One important lesson we can learn from COVID-19 is that life keeps moving forward, and so do we. You have seen this with schools worldwide taking classes online, companies working remotely, and local businesses shifting to a virtual first model.
You might also have seen this transition on your television as the NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live (SNL) aired a special remote episode featuring the cast practicing social distancing. Instead of canceling the show, they used the resources they had to bring the show virtually to all from the comfort of their homes.
Here are 3 lessons learning professionals can take away from SNL’s remote episode.
The Show Must Go On
SNL, like many other late-night television shows, shut down production in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic. But, as the saying goes, the show must go on.
Business continuity is essential at times like these. There are going to be many roadblocks within the way, however, you have to pivot fast to make it work. They found a way to create a 90-minute studio production all from their homes, leveraging the video chatting software Zoom and a whole lot of creative thinking.
As learning professionals, it is important to keep your business running and provide a learning solution that is adaptable and ready for any changes that the world may bring. Consider the technologies already available to you that can help you deliver your learning programs remotely. This may require you to think outside the box and consider your approach in a new way.
Now ask yourself, is your learning solution prepared for the future after the pandemic?
Adjust to the New Norm
It’s a given that creating SNL virtually would be different than creating it in the Comcast Building. Without the sophisticated backdrops, props, costumes, audio, and visual effects, the show is stripped down to a group of comedians delivering humor with what they have.
Converting content digitally is not as simple as it seems. Some of the remote SNL skits worked well, and others fell flat in the new virtual format.
That’s because not all content works the same way digitally as it does in person. Your content in PDF form might not deliver the same quality of content as video might.
It’s important to critically think about your learning content to figure out the best way to deliver content in the channels that are available to you.
Here are some things you can do to digitally transform your content:
- Take inventory of your current content
- Determine your short-term and long-term technology needs
- Make sure your strategy is learner-centric
- Gather data to help you test and optimize your content
- Repurpose existing content into digital content
Now that we have some knowledge about transforming content digitally, what is the best platform or technology to deliver quality content that will engage your learners?
Invest in the Right Technology
Having the right technology is key when delivering content. SNL had to strategically think about what specific technology would best suit their goals and their audience’s needs. That technology for them was using videos and Zoom.
These technologies worked for SNL for that specific episode, however, in the long-term, these solutions might not deliver the quality that SNL is seeking to achieve.
To make your content delivery work long-term, it is vital to invest in a technology that is designed to accomplish your goals. Of course, you should start with the technologies that are easily available to help you keep your learning programs running remotely. But when you think toward the future, think about what will best serve your learners, and look for long-term technology solutions.
The best way to serve and engage your learners, in the long run, is to invest in a robust, modern learning solution designed to meet your learners’ needs.
Finding a learning solution that fits your organizational needs and delivers the best experience for your learners will be essential to the success of your program.
As always, BenchPrep is here to help you assess your needs as you shift your learning program digitally. Learn how BenchPrep’s Quick Start Program can help your organization in-person training challenges with a digital-first model.
