Employee retention and engagement is the #1 problem that companies face.

That’s according to a survey of over 3,000 respondents across 100 countries by Deloitte. And while it’s debatable whether employee retention and engagement always rank as the top concern, when I speak to businesses it continually appears in their top five.

So what are the drivers behind issues with employee retention and engagement?

Poor internal culture is a primary reason, and, internationally, Australia ranks in the bottom 10 for staff engagement. Average staff turnover percentages have been increasing year on year.

Culture is not static, and what can start as a very positive internal culture can change as headcount grows and as people come and go. This can create an environment with low engagement and high turnover.

The wave of millennials joining the workforce is often cited as a catalyst for culture change, bringing new expectations. There are greater expectations on work flexibility, accelerated career development and greater mobility.

Changing cultures and expectations from a new generation of staff obviously demands new approaches. Companies should be on the front foot to make sure internal culture remains positive, with high employee retention and engagement.

(Need tips on how to make your management millennial-friendly? Read our guide here)

In another recent survey – this time by the Australian Human Resources Institute – 61 per cent of companies reported that training and development was a key strategy for improving engagement and retention. Approximately half of companies are also implementing flexible work policies and more regular performance appraisals.

It’s perhaps unsurprising that training and professional development ranks so highly. Better training can help answer the demand for greater flexibility, faster career development and better management.

First, flexible work options and support for mobile or remote work, often go hand in hand. Ensuring that training on all your systems and processes are available online is critical when staff can’t rely on asking the person working next to them.

Investing in learning and development also means people can pursue self-directed professional development. This addresses a second key request from staff. If some individuals want to accelerate the development of new skills and better capabilities, providing an on-demand mechanism to facilitate that is a great match.

Finally, the primary cause of low engagement and high turnover is poor leadership. Management and leadership skills are evidently important, but most people feel that these are exactly the skills that are lacking in the companies that they work for.

Good leadership involves awareness, listening, feedback and guidance. This already tricky topic can be made doubly difficult when working with mobile and flexible teams. Learning how to adapt and deliver positive leadership in changing environments is a key requirement for anyone in business.

(Want to know why a top CEO believes HR leadership is essential for success? Read our interview here)

Creating a culture of learning is not the only ingredient for success, but it’s a critical part of the puzzle. By supporting staff who demand greater flexibility, more professional development opportunities and better leadership, companies can foster a better culture.

A positive internal culture not only means more engagement and retention, it also creates a sustainable competitive advantage.

As the rate of change only increases, creating a culture of learning seems to be a key strategy to creating a better culture full stop.

This article was originally published on HR Magazine

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What is the largest driver of employee retention?

There are many types of criminals around the world, and unfortunately, most of them rely on the good and honest nature of others to make their living. One of the simplest ways for these criminals to acquire their money and remove any trace of illegal activity from it is to “launder” it.

Money laundering usually works in three stages, and it’s the responsibility of all businesses to be able to spot the signs of this occurring and report it to the authorities when it does. Failure to do so could see you end up with a $45 million fine like Australian gaming operator Tabcorp did when they failed to notify the authorities about the suspicious behaviour of some of their customers.

An astonishing 5% of the world’s GDP is laundered each year, which equates to around $1.5 trillion. Although you might think that money laundering is only left to seedy businesses and willing participants, these people are often performing their shady deeds right under the nose of good and honest organizations - much to the detriment of the business.

Placement – this is the riskiest stage and involves placing the ill-gotten money into a legitimate business without being noticed.

Layering – this sophisticated process sees the criminal try to hide their illegal activity in a complicated layer of other transactions.

Integration – the money is returned to the criminal from legitimate sources.

What Anti-Money Laundering Training Covers

The scope of the money laundering problem we are facing in the business world today…

Why money laundering is illegal and what the penalties are for the criminals and anyone involved in the process…

Why anti-money laundering policies are so important…

The signs of the three main stages of money laundering so you’re able to put a stop to it…

Which Types of Businesses Should Be Aware of Money Laundering?

All employees have their own responsibilities when it comes to money laundering laws and penalties. When you and your colleagues don’t fully understand your obligations, you too can be held responsible for future wrongdoings!

As mentioned earlier, the Tabcorp case of money laundering was one of the largest recorded in Australia’s history. The federal court found that Tabcorp was responsible for breaching the important Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act (AML/CTF) on 108 separate occasions spanning over five years.

