The shrinking shelf life of the necessary skillsets in a quickly evolving techno-centric economy has led to industries experimenting with a variety of learning formats. It has led to industries experimenting with a variety of learning formats. Many of them are formulating strategies in the digital realm – with a firm belief that E-learning and virtual training can support their overarching goals of high-quality learning experience and development.

Even the demographics of schools and colleges are changing – in India, the newly proposed National Education Policy is looking at a bigger push to digital education. The sudden nationwide lockdown has exposed the digital divide – quality and relevant learning require build-in capabilities to transition to online learning.

Currently, E-learning is adopted by industries and organizations, where crisp knowledge-delivery is emphasized and techniques are imparted to enable them towards applying their learning in the real-world. Especially in EHS and OHS, where resuming industrial operations post COVID-19 need re-evaluation in training strategies.

While designing a OHSE E-learning course, identifying information gaps and bridging them quickly and effectively remains prime. Accurate, yet creative E-learning pre-assessments are the first step or one of the most welcoming evaluation methods to test online learners without them even straining them.

Below are 5 types of E-learning pre-assessments to incorporate in E-learning design:

1. 1. Detect skill gaps with immersive simulations
      Simulations identify gaps when learners remain busy in the virtual environment – their characters and storyline. The primary purpose remains to gauge the information that they know, including their ability in applying it, in the real-world. An assessment that identifies a learner’s ineffective communication or interpersonal skills (Q&A) can help professionals understand why he/she is finding it tough to lead a safety crew and give instructions. Accordingly, the data can help bridge gaps during the online training session.
   2. Diagnose performance issues with branching scenarios
      To test their decision-making abilities under pressure, each decision point is an opportunity to evaluate their breadth of knowledge. e.g. A disaster response scenario – Two PIVs (Powered Industrial Vehicles) have collided and one of them catches fire. The learner is in charge of protecting the air quality and resuming things to normal. Such visually appealing setups give real-world scenarios that bolster them up and provide experiential knowledge.
   3. Transform assessments into engaging quizzes
      A pop quiz can make the evaluation fun and entertaining, keeping the learner involved.  The subject matter that’s easy to measure can be converted – they can be as simple as steps in fire rescue, or near-miss instances.
   4. ‘What to do next’ stories
      Open-ended stories give employees the ability to answer all important questions, testing their knowledge. In a work-related dispute, a story that plays out natural dialogue and realistic settings utilizes a person’s mental schema to solve practical problems. They arrive at their own conclusions, which give them an idea of where they stand in terms of retention and comprehension.
   5. Group collaboration projects
      A social setting enables learners to assign tasks, communicate openly, and tackle their objectives. They can be hosted where interpersonal skills are to be tested first – this can require extra efforts from the management, as crafting a customized assessment can be necessary. Crucial communication gaps can be disclosed and this approach can cater to the individual needs.

Needless to say, such ways can maximize the benefits of online learning.