Have you ever thought about using Facebook for one of your custom training programs? Some businesses may frown upon the use of this platform because it can be a distraction in the workplace.
The truth is, their fears are not unfounded. It can be distracting if you allow employees to access Facebook in the workplace. After all, we spend a lot of time viewing our social media accounts. However, there are many benefits to using it in your training program.
For one, this will peak the interest of the employees. You can bet that they would be more than willing to engage and participate in training programs happening online. This is also a platform that everyone knows how to use. You do not even have to orient them on how to use it. And you can be sure that everyone has an account on Facebook. Setting up a Facebook group for your custom training program will be easy to do.
This makes this platform a great tool to use. It is also cost-efficient. You hardly have to set up anything to be able to use it. If you want to use this in your training program, here are a couple of tips that will help make it a success.
- Make sure the rules are clear. Let us get this out in the open immediately. Employees can easily abuse Facebook. The temptation to check their account is just too great. You have to ensure that the rules of using this platform are clear. Beyond that, you should also set rules about how the participants should interact with each other. Post comments with respect. Give opinions in a tactful manner. These are only some of the things that you should look into. There may also be disagreements or disputes within the Facebook group. Make sure there are rules and procedures on how to deal with these instances.
- Choose an admin. This does not have to be one person. Engagement and activities online can also happen anytime. It is better to have the admin present at all times. Creating shifts should be a great way to ensure that there is always an admin present. This will help keep the engagement level up in the Facebook group.
- Give learners a reason to participate. Finally, you have to make sure there is a reason to participate in the custom training program. A new post, a question, an activity, a survey, or even a new link – these can be used to keep the engagement high in the group.
- Limit the members. A big group might limit the engagement of some members. A smaller one will make them more inclined to comment or react to posts. It is also easier for you or the facilitator to see who is participating and who is failing to keep up. A smaller group will allow you to create a more personalized elearning experience.
Your custom training program will really take off if you learn how to use Facebook groups properly. But you have to make sure that you can set the right parameters when it comes to its use so it will not be abused by the members. If managed well, this group will also help the employees build better working relationships like teamwork, collaboration, and respect.
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