The court found that Tabcorp didn't have a robust AML/CTF program in place within the organization, and as a result, these funds were able to pass through unnoticed. Principals in this company were found guilty of assisting with this criminal activity due to their negligence, and as a result, they were fined an impressive $45 million for doing so.

When you consider the enormity of this fine and the legal ramifications, can your business really afford to lose this much money for a simple lack of knowledge? With one simple course, you can ensure you, your employees, and your business as a whole is protected from the very real threat of money laundering.

What Can You Benefit from this Anti-Money Laundering Training

If you’re still sitting on the fence about the Anti-Money Laundering training and wondering if it’s really such a big deal for you to learn, consider the fines alone that come from being involved in this illegal activity. The current maximum penalty for assisting in this crime is 14 years, and as indicated by the Tabcorp case, you can be ordered to pay into the millions.

If you’re interested in protecting your business, educating your staff, or just staying aware of the warning signs and suspicious activity, you shouldn’t overlook Anti-Money Laundering training for your team.

For more insights, be sure to subscribe to the Go1 newsletter to stay on top of all the latest L&D trends. Or, you can book a demo today to find out how Go1 can help with your team’s learning needs.

We've put together a comprehensive guide to anti-money laundering training, including definitions, benefits, and an example of what not to do from TabCorp.

Anti-money laundering training: what you need to know

It really is surprising how many of us take communication proficiency for granted. Whether it’s in a written email, a meeting, presentation, or simply a conversation with a coworker, effective communication has a direct impact on the success of every business. 

Effective communication is a skill, and it’s a skill that should be developed in order to be successful in business. Just like any other skill, communication should be “worked out” regularly, and that’s exactly what the Communicating Effectively course can show you how to do.

This course can teach you how to communicate effectively so that you’re able to get your message across loud and clear, whether it’s at work in a business meeting or at home with your family. 

Not only will this course show you how to get your own point across, but it will make you a more effective listener as well. With the right communication methods under your belt, you’ll find that your productivity and performance at work will go up in a big way.

Communication comes in many forms, all of which help us to interact with others and express thoughts, concerns, and feelings.How you communicate will determine how people interact with you…and poor communication can have an extremely negative impact on your professional life. Not to mention the problems that can arise from low self-esteem, frustration, and a poor relationship with others. 

Unfortunately, far too many people in today’s workforce are falling short in this skill. 

We always seem to remember those times when you had a communication breakthrough or disaster, don’t we? That’s because an effective communicator will always be remembered for how they stirred emotions in you, motivated you to work towards something, or conveyed an idea that had a huge impact on your life. Excellent communication truly has a ripple effect that resonates with us. 

All careers rely on at effective communication, whether it be written or verbal. That’s just one reason why this course can benefit everyone in the workforce. 

The truth is that even the most talented communicators in your organization should be constantly “sharpening the knife” of their talent, or else it will begin to go dull!

Before we can understand the best ways to communicate with others, we need to learn why it matters so much, particularly in a professional setting. How we communicate has a huge impact on those around us - it can draw people in to your world or repel them in an instant. 

Studies have shown that just 7% of communication is verbal, which indicates that how we express ourselves through body language is extremely important. Learning communication isn’t just about how we speak or write, but about how we present ourselves to others in a non-verbal way.

Just as important as how we speak to others is how we listen. Many people think communication relies solely on what we offer to others, but it’s important to remember that listening and responding is the other half of the equation.

To be a great communicator, you need to learn how to elicit the best communication out of others too. Effective questioning can help you to get the best response - and it can save time and frustration due to miscommunication issues. 

Written and email etiquette for the workplace

In this modern age, emails and other written communication are essential forms of communication. These non-verbal forms of communication have their own unique etiquette that should be understood for the most effective and respectful response.

By covering this broad range of topics and learning not only the best way to communicate, but why it’s so important in your day to day life, you’ll walk away from this course with the skills needed to be an effective communicator.

Who Would Benefit From the Communicating Effectively Course?

You might be wondering if this course is right for you, and perhaps even questioning whether your communication skills are up to par. The truth is, we can all benefit from learning more about communication, whether it’s verbal or non-verbal.

If you talk to your coworkers or employees about the issues that they face on a daily basis you’ll likely find that communication is a common theme. It’s surprising to think that many organizations still don’t have training in place for this critical skill set.

