Innovation through Collaboration: How to Develop eLearning Courses for HVACR Distributors

In the evolving landscape of HVACR distribution, education is not just a luxury – it’s a necessity. As technology advances and regulations shift, keeping everyone in your business updated is more important now than ever before. That’s why HARDI is committed to offering industry-specific training that is hyper-focused on HVACR wholesale distribution. Our commitment runs deep. In the past 12 months, HARDI has expanded our Talent Development team by bringing on a new Vice President of Talent Development, Stella Gary-Keane, and two Instructional Designers, Sarah Wilster, and myself, JT Holt. We’re realigning how we approach our member resources, much of which centers around eLearning.

Because eLearning allows everyone to learn at their own pace, from any device with an internet connection, it is a versatile tool that can bridge knowledge gaps, streamline training, and ensure consistency across any organization. However, creating effective eLearning modules for HVACR distributors isn't a solitary endeavor; it's a collaborative journey involving our members, other industry subject matter experts (SMEs), and stakeholders. Explore the intricacies of our eLearning development process and discuss how harnessing the expertise of all stakeholders can lead to more impactful learning experiences.

Our Secret Sauce: Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and Stakeholders

At the heart of every HARDI eLearning initiative lies the expertise of SMEs. These individuals possess intricate knowledge of the HVACR industry, from the latest technologies to best practices and regulatory requirements. Their insights are invaluable in helping us craft content that is accurate, relevant, and engaging.

Stakeholders are individuals within our member’s organizations, including management, sales teams, and end-users. They provide essential perspectives on training objectives, desired outcomes, and the practical application of knowledge in real-world HVACR distribution scenarios. By collecting input from SMEs and Stakeholders throughout the process we ensure that HARDI’s eLearning modules align with your organization’s business goals and address the specific challenges faced by distributors today.

Collaboration from Concept to Content

By bringing SMEs and stakeholders together, we can outline clear learning objectives and identify key topics. Through brainstorming sessions, outline reviews, and workshops, we’re able to leverage the collective wisdom of all parties to conceptualize the structure and content of every eLearning we create.

SMEs play a crucial role in distilling complex concepts into digestible chunks of information. Their expertise enables them to identify critical knowledge gaps and develop comprehensive learning materials, including interactive simulations, case studies, and assessments. Meanwhile, stakeholders provide insights