Despite its ever-growing presence in our lives, not all workers are au fait with technology. In fact, you’ll find during your tenure as a manager that many workers are almost completely tech-resistant.

Convincing these people that an eLearning course will be of any benefit to them can be tough. Mentally, they are wired to avoid online training at all costs. But, since eLearning can be such an efficient way to teach old staff new skills, it’s crucial that you win them over.

So let’s do just that. Here are five tips for turning the tech-resistant into eLearning advocates.

1. Set out Expectations and Objectives from the Start

One thing tech-resisters hate more than anything else is being shown up by their lack of technological prowess. If you want them to jump aboard the eLearning bandwagon, you need to clearly state your expectations from the get-go. Whether they are completing an entire food hygiene course or following a short business seminar, they want to know exactly what’s required of them.

Take your learners through the process step by step, answering any questions they may have along the way. Is the technology simply a supplement for in-house training? Or will the course be completely internet-based? It’s easy for a tech-savvy employer to sneer at these inquiries, but ridicule won’t convince your staff to react any more positively.

2. Encourage Doubters to Work as a Team

If learners are uncertain about a new course or training task, the worst thing you can do is isolate them from the rest of their team. Social learning is, without doubt, the most effective way to introduce an alternative method of training. Through collaboration with others, tech-resisters are far more likely to get to grips with the essence of the subject matter.

Teamwork leads to discussion, both positive and negative. What are learners finding difficult? What are their main takeaways from the eLearning module? Those with more experience in eLearning can use it to provide assistance for those who are less familiar with the programme. To use food hygiene courses as an example, the insight of catering staff who have previously used online food hygiene training can prove invaluable to those struggling to understand the basics.

3. Clearly Outline the Benefits of Each New Course

Providing key takeaways for hesitant workers can make all the difference. If an employee knows that the outcome of the eLearning course will improve their skillset, they will be far more motivated to participate.

Take time before each new training module to go through the advantages. Outline what’s in it for each individual, especially if both senior and junior members of your team are enrolled on the course. Tech-resisters are always looking for a reason to doubt the effectiveness of updated training methods, so ensure they’re given plenty of opportunities to accept that eLearning is worthwhile.

4. Prove to Them That eLearning Really Works

One of the easiest ways to get wary minds thinking on your level is to show them a proven track record. Not everyone will understand the efficiency and innovation of eLearning training, so it's your job to provide them with evidence. Positive testimonials and feedback forms can be the perfect convincers, revealing that online training strategies are worth the time invested.

Seeing just a glimpse of what an eLearning certificate can do for them will often be enough to turn doubters into believers. For example, kitchen staff who struggle to navigate their way around a computer screen might find it interesting to hear feedback that praises the user-friendly setup of an online food safety test.

5. Introduce the Training Scheme Drip by Drip

Being thrown in immediately at the deep end is unlikely to convince anyone to get back in the water. When it comes to eLearning, tech-resisters will remain adamantly on the sidelines if they feel rushed or coerced into online training. Give them a chance to acclimatise to the interactive techniques, enabling them to dip their toe in first before taking the plunge.

A great way to do this is to supplement traditional training methods with eLearning elements. As they become more accustomed to the technology, you can begin to integrate other facets of the eLearning course, including multimedia and simulations. By gauging the abilities of your learners before you start, you can tailor your eLearning opportunities to their exact needs.

While tech-resisters are some of the hardest people to convert, doing so can be an incredible asset to your company moving forward. Through simple encouragement and motivation, eLearning strategies can be implemented across the board, helping keep your team happy and connected.