Half of all employees are introverts

That might explain a number of the voices missing in training discussions. But there are also the trainees who don’t understand, who are afraid to risk embarrassment by voicing a new thought, or who don’t want to broadcast to their coworkers (much less management) that they’re struggling.

Now that over 95% of business trainees carry a mobile device, every training session has the tools to empower employees to speak without fear, no matter why they’re keeping quiet. Here’s how trainers are making the transition to tech-enabled discussions.

1. Tell them to get out their phones

Smart phones, tablets, laptops, anything works, as long as it can send SMS text messages, or access the internet via wifi or a data plan. If a small number of trainees do not have access to a phone or tablet, pair them with others who do have one. They can take turns submitting comments, questions, and answers to training check points and discussions.

Note: Not all devices are created equal. The recent ECAR study demonstrates that students and trainees strongly prefer mobile phones for class activities. This is welcome news to instructors who regularly deal with the “cone of distraction” caused by laptop screens. Also, allowing responses via SMS text messaging helps students avoid issues like slow internet connection speeds.

2. Display a web-based poll question

Many instructors like to open the session with a question about the material from the previous session. Then they might scatter two or three more into the training session, to gauge understanding, collect anonymous questions, or give a quick quiz.

• Use a multiple choice poll that instantly checks for understanding: “According to the Kirkpatrick Model, which of the following is Level 3?”
• Use an open-ended poll to host an anonymous class discussion: “Why do you think harassment might go unreported in an organization?”
• Use a clickable image poll to let students quickly map their thoughts on a coordinate axes graph, number line, geographical map, or flowchart.
• Use a ranking poll to let trainees arrange a set of options in the correct (or preferred) order, for example, “Rank the causes of air pollution from greatest to smallest.”

3. Let responses guide the flow of instruction

It makes a big difference when everyone feels safe and comfortable responding to questions in a training session. But the second best benefit of incorporating technology is that you have so much new data at your fingertips. You can find out instantly who understands, who needs more time and instruction, when to review, what to review, and when to move on.

Some trainers even use poll responses to choose which rabbit trails to pursue once the day’s material has been covered. You can get creative and make your polls your own, then decide how best to apply the results to your courses.