What are employee training modules? 

Employee training modules are the building blocks of a longer online training course. Each module has a specific training objective that guides the content and connects to a larger training goal for the course.

Training modules cover a single topic and guide the learner to understand and learn a new concept. Typically, training modules are between 5-15 minutes long, and they are presented in a range of media formats to best convey the content.

How to develop employee training modules 

1. Define your training objective for the module

It’s important to set a defined objective for each training module. Just like the goals for your longer training courses, a training objective gives you a rubric to determine what to include in your module and assess its effectiveness.

[FREE DOWNLOAD: Setting SMART Goals]

Keep training objectives simple; be sure they can actually be achieved in a 5-15 minute long module. 

Let’s use the example of a sales training module. The module is going to be video based, with an instructor explaining what value propositions are, what makes a good one, and how to use them in a sales call. 

• “Learners will be able to convince a panel that our product is best on the market.” would be too vague and complex to be the outcome of a single module. 
• “Learners will be able to effectively structure and present value propositions” is a better training objective. 

In the module, you can clearly explain the ‘recipe’ for a great value proposition, and several criteria for communicating them well. Learners can then be assessed against those more specific metrics to track training progress. 

2. Choose the best type of module to achieve your objective

Just like we cater to different learning styles in workplace training, it’s important to pick a delivery method that fits the content and objective for your module.

Here’s an example of why and how to pick the best type: 

If your training module focuses on how to use a new software or system, a video lecture would probably not be the best way to help your learners understand the software. 

A better way would be to use screenshots with markup details. But the best way would be a video tutorial to give learners a real glimpse into the software they need to learn and how to navigate through it. 

3. Build the training module

List out the information you need to present in the module, and gather any assets you want to include, like slides, videos, pictures, PDFs, or SCORM content.

Continu reading: Why You Don’t Need a SCORM-Compliant LMS

With an LMS like Continu, authoring new content is a simple process that helps you build modules with ease. Materials can be easily uploaded and embedded into your module, and you can even record video directly in the platform without needing expertise in videography.

4. Use feedback to revise the training module 

Test your module with a small group of learners and incorporate any of their feedback to improve the flow or refine the content. Check to see if the training objective sets a reasonable expectation that learners can achieve. 

Determine how you will assess learners, either along the way or at the end. Use the full range of options to best fit your topic, whether that’s multiple choice or a video coaching assessment.

Psst – administrators will also love the ease of grading assessments within Continu!

5. Assign the module & track progress

After making necessary revisions, assign your module to relevant learners, and then pay close attention to metrics like completion rates, length of time to complete, and assessment scores.

A great LMS will allow for clear reporting so you can use training module metrics to help calculate your training ROI. 

Types of employee training modules 

Instead of defaulting to the same 2 or 3 rotating types of training modules, challenge yourself to look through all the options in your LMS and pick the delivery method that best presents your material and helps learners meet their objectives.

Here are 6 types of employee training modules you can use to train your teams:

1. Informational eLearning 

These self-paced modules are the stereotypical type of workplace training, but that doesn’t make them any less effective! Slides, text-based training, and pictures or chats (along with the ubiquitous ‘next’ button!) all combine together to help learners grasp new topics. 

Focus on making your informational eLearning as engaging as possible with some variety and – most importantly – fresh and relevant content. 

Best fit for: 

• Product knowledge training 
• General onboarding 
• Company policies, like health and safety 

2. Interactive assessments 

Quizzes, longform answers, drag & drop activities, sequencing, and fill-in-the-blank questions all work together to help learners test and show their understanding of new or review concepts. 

Best fit for:

• Sprinkling into product knowledge, general onboarding, and compliance training modules (or just about any module!) to track comprehension
• Knowledge checks or certification at the end of a longer training track

3. Video lecture 

These instructional videos can be pre-recorded and uploaded into your LMS, or recorded directly in the platform. 

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Best fit for: 

• Training topics that benefit from detailed explanation, or a more personalized or informal delivery style

4. Tutorial 

Similar to video lectures, tutorials are recorded screencasts showing learners how to complete a certain task, use a program, or navigate through software.

These tutorials can be incredibly helpful for both visual and auditory learners, and can be referenced over and over when learners need a refresher. 

Featured integration: Continu x Iorad

Best fit for: 

• Software, product, or equipment training modules

5. Role-play scenarios 

Dialogue branching scenarios offer realistic examples where learners can practice soft skills and put knowledge into action in open-ended situations. 

Best fit for: 

• Customer service or sales training 
• Coaching and leadership training 

6. Microlearning modules 

These intentionally-short modules (5-8 minutes long) provide training on a very specific concept, skill, or topic. Attention spans are getting shorter, and dedicated time for workplace training can be scarce. Microlearning is a great way to slot training into the work day for maximum retention. 

Best fit for:

• Isolated skills or concepts that need a refresher or emphasis
• Informing the whole organization of an updated policy or procedure

Intentional training starts here! 

Modules may be the smallest building block of your employee training program, but they deserve thoughtful design and attention. Effective employee training depends on it. 

With the right LMS partner, you’ll be able to easily build targeted training modules that pinpoint new ideas for learner success. If your L&D team needs more support to build effective training modules, Continu is the platform to help you create, scale, and measure your training with ease. 

Benefits of Continu for training modules: 

• Choose from a wide range of media formats and interactive elements
• Enjoy seamless integrations with your tech stack
• Discover powerful, simple content authoring tools
• Track learner progress and feedback continuously