The Communicating Effectively course can suit everyone from entry level employees to senior management. With this course in your toolkit, not only will you be able to convey your own thoughts and opinions more clearly, but you’ll understand the people you work with better as well. It’s a win/win either way!

Negotiation is an important part of everyday life, both at work and at home. In your personal life, you might have no trouble speaking your mind when it comes to choosing a restaurant or movie. Or working out whose turn it is to cook dinner, or drive. This is because when we’re in our comfort zone with family and friends, it’s not too difficult to make our opinions and preferences known.

But unfortunately, when it comes to important workplace discussions about salary, workload or job responsibilities, many people find it hard to be quite as assertive. Sound familiar?

If you feel uncomfortable when it comes to negotiating at work, you’re not alone. Many people feel intimidated at the thought of having these discussions with their boss, bargaining with clients, or going against the flow of their co-workers. However, negotiation is a critical and essential part of all aspects of life – and there’s no need to fear it in the workplace. In fact, improving your confidence in this area will have a positive impact on all aspects of your life, not just at work.

Read on to find out more about why negotiating and influencing people is so important in business, and how you can improve your workplace negotiation skills.

Why You Need to Know How to Negotiate and Influence People 

These days, most job descriptions include ‘negotiation’ as a desirable skill for potential candidates, with the ability to negotiate being more valued than ever before.

The Benefits of Negotiation for Your Business

Build and maintain positive working relationships

Improve the company’s bottom line, through increased profits and the ability to get the best deal possible

Increase their productivity and job satisfaction by expressing their needs

Successfully work through disagreements with co-workers

Contribute to a positive work culture, where opinions and needs are mutually respected

Show high level listening skills and emotional intelligence (EQ), helping them to succeed at work

Creating Win-Win Outcomes in the Workplace

Improving your negotiation skills isn’t about beating down the other party – it’s about creating a win-win situation, where each person involved leaves the table happy with their end of the deal. There’s no doubt that this can sometimes be difficult! Which is exactly why strong negotiation skills are so highly valued in the workplace.

When you feel more confident in your negotiation skills, you’ll be equipped to walk into any situation with the self-assurance you need to focus on the best outcome for the organization.

Use eLearning to Improve Your Negotiation Skills

Learning how to become a better negotiator can be challenging but also exciting. The good news is that this is a skill that can be learned and continually improved upon. So where can you learn these techniques?

Online courses provide a great way for employees to work on improving their skill sets. Through eLearning, your staff can simply enroll in their desired course, completing modules at their own pace and comfort.

Negotiating and Influencing People is a short eLearning course designed to help individuals improve their negotiation with suppliers, clients, trade unions or colleagues. The interactive course will help experienced negotiators enhance their existing skills, whilst beginners will be provided with new strategies to use and develop. Staff will also get the opportunity to test their knowledge with quiz questions at the end of each topic.

Check out the course today and arm yourself with the skills, knowledge – and most importantly, the confidence – to negotiate and influence in the workplace. This will also have a positive impact on other areas of your life, leading to more effective communication with family, loved ones and friends.


How to improve your workplace negotiation skills

One of the most frustrating aspects of implementing a new training program at any organization is having to chase up your manager to get approval for both budget and structure. Not anymore! Our latest update takes the pain out of talking to your boss.

“Hassle Your Boss” is a new feature in which a button in the administrator dashboard can be linked to directly contact your boss via email and text message, prompting them to approve your training plan.

Unfortunately, we aren’t going to be implementing this feature - which I’m sure is a relief to training executives everywhere.

However, we do firmly believe that training managers should be taking their budgets into their own hands and communicating with their managers.

We are here to help you take charge so that you can create an engaging and budget friendly program. You can find a number of article on the Go1 website to guide you through this processes including everything from how to prepare your learning and development budget, through to the top things you need to consider when taking your learning online.

Not to forget about talking to your boss, we can help with that too. As online learning becomes the most popular way to deliver workplace training, some employees might find that their managers need a bit of a “push” to test things out. Convincing your boss to invest in eLearning is a simple process if you do your homework and cover a few key areas, and we’ve put together a guide to make it a quick and easy process for L&D managers.

