The use of eLearning is increasingly commonplace in the materials handling and warehouse industries. It promises benefits around cost and convenience. However, one significant advantage of eLearning is often overlooked. Its ability to cater to diverse types of learners more effectively.
The workforce is evolving
The transport and logistics industry has long been facing a skills shortage. And it’s far from over. Various initiatives are already in place. These aim to attract new talent to vacant roles in these industries. However, a new type of workforce requires a new type of training. One-size-fits-all classroom-based theory training may no longer be the right solution for all learners. Especially when it comes to materials handling equipment operator training.
This is where eLearning is breaking down barriers. And catering to more diverse learning styles, preferences, and demographics.
Appeal for varied learning styles
One of the key strengths of eLearning lies in its adaptability. Traditional classrooms often favour auditory learners – those who best absorb information by listening. This leaves visual learners, kinaesthetic learners (who learn best by active participation) or those who prefer a ‘reading and writing’ approach at a disadvantage. It also does not always cater to the different preferences of learners of different generations or genders.
eLearning platforms can incorporate a variety of different elements such as videos, interactive activities, and quizzes. This better accommodates different learning preferences. It means each candidate can engage with the training in a way that suits their individual learning style. As a result, gaining a deeper understanding and retention of the subject matter.
RTITB’s eTruck UK online theory training for lift truck and reach truck operators is a great example. This solution provides eLearning via a digital storytelling platform. With this approach, candidates are 20 x more likely to remember information they have learned. It also incorporates highly varied content to appeal to different preferences.
Self-driven eLearning
Not every individual enjoys learning in a group setting. For those not used to a training environment, it can be daunting. Some may find themselves easily distracted in large groups. For others, the pace of teaching may be too fast or too slow. In any of these scenarios, candidates will not be in the best position to be open to learning and retaining new information.
On the other hand, eLearning is typically a solitary pursuit. It can be undertaken online in a comfortable, distraction free environment at a convenient time for the candidate. Often it is also a self-paced approach. This sets candidates up for a more engaging learning experience, that they can personalise to their preferences.
eTruck forklift eLearning offers all these benefits. There are also regular quizzes and tasks to refresh and confirm learning throughout. Candidates cannot just “speed through” – as they might with an online training slide deck. And if they want to spend more time to expand on certain areas, they can.
eLearning for all
There is some scaremongering around eLearning, suggesting that it can disadvantage some users. Such as those who are not used to working on a computer, or those from older age groups who didn’t ‘grow up’ with IT skills.
However, nowadays eLearning has been created with different skill levels in mind. For example, eTruck eLearning for lift truck and reach truck theory training has a user-friendly design that caters to various levels of IT literacy. If you can make watch a video online or make a purchase on a smartphone, you’ll be able to use eTruck!
Break down barriers with eTruck UK
By accommodating different learning styles, preferences, and demographics, eLearning ensures that training is inclusive, flexible, and empowering. This is never more important than now, where our industry is aiming to attract new talent to overcome the lift truck operator shortage and fill other vacant warehouse roles.
The award-winning eTruck UK platform enables you to harness the full benefits of eLearning for training novice counterbalance and reach truck operators, and for conducting refresher training. And as well as catering to the diverse needs of learners, eTruck also offers a wide range of benefits for employers, training companies, and Instructors.
Request a demo license today to experience the benefits of eTruck UK for yourself. Or for more advice on your eLearning options contact the RTITB team now.
Author bio:
Gavin Hutchinson, Senior Technical Services Manager – RTITB
With over 25 years of dedicated experience in the logistics and warehousing sector, Gavin has a profound understanding of the logistics and transport industry’s intricate operations. For the past 23 years, he has been a registered and qualified RTITB lift truck instructor, imparting comprehensive operator and instructor training for countless individuals, ensuring the smooth and safe operation of machinery and equipping instructors with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively train others on lift truck operations. Gavin also has experience as an Auditor and Examiner. He has been with RTITB for 9 years and currently leads the RTITB Technical team to uphold the highest standards of safety and efficiency.