A Typical Learning Path
- Start with Basics: Begin with core functionality, such as adding an attachment or uploading a file to a shared workspace. Short tutorials or 2-minute videos can help users learn about new features while still getting their work done.
- Group Lessons by App: Provide grouped lessons, such as five on OneDrive, followed by five on Teams, etc.
- Show Integration: Offer lessons on how the apps integrate. “Show them the whole environment and how all the tools work together,” says Crane. “They don’t know what they don’t know.”
- Advanced Training: Help users rethink traditional processes. For instance, rather than transferring an F drive into Microsoft collaboration solutions, determine the best tool for each job. Some files might go to OneDrive, others to SharePoint, and some to Teams. This approach helps users rethink and reorganize to get the most from the tools.
While some will quickly grasp the value of new technology, others may need to see how specific features or tools save time and increase productivity. This type of training pays off by getting people working sooner and better on the new system.
Proper training “makes a big difference in getting over the initial hump,” Crane says. “I generally don’t see businesses giving their employees the time and training to get comfortable in their new space. When they do, they start to see the benefits—and that’s when the magic happens.”
