DIY Training Tools: 8 Activities For eLearning

8 Stress-Free Ways To Repurpose Existing Content

You probably have a good amount of resources tucked away in your library. Some might be outdated, while others have just become irrelevant due to evolving business needs. There are even assets that still align with your objectives but simply aren’t getting the virtual foot traffic they deserve. Instead of letting them sit on the shelves and collect a layer of dust, why not transform them into modern, mobile-friendly eLearning activities. Here are some DIY training tools you can create by repurposing existing resources.

1. Weekly Social Media Discussion Starters

Outdated PowerPoint presentations and modules can be transformed into quick social media prompts and questions. Post once a week (or daily) to get the discussion rolling and encourage employees to reflect on topics, tasks, and performance issues. For example, an anecdote or story from your old presentation is still relevant today. It will prompt employees to think about what they might do in a similar situation and identify gaps. They can also interact with peers, share experiences, and gain new insights to improve workplace productivity. Make certain you appoint a moderator to keep the discussion on-point and prevent conflicts.

2. Demo Video Clips

That long demo video or tutorial may have sections that are no longer useful. Perhaps there are steps you eliminated from the task or policies have changed. However, there are still bits and pieces that are still beneficial. You can use the original footage to create brief video clips that focus on a particular sub-topic or skill. The full-length presentation might cover every aspect of the sales process, which has since been improved. But the last clip about mastering the art of negotiation may help your current sales team increase profits.

3. Infographics

You can turn virtually any resource into an infographic. Especially if you have a template that’s flexible enough to suit any subject matter. Even audio or video-based material will work if there’s a transcription. Simply choose the most essential ideas/concepts and pair them with images. Try to focus on the top 5 aspects of the topic they need to know to avoid cognitive overload. You should also include relevant links where they can find more info and explore on their own.

4. Microlearning Podcasts

It all starts with a webinar, presentation, or other multimedia that involves audio. Take away the visual component, center on a specific sub-topic or skill, and produce a microlearning podcast. This requires an audio editing tool so that you can whittle down the raw material and add background music, special effects, etc. If you’re working with text-based content, record a narration so that employees can listen anytime, anywhere. Just make sure the podcast sticks to one subject and aligns with a targeted objective. It’s also wise to include an outline or transcript for those with special needs.

5. Task Checklists

Any task walkthrough, demo, or manual can be turned into a checklist that makes it easy for employees to master the process. Break the task into easily digestible steps so that employees can follow along and pinpoint gaps. For instance, they’ve been missing a particular stage of the return process or need to hone a tie-in skill. You can also use this same approach for compliance issues that involve multiple phases. Such as safety gear they need to wear for the task or tips on how to handle COI breaches. Give them the opportunity to check off every item on the list by making it interactive. Or include follow-up resources for every item so that they can delve deeper into the process.

6. Knowledge-Check Pop Quizzes

Use existing resources to create quick pop quizzes that employees can use to self-assess their knowledge and skills. Turn the tables by converting statements and facts into questions. For example, the outdated module covers 10 key points (ideas/concepts) that become 10 multiple-choice questions. Save some time by using a quiz template that can be reused for every assessment. You should also consider an LMS with a built-in tests engine.

7. Skills In-Action Tutorials

Webinars and other video-related content are perfect raw materials for tutorials that provide JIT support. Namely, those that show skills in action so that employees can duplicate them in the workplace. For instance, display positive communication skills when working with a client. Or how to use conflict resolution skills to handle a co-worker’s argument. Seeing what these behaviors look like instead of merely discussing them in theoretical terms facilitates real-world application. They can also spot performance issues they need to work on based on the example.

8. Learner-Generated Libraries

Compile all the tips, tricks, and insights your employees have contributed to the organization and use them to develop a centralized library of DIY training tools. Of course, with their permission. Social media comments, issues explored during group collab projects, and other tidbits are perfect inclusions. You can also invite them to submit fresh resources to enrich the repository. Create a separate library for each department or topic to keep things organized and make it easy for employees to find solutions rapidly.

Discover Creative DIY Training Tools With An LMS

There’s really no limit to what you can create when repurposing eLearning resources. It just takes creativity, careful planning, and a clear objective statement. Set aside time to evaluate your assets and see if there are any hidden gems that can be recycled. Even if it’s just a fragment of an outdated webinar that’s polished up and transformed into a bite-size support tool. You should also get your team involved so that they can identify resources that align with their departmental objectives and employee gaps.

It takes the right LMS to repurpose assets and stretch your resources. Our free online directory allows you to search the top platforms that support reusable media. So that you can make the most of what you have and speed up the development process.