How to Transform Boring Compliance Training

Does mandated training have to feel like it’s mandated?

Maybe I am wrong about this.

Maybe I have only worked at places where the required training is punishment for a crime I didn’t know existed (let alone committed).

If so, feel free to skip to the end of the blog where I list all the things Allegro can/will do for you if you ask nicely.

But I doubt it.

Seriously, some compliance training should not even be called training as it besmirches the art to which I’ve dedicated my life. Let’s examine the kinds of things people call training and belittle them from an instructional design perspective.

“Death by PowerPoint”

The standard in the industry. It’s actually an amazing phenomenon because sometimes participants truly know less afterward than they did before the training.

Surely, you’ve seen this in action. A slap-shod presentation of information so indigestible learners simply click through as quick as possible to escape. Often antiquated images and graphics point to outdated content. The tone so boring they can barely stand it. Page after page after page of monotony. You get it.

Death by PowerPoint sent as an email attachment

It’s even better when “Death by PowerPoint” is provided via email to read at your convenience. You know, essentially being asked to read a book but the book is presented in a medium that isn’t incredibly conducive to the written word.

Heck, why not put the training in a spreadsheet?

Webinars / demos done via online meeting

Sometime during my illustrious career, the “tech-savvy learned” how to do “Death by PowerPoint” via online meetings, but that is still all it is.

Vodcasts / asynchronous versions of webinars

Go-getters started recording their webinars / online meetings for posterity, sometimes recording voiceovers (usually of poor audio quality), and the best of the best taking it a step further to make the training SCORM-compliant and available in an LMS. But is this anything more than an audio clone of Death by PowerPoint? Nope. Sure isn’t.

Poorly designed eLearning modules

eLearning got a bad rap for a long time because it was not designed well. From a user interface (UI) perspective, and user experience (UX) perspective, the dream of the ‘90s lives on in some of the custom/in-house computer-based training that colleagues have to endure. And what about page-turner courses that – AGAIN – with the walls of text and poor visual aids, are tantamount to (you guessed it) “Death by PowerPoint.”

Do you get my point? There was a point in there somewhere.

Everything I described is a variation of the well-known “no-no” as it pertains to appealing to the science of the brain and how people prefer to learn. We joke about “Death by PowerPoint” all the time, but we could still be guilty of doing it unwittingly.

I can site academic journal findings touting increased comprehension and learning retention when audio, video, and/or interaction is utilized; email us at Allegro, if you want. We’ll get a blog up.

It’s just confounding to me because compliance training is supposedly so important that everyone is required to take it, but it is often delivered in one of the least effective format(s) possible.

Whether you’re guilty or not, or whatever the reason might be for the death of innocent minds at the hand of a dull-edged PowerPoint deck (lack of time, lack of resources, the fact that some compliance training really is just a government checking-of-the-box, etc.) …we’re not here to name names or place blame.

Designing Better Compliance Training

Navigating the murky waters of compliance training often feels like an uphill battle. But fear not! There's a brighter way to approach this necessary evil. Let's dive into some tips and examples that can breathe life into your compliance training, making it an experience that participants not only endure but genuinely engage with.

1. Storytelling that Resonates:

Inject narrative elements into your compliance training. Craft real-world scenarios that participants can relate to, making the content more tangible and memorable. For instance, use anecdotes or case studies that highlight the importance of compliance in practical situations.

Example: Build a scenario around a fictional employee facing ethical dilemmas, showcasing the consequences of making the right or wrong choices.

2. More Interaction:

Transform static slides into interactive adventures. Platforms like Storyline and Captivate allow you to incorporate quizzes, simulations, and branching scenarios, fostering active participation.

Example: Create a decision-making simulation where learners navigate through compliance challenges, receiving immediate feedback on their choices.

3. Multimedia Magic:

Ditch the monotonous slides and embrace multimedia elements. Incorporate engaging videos, animations, or podcasts that convey information in a more dynamic and digestible format.

Example: Develop a short video featuring compliance superheroes guiding learners through key concepts, adding a touch of humor to keep things lively.

4. MicroLearning (Bite-sized Brilliance):

Break down lengthy compliance modules into bite-sized, digestible nuggets. Microlearning allows participants to absorb information more effectively without feeling overwhelmed.

Example: Develop a series of short, focused modules tackling specific compliance topics, each accessible on-demand.

5. Gamification Galore:

Introduce game elements to make compliance training more enjoyable. Leaderboards, badges, or even simple quizzes with a competitive edge can turn a mundane experience into an engaging challenge.

Example: Create a compliance-themed quiz game where participants earn points for correct answers and unlock achievements.

6. User-Centric Design:

Prioritize user experience by adopting a clean and intuitive design. Ensure the interface is user-friendly, guiding participants seamlessly through the training journey.

Example: Implement an interactive dashboard where learners can track their progress and easily navigate to different sections.

Remember, compliance training doesn't have to be synonymous with boredom. By incorporating these tips and examples, trainers and eLearning developers can transform the learning landscape, making compliance training an engaging and valuable experience for all participants.

Embrace the Change: Let's Bring Life to Compliance Together!

This isn’t a sales pitch, but companies like us, Allegro Media Design, exist to kill “Death by PowerPoint”.

Allegro just wants to help you put a stop to the madness.

We can work with you to produce finished Storyline, Lectora, or Captivate courses that take your compliance training to another level. Provide us your source content, and we will use our instructional design and eLearning wizardry to open your learners’ minds with professionally-produced:

• Videos (talking head, Vyond, whiteboard animation)

• Audio (voice over, music, sound effects)

• eLearning (Digitizing existing training and/or making it “bite-sized”)

• Graphic design (custom graphics/characters/icons/eLearning layouts)

• Instructional Design (storyboard & script development)

Don’t torture colleagues with compliance training any longer. Let Allegro Media Design build engaging training solutions that drive results for your workforce. Reach out today!