remote onboarding guide

Online Learning Delivery for Community Health Workers

A Guide To Online Learning Delivery

The term “online learning” is notoriously slippery. Your perception of an online learning project can be wildly different than that of your coworker. This is especially true when it comes to online learning delivery. You don’t have to take our word for it either — just ask 3 different coworkers what they think about when you mention online learning and see for yourself.

Now, we can break online training delivery into two broad categories: Synchronous (aka, in real time) or asynchronous (available on demand). There are further breakdowns and clear benefits for both delivery methods.

These are the pros and cons of each format for your community health worker training. There are also skills that lend themselves better to one style or another — click here to learn more about which skills work best for synchronous vs. asynchronous learning.

The Top Online Learning Delivery Methods For CHW Training

Synchronous Real-time Online Learning

Synchronous learning is the traditional delivery method. In it, the instructor goes live with learners and interacts in real time.

Synchronous online learning is most similar to in-person training because you’re together — although virtually. It enables exchange and interaction, and it can help students remain interested and participate throughout the program.

On the flip side, synchronous learning takes away from the flexibility of online delivery methods. You can still be anywhere, which saves money and time in commutes and logistics, but everyone must come together at the same time to go through the program.

Community health workers, who are often on the field or in remote areas where internet access may be a challenge, can struggle to log into live sessions. So proceed with caution when planning a synchronous online training program.

Discover what each CHW core competency includes, practical examples, CHW roles and careers, how to cross-train your staff, and how to get state certifications for the CHWs on your team. Access now.

Asynchronous Training

Asynchronous training is simply training that’s available on demand. Whether you load the content to a learning management system or distribute it through emails or YouTube, learners can consume the materials when it best suits them.

Another benefit of asynchronous learning is that you don’t rely so much on cohorts. You can use this format for evergreen resources like onboarding programs or trainings you need to deliver frequently.

One con of this delivery format is that engagement may be lower. After all, learners aren’t necessarily engaging with each other, which can make it harder for them to stay on track, especially for longer programs.

Hybrid Online Learning

Hybrid learning refers to a learning format that mixes elements from two or more delivery styles for online learning. A hybrid training program can include any of the following elements:

  • In-person sessions.
  • Virtual, real-time sessions.
  • Self-paced or asynchronous sessions.

For example, a 3-month training plan could have a monthly in-person meeting and bi-weekly virtual sessions with weekly assignments delivered virtually.

Hybrid learning is incredibly flexible, perfect for CHWs whose work is hectic and fast-paced. Hybrid learning combines the accountability of real-time engagement with the freedom of self-paced programs to help students succeed.

This online learning delivery style needs a bit more involvement than loading your materials to the LMS, but it also provides learners with extra opportunities to engage in conversations and thrive together.

CHW Training Needs To Be Flexible and Easy To Access

The priority for any manager developing a CHW training format should be finding a learning delivery style that works for their team. The most effective training is the one your CHWs can succeed at and use on the job right away.

Your online learning program should be empowering — not scary. And learners should walk away feeling confident in the skills they acquired. At CHWTraining, we provide online learning subscriptions for community health workers that fit your team’s requirements. If you’re ready to dive into the world of online learning for CHWs, book a consultation now to learn more about what we can do for you.

Online Learning: Beginner’s Guide

This guide is designed to help you develop a solid foundation for a successful e-learning strategy that will support your community health workers and give them the tools to serve your community.