Last updated on Jul 11, 2024

Your team is struggling with the new digital learning tools. How can you help them overcome their resistance?

Adopting new digital tools can be a daunting task for any team. With technology constantly evolving, it's understandable that some members may feel overwhelmed or resistant to change. However, as digital learning becomes increasingly integral to professional development and workflow efficiency, it's crucial to help your team navigate through this transition smoothly. By understanding the challenges they face and providing the right support, you can transform their apprehension into proficiency and even enthusiasm for these new tools.

1 Assess Needs

Before diving into solutions, it's important to assess the specific needs and struggles of your team. Conduct informal discussions or surveys to pinpoint exactly where the resistance lies. Is it a lack of understanding of the tool's benefits, difficulty in using the features, or something else entirely? By identifying the root causes of discomfort, you can tailor your approach to address these specific concerns and ensure that your team feels heard and supported throughout the learning process.

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James Bowens

Happy
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If any team in this day and age is struggling with digital learning tools, quit using the tools. They are obviously not intuitive enough. Ditch the crap.

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Michelle Borba

Consultant | Mentor | Speaker | Artificial Intelligence | Digital Transformation | Training and Development Specialist | Learning Innovation | Educational Program Management
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Adotar novas ferramentas de aprendizagem digital pode ser desafiador, mas com a abordagem certa, você pode ajudar sua equipe a superar a resistência e aproveitar ao máximo essas tecnologias. Invista em comunicação, treinamento e suporte contínuo para garantir uma transição bem-sucedida e um ambiente de trabalho mais produtivo e inovador.

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Joel Rion Staves

Aspiring Technology Leader|Learning Technologist|Election Worker|Public Servant|Budding Podcaster at #TechnicallySociallyAware
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One of my favorite things to do was have professional development sessions with faculty of a specific discipline and set them up in a sandbox using that particular tool.

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2 Tailor Training

Once you've identified the challenges, develop a tailored training program that addresses the varying skill levels and learning styles within your team. This might include hands-on workshops, step-by-step guides, or one-on-one coaching sessions. Ensure that the training is relevant and practical, giving your team members the opportunity to learn by doing. This approach not only builds confidence but also demonstrates the practical value of the new digital tools in their day-to-day work.

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Allison F.

📢 Dynamic & Engaging Presenter | 🧩 Trainer Extraordinaire | 💻 EdTech Aficionado | ✏Education Advocate | 🖱 Technology Enthusiast |🎓 Instructional & eLearning Designer |
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LISTEN LISTEN AND LISTEN some more. Hear their concerns and meet them where they are. Often times, we need to put aside what we know to meet others where they are. We often times meet training from our own perspective instead of that of the learner. We must not assume there is anything intuitive, start from the beginning and let the feedback allow you to change as needed.

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3 Provide Resources

Support doesn't end with initial training. Provide ongoing resources such as cheat sheets, FAQs, or a dedicated helpdesk where team members can get answers to their questions. Encourage the sharing of tips and best practices among team members to foster a collaborative learning environment. These resources should be easily accessible and updated regularly to reflect any changes or updates to the digital tools.

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4 Encourage Feedback

Encouraging feedback is a powerful way to involve your team in the process and improve the adoption of digital learning tools. Create channels for open communication where team members can share their experiences, challenges, and suggestions. This feedback loop not only helps you to refine your support strategies but also empowers your team by giving them a voice in how the tools are implemented and used.

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Medeleine M.

IT Trainer with 20+ years in experience | Human rights advocate |
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Before committing to the new tool/toy. Let the team try it out first. Learn how to use this tool and then use it to design a new e-learning course. Share the work to the team and provide your own feedback. Then allow the team to adapt and design one course using the new tool. What they like about it and where they find lacking. That's when you could discuss and decide if the team want to move forward in adopting this tool.

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5 Celebrate Progress

Recognizing and celebrating progress is a great motivator. Acknowledge both small wins and significant milestones as your team becomes more proficient with the digital tools. This could be through shout-outs in meetings, a leaderboard for friendly competition, or rewards for achieving certain levels of mastery. Celebrating progress reinforces the value of the new skills being learned and encourages continued engagement.

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6 Foster Adaptability

Lastly, foster a culture of adaptability within your team. Remind them that learning is a continuous process and that becoming comfortable with digital tools takes time and patience. Encourage a mindset of curiosity and resilience, highlighting the benefits of these tools in adapting to an ever-changing work environment. With this mindset, your team is more likely to embrace change and see digital learning as an opportunity for growth rather than a hurdle.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Your team is struggling with the new digital learning tools. How can you help them overcome their resistance?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Needs

2 Tailor Training

3 Provide Resources

4 Encourage Feedback

5 Celebrate Progress

6 Foster Adaptability

7 Here’s what else to consider

Digital Learning

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Your team is struggling with the new digital learning tools. How can you help them overcome their resistance?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Needs

2 Tailor Training

3 Provide Resources

4 Encourage Feedback

5 Celebrate Progress

6 Foster Adaptability

7 Here’s what else to consider

Digital Learning

Rate this article

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