Finding good reasons to move your training online is the easy part! Research everywhere is pointing towards utilizing an online learning platform and creating a more personalized learning experience for your team.  The cost savings when it comes to compliance are not just seen in your budget, but in reducing the risk against potential fines!

Being able to create a culture of learning with an on-demand training mentality will have a positive impact on not only your employees, but the growth of your business.

While the “Hassle your boss” button might be something that would make L&D managers very happy, the reality is that by taking your training budget into your own hands you can drive the direction of your program, and create higher quality training programs and are relevant to your team while sticking to your budget.

If you do have questions about aspects of preparing your training program, we’d love to hear from you so that we can help to provide you, and others in your position, with the resources that you need to take the next step!

For more insights, subscribe to the Go1 newsletter to stay on top of all the latest L&D trends. Or, you can book a demo today to find out how Go1 can help with your team’s learning needs.

“Hassle your boss” with our latest feature!

Workplace health and safety proficiency is something we strive to achieve in our organizations, but sometimes its importance can be lost behind trying to hit revenue goals and/or please customers. However, it’s absolutely critical to pay attention to our health and safety practices because this is one way we can ensure that our workplaces run more efficiently, our staff are happier, and ultimately the product or service we offer is of superior quality.

Having a solid workplace safety and health culture in place not only protects our staff but ensures we offer a safe environment for customers and visitors too. When we’re viewed by outsiders as a company who takes pride in the health and safety of their staff, this reflects positively on our other practices too.

What you can learn from the safest companies in America

So, how do you ensure that your company not only meets the occupational health and safety requirements set down by law but exceed them? Some of the safest companies in America have revealed their top tips for how they earned the title, and they’re a lot easier than you might think.

There’s no need to try and tick all of these boxes off in a day, though, and being one of the safest companies in America isn’t a title earned overnight. However, with a few ideas on how you can make safety an integral part of your organization you can begin to make small changes needed to have a huge impact.

When we integrate safety into our everyday work culture, it becomes a lot easier to make it stick. Showing that we follow health and safety requirements in our work, as leaders, can create a consistent and thorough approach to creating this culture in the entire company. If we lead by example and encourage all levels of management to do the same, our employees will see this and follow suit.

Organizations that place a huge emphasis on their employee’s well-being will often see better results from occupational health and safety training, as it shows that you truly care about them.

When your employees feel that you truly value them as an employee, they’re likely to reward you with a more focused attitude to the workplace and upholding these values.

For an added interest from employees, you might like to introduce a rewards based or incentive program for reporting incidents and near misses.

Right from the first moment a new employee steps foot into your organization, they should be shown exactly how important occupational health and safety is to you. The best way to do this is incorporate in-depth training on the issue beginning with their new employee induction, and continuing on throughout their employment.

An employee who is well educated on the safest practices will not only be more likely to use this knowledge for themselves but be happy to share it with others.

By indicating just how important it is to be a safe company, you’ll leave this lasting impression on them throughout their employment.

Make training enjoyable and interactive too, so it’s more likely to be retained by your employees, and ensure that it’s always specific and relevant to your industry and work environment. This makes the teachings more relatable for staff, and they’ll better understand how it impacts them.

Many people think that to be a safe workplace you should meet the requirements handed down by governing bodies such as National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), but to have a truly safe workplace you should try to exceed these instead.

According to OSHA, just under 5,000 workers were killed in 2015 alone due to workplace accidents, which is a staggering amount when you consider how many that equals per day.

Imagine now that most of these workplaces followed the minimum requirements handed down by the governing bodies and you’ll see just how important it is to go above and beyond for the safety of your organization.

Share safety responsibilities in the company

It’s all well and good to have senior management and executives handing out orders about safety and health requirements in the company, but this won’t always have the trickle-down effect you might hope for.

The best way to ensure all staff is on board with the workplace culture of safety is to elect an official on all levels of employment, from managers down. The elected officers can be chosen by their fellow workmates to guarantee it’s someone whose opinion is respected among colleagues, ensuring it has a greater effect still.

By appointing one person for each sector, you can ensure that workplace safety procedures are being met in all areas and that workers are able to have a say on anything that might affect them. According to EHS, the safest companies in America follow this shared responsibility model and have seen great success with it. In doing this, the onus of creating a safe workplace is shared among everyone and not simply an order passed down from the top.

