Learning how to use an ERP system is not always that easy but it can be significantly simplified with an understanding of the needs of the learner. Just like we do when developing new solutions in our ERP, when developing learning material, a critical question to ask is \u201cDoes the learning meet the target audience\u2019s learning style and preferences?\u201d The individually driven and theoretically based objectives of traditional teaching methods need to catch up with our modern connected world by embracing collaboration through social media technologies and adapting to the learning styles and characteristics of younger generations (Generation Y and the Millennial Generation or Generation Z).<\/p>\n
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Let\u2019s take a look at some of what Generation Y and Z want in terms of their learning experience and how education can meet those needs.<\/p>\n
A need for speed<\/strong> Easy access<\/strong> Providing instant gratification<\/strong> Keep it relevant<\/strong>
\nYou have most likely heard of or played the \u2018Need for Speed\u2019 series of PC, Xbox and Play Station games. This encapsulates the lack of patience Generations Y and Z have \u2013 they want something and they want it now! When it comes to slow network connections or computers, there is no exception. Any e-learning media elements must be optimized for fast network and Internet delivery and ideally should be bandwidth light.<\/p>\n
\nIn addition to wanting what they need now, Generation Y and Z don\u2019t want learning material they already know. They want to get what they need and sidestep what they don\u2019t need. This means that e-learning needs to be structured using hyperlinks and Next buttons so that learners can easily navigate the content and skip ahead in the content of what they already know.<\/p>\n
\nWhether they answer questions incorrectly or correctly, learners need to get immediate qualitative feedback so they can work through only the relevant material if they answer incorrectly. By providing assessment simulations, you can empower learners to test their ability to perform tasks without having to first complete training or demonstration simulations. If they don\u2019t achieve a pass result, they can work through the training and\/or demonstration simulations and then attempt the assessment simulation again.<\/p>\n
\nGeneration Y and Z don\u2019t want to be bombarded with too much or irrelevant information \u2013 they want it in a concise format that allows them to use it to do what they need to do. They also want a balance between the amount of content you push to them in the learning material and their own pulling of further information about topics that interest them. Your e-learning needs to strike this balance by providing only the most important concepts and principles in the learning material, keeping it content light. This allows the learner to pull information in the form of additional reading or more advanced courses where they feel they require it. Once learners have \u2018got\u2019 the concepts, they can swiftly move on to the practical application \u2013 performing functions on their ERP system, using the training database and the tasks and\/or the simulations. In this way, their learning environment is a reflection of the environment in which they have to perform competently \u2013 keeping learning relevant.<\/p>\n