We’re sure you’ll echo our sentiment when we say that lecture-style training sessions can be quite the bore. Maybe even to the point of your business experiencing a case of “death by PowerPoint” (think rolling eyes and uncontrollable yawns). Since that’s no way to keep employees pleasant and productive, let’s see what we can do to switch things up in the boardroom.
 
Turn to education for a bit of inspiration and use an instructional method that’s giving the traditional model a run for its money: flipped learning.
 
In the typical flipped classroom model, students review short video lectures at home before class, while in-class time is devoted to hands-on projects and exercises. Like students, employees (ourselves included!) are expected to analyze and apply what they’ve been taught – and often times quickly. Thus, in flipped corporate settings we also encourage you to share information in advance (for digestion and absorption), so that meeting times can focus on conversation (for contribution and application).
 
Not to worry, the benefits of flipped learning go beyond the trainee, too; it is a more time-efficient and cost-effective method for the trainer and organization as a whole, so what’s not to love? Want to give your employees greater impetus to make a long-term impact on your company and ultimately their career? Take a page out of education.
 
Our discussion will address the following to help you get started:
 

• Why the flipped model works in education, and how it’s an effective method for professional development
• How to implement video/visuals in your training
• Typical time savings for trainers and participants
• Ways to create video for your next training, including tech tips and best practices

Matthew Pierce, a customer support manager for TechSmith Corporation, currently leads the user assistance team, customer success, and sales engineering teams. Prior to this, Matt managed public relations, social media, and video teams at TechSmith. He has also been an instructional designer. Matt regularly contributes to several online publications in the US and UK. He has an MS in instructional technology from Indiana University.