Updating Old Training Programs? Here’s Where to Start (and What Not to Do)
- kimgullion
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
Outdated training programs aren’t just clunky—they can slow productivity, confuse learners, and cost your company more in the long run.
Whether you're dealing with decade-old PowerPoints or eLearning modules referencing obsolete software, now is the time to modernize.
Here's where to start—and what you might want to avoid.
Step 1: Audit What You Have
Start with a thorough content audit. Review:
Learning objectives
Course formats (ILT, eLearning, blended)
Relevance to current policies, procedures, and technologies
Employee feedback and performance data
Create a content inventory spreadsheet that notes what's outdated, what's still working, and what needs a complete overhaul.
Step 2: Involve the Right People...Collaborate
Don’t update alone. Collaborate with:
Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
HR and Compliance Teams
Trainers and Managers
End Users/Learners
Their insights will help ensure the new training is accurate, relevant, and engaging.
Step 3: Update Content with Today’s Learners in Mind
Modern learners expect:
Mobile-friendly formats
Interactive elements (quizzes, simulations)
Short, focused modules (microlearning)
On-demand access
Consider using tools like Articulate 360 or Adobe Captivate for dynamic eLearning experiences.
Step 4: Incorporate Visuals and Real-World Scenarios
Don’t just dump information—bring it to life.
Replace walls of text with graphics, icons, and infographics
Add scenario-based learning or branching paths
Use real-life case studies from your organization
Step 5: Pilot Test and Gather Feedback (and listen to that feedback 😉)
Before launching company-wide:
Test with a small, diverse user group
Collect feedback on clarity, usability, and engagement
Tweak based on results
This helps avoid larger issues and ensures better adoption.
What Not to Do When Updating Training
1. Don’t Just Reformat Old Slides Slapping old content into a new template isn’t an update. Evaluate whether the material is still relevant and useful.
2. Don’t Overload Learners
Avoid lengthy modules that try to do too much. Break content into smaller, digestible pieces.
3. Don’t Skip the Testing Phase
Rolling out a new program without testing is a recipe for confusion.
4. Don’t Neglect Accessibility
Ensure training meets ADA compliance and is usable by all employees, including those with disabilities.
Need Help Modernizing Your Training?
At Writer Resource, we specialize in revamping training materials that not only look good but will work better. Whether you're updating compliance training or building a new onboarding experience, we have the best instructional designers and content developers ready to help.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you build training that sticks.