There’s no need to complicate things when it comes to making your company safe, and if you start small and work on each of these tips one at a time you’ll eventually find your organization among the safest in America.

The best place to start is by looking at the training offered in your new employee induction, as this is where employees will get the first impression of their new workplace.

Workplace safety and health can’t be made perfect overnight, and it’s a continual work in progress to ensure you not only meet new requirements and recommendations but that you keep your employees engaged in the process.

Important training tips from the safest companies in America

No matter what industry you work in or type of job you do, your daily work life probably sees you interact with a team some way or another. However, unlike other job skills we learn and training we receive, we rarely understand the most effective way to actually communicate within a team environment.

The Team Working Excellence course is a simple way to learn how to get the best out of your team, whether you’re a manager or an employee, and how you can offer the best version of yourself to help with the team working process. This course teaches four key skills that can maximize the efficiency of your team working performance, and is an integral tool for all levels of employment.

It’s no secret that employers value teamwork and often look for this as a special skill in their potential candidates, but it’s not always a skill that we’re born with. While some people are more effective in the way they communicate with others, there are some who struggle with the right approach to working in a group setting.

Considering we are all a part of a team at work, whether we work alongside others in an office setting or not, we need to know to give it the best shot possible when dealing with colleagues. Effective teamwork can have greater results in productivity and results, so we need to start putting the emphasis on it that it deserves.

Every team has a purpose, whether it’s a goal or objective they want to achieve or a shared vision. By understanding the purpose of your team and what’s expected of you, you can be sure that you’re contributing effectively so that you can work together toward a common goal.

This lesson teaches you that it’s okay to ask for clarity when working in a team, and you should always voice your concerns if you’re unsure. This open communication is part of what makes a great team.

Dr. Belbin’s research spans over 40 years in regards to team roles, and it shows how different people have strengths and weaknesses that they bring to a team.

There are three separate categories of action oriented roles, people oriented roles and thought oriented roles, and for a team to be successful there needs to be a mixture of all three.

Teams should consist of people with different strengths and weaknesses in order to get the best out of them, so it’s essential to understand everyone’s strong points.

This section of the course will show you how essential it is to earn the respect of those in your team, and follows closely the teachings of the famous book “How to Win Friends and Influence People.”

With small changes to your attitude such as showing genuine interest in others, you’re able to build a rapport and friendship with them. Having this relationship makes it easier to influence others within a team, and will make it easier to offer constructive criticism.

There are many ways in which conflict can occur in a team setting, and how we approach this conflict is essential to excellent teamwork. This course can show you the correct way to approach conflict so that you can understand other’s point of view and help your team to work more harmoniously together.

With a thorough understanding of these important skills, you can increase your productivity in a team setting and ensure that everyone works as cohesively as possible. Considering so much of our work days revolve around our cooperation in a team setting some way or another, it’s too essential to pass these lessons up.

How You Can Benefit from Team Working Excellence

Just as it’s important to keep up to date with other business skills and learn about changes and advancements in our industry, so too is it important to learn these skills which help us become more productive employees and managers.

When you consider how often you work in a team setting through your standard work week, you’ll see just how important it is to learn these lessons.

With the Team Working Excellence course behind you, you’ll be able to effectively deal with conflict, build quality relationships, and understand your team’s purpose so you can work more efficiently to achieve it.

When we understand these skills we can impart our knowledge on others, so that our colleagues and employees can learn how to an effective team member too.

By improving our performance within a team, we’re able to maximize the benefits of shared knowledge and responsibility that come naturally with working in a team environment!

Get the most out of your team and build a collaborative culture

When it comes to learning, everyone is unique, responding to different types of teaching methods and absorbing information at different speeds. Some people find visual aids help the learning process, while others learn faster when carrying out practical tasks or exercises.

Whether it’s in the classroom or work environment, one thing is clear – taking a cookie cutter approach to learning isn't the best way to educate students or staff. Unfortunately, many companies still deliver training in a one-size-fits-all model, neglecting to tailor teaching methods to cater for individual learning styles.

So how can you find the best training method for your employees, to help them learn in the best possible way for them? The answer is eLearning.

eLearning responds to different learning styles

With ongoing advancements in technology, we now have the tools to deliver more customized and flexible learning options to staff. As a response to this, many organizations are switching to eLearning for staff training, as an alternative to traditional teaching methods.

Online learning can very successfully respond to the needs of individual employees and organizations, allowing staff to choose how and when they want to learn, at a time and place that’s convenient to them.

When you take a cookie cutter approach to training, you’re assuming that all employees will respond in a positive way to a particular learning environment. But this isn’t the case. While certainly, many people participate easily in a formal, classroom type setting, others may not be able to retain knowledge so well in these circumstances.

Employees who are more introverted, for example, might learn better on their own, without the social distractions and pressures of a group dynamic. Extroverts may thrive in a workshop setting, bouncing energy and ideas off other people and learning in the process.

Find out what learning approach works best

The best thing to do is develop a training system that offers staff choices in how they want to learn. With online learning, individuals can interact in group discussions as much or as little as they like, giving them the option to work in a way that fits them best.

Finding the right learning approach for your employees will greatly help them become more engaged with the content and improve knowledge retention. Knowledge retention is a vital component of successful learning and development. With this in mind, eLearning courses aim to be short, engaging and goal-oriented – a learning method that’s been proven to be effective many times over.

As well as differences in personality and learning style, you also need to consider the amount of training your employees have already received. Some staff may have already completed formal education or qualifications, while others may be brand new to your company and the industry. eLearning allows you to customize training options for each individual, delivering the information and knowledge they need quickly and effectively.

Using eLearning for better employee training

Interested to find out more about online learning to deliver training to your staff?

In a previous article, we looked at the many benefits of using eLearning for staff training, with online courses bringing a number of advantages to your employees and business. To recap, eLearning delivers:

Content you can customize for your specific audience

Consistency across training materials, even when updating

As you can see, this offers staff a form of training that is far more flexible and convenient, and that works with their busy schedules, not against it. With many modern workers operating remotely or across different time zones, training materials that are available 24/7 provide employers with a very effective solution for accessible training at any time. Online courses are also readily accessible through mobile-friendly apps and devices, making eLearning even more convenient for your staff.

A good investment for your employees and your business

Making sure staff have the right tools and systems for training will go a long way in making your employees happier and more satisfied in their jobs. It also makes sense for employers – with learning and development taking up a significant part of the budget for most organizations, it’s important for employers to see a positive return on their investment.

By investing in eLearning, you’ll be showing staff that you’re putting their needs first, while allowing them to take charge of their own learning and professional development. If you’re interested in finding out more about eLearning and effective training solutions, visit the Go1 website and see how online learning can work for your staff.

How eLearning can help you avoid cookie cutter training

Webinars are a great way to deliver a presentation, host an event or increase sales lead for an online audience. What’s more, this technology provides you with a very easy and cost-effective way for your audience to consume information – wherever and whenever they like.

This convenience and flexibility has made webinars a very effective method of learning for students and professionals across all industries. But how can you make sure your webinar is a success for your audience? What is it that makes some webinars great, rather than simply okay?

We’ve put together 5 top tips to help you create a successful webinar that your audience will love.

First up, you’ll want to get your audience excited about the webinar before it takes place. This is a vital part of making sure your webinar is a success. There’s no point creating the perfect slide pack or presentation if there’s no one to deliver it to.

You can generate interest and excitement by promoting your upcoming webinar across social media channels. It’s best to create a unique hashtag beforehand, for participants to use when posting questions, comments or images around the event. This will help build an online community, as posts about your webinar will be linked under one consistent hashtag.

It’s important to take the time to write a proper script for your webinar, which works as a storyboard for your content. Even though you think you have the knowledge or experience to speak for an hour on your topic, you’ll greatly benefit from having a script.

Start with a simple welcoming note, with your first slide containing a relevant and engaging image and the webinar title of your webinar. Your next slide might like to remind your audience to feel free to ask questions throughout the webinar.

Be sure to include the social media handles, such as Twitter, of your company, event or speaker when you prepare your slide pack. You’ll want your audience to be able to direct questions, comments and feedback both during and after the webinar. You should also provide relevant contact information for your organization and speakers.

Like it or not, when it comes to technology, looks matter. When faced with so many choices of webinars online, people aren't likely to sit through something that's unpleasant to look at - they'll simply switch over to something that captures their attention!

Putting some effort into making your webinar slides look good will go a long way in keeping your audience interested and engaged. You don’t need to be a graphic designer to make your webinar aesthetically pleasing. There are plenty of handy templates available online. Choose simple, consistent color palettes and images and your slide deck is sure to look good.

The most important thing to remember about webinars is that you need more images than text. You don’t want to bore your audience with endless slides containing slabs of text. So make sure your images outweigh your copy.

Webinars work very well when combined with other forms of media, such as short videos, audio and animation.

How can you complement your webinar with these different kinds of elements? Think about how your audience can use them throughout the webinar, as well as after. This will keep their attention and interest and help them to interact more with your content.

For webinars that walk people through a particular process or product, you could include a real-time demonstration rather than just screenshots or images. Audience polls work well as part of a webinar, providing an easy and instant way for individuals to participate, while also adding value to the content.

Last but not least – don’t let your sound let you down. Audio is a critical part of your webinar; it’s one of the main reasons people choose to watch and listen to a webinar rather than reading. Creating a great webinar, only to have audio issues on the day, is a real let down. For both your audience and you.

So first of all, make sure you record your webinar in a quiet, preferably sound-proof, location. Do a complete dry run of your webinar before launch, testing all media elements. Then carry out a thorough sound check on the day, just before your webinar goes live.

Hopefully this has provided you with some useful tips, that will help make your webinar a greater success. For more help creating effective and engaging webinars, why not enroll in Webinar Fundamentals? This free online course, led by webinar expert and instructional designer Sally Norred, walks you through the basics of creating a webinar for your business. You’ll also get expert advice on choosing the best webinar tools and hosting software, which is vital for your webinar’s success.

How to create a successful webinar that your audience will love

Many eLearning professionals are familiar with the Discovery Learning model and its application to online learning. If you’re new to the industry, you might like to know more about this learning methodology and how it can help improve your eLearning practices.

As its name suggests, Discovery Learning is all about letting students explore solutions and subject matter – on their own, with less instruction than we usually see with traditional teaching methods. How can this methodology help students to learn more effectively?

With Discovery Learning, students experience self-guided learning, which has the benefits of allowing them to become far more engaged in the learning process while retaining a greater level of knowledge. In this way, learners are given the power to explore topics on their own and develop the confidence to successfully apply new skills to real world situations.

Let’s look more closely at the Discovery Learning model and how you can use it for more effective eLearning with your students.

The first person to define and introduce the Discovery Learning model was Jerome Bruner, an American psychologist, in 1961. From Bruner’s perspective, learning needed to be primarily about discovery, with instructors working as facilitators to create the necessary training materials and provide structure to the learning environment.

As a method of inquiry-based instruction, Discovery Learning encourages learners “to build on past experiences and knowledge, use their intuition, imagination and creativity, and search for new information to discover facts, correlations and new truths.” Under this model, learners have the opportunity to look at the problem from every angle, allowing them greater scope for reflection and understanding of core concepts and ideas.

While Discovery Learning can use various techniques, the goal will always be the same – and that is, for learners to arrive at a result on their own. In this way, the learning experience can be enriched, as individuals use the resources and knowledge they have to reach a conclusion, instead of being given the answers directly by their teacher or instructor.

The benefits of Discovery Learning for students

In this way, Discovery Learning sees students and learners exploring situations, performing experiments, searching for new information and raising questions. All of these practices are designed to build curiosity and interest in students, helping them to achieve new ways of thinking about problems and solutions.

Most eLearning professionals know the benefits of using short, concise modules to keep students engaged with online content. The Discovery Learning model works well with this approach, favoring the use of small amounts of information delivered over time, allowing learners to discover and retain knowledge in a more successful way.

Following the principles of Discovery Learning 

Learning should focus on the development of problem-solving skills, with instructors working primarily as guides to motivate learners to seek for solutions.

Teachers and instructors should allow participants to work either alone or with others, learning at their own individual pace.

Learners are encouraged to learn how to combine prior knowledge with new. There is an emphasis on connecting to the real world, with the core curriculum centering on skill mastery.

As discovery learning is process-oriented, rather than content-oriented, students learn to analyze and interpret information, rather than simply memorize the correct answer. This allows learners to organize concepts and expand their knowledge base through self-exploration.

Recognize that failure is a part of learning. Discovery learning does not focus on simply finding the ‘right’ answer, but the new things we discover in the process. Instructors have a responsibility to provide feedback, since without it, learning is incomplete.

Using the Discovery Learning model for eLearning

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