content, or ensuring technological compatibility, we’re here to guide you through the adoption process. Contact us today to learn how we can help your organisation successfully navigate the journey to digital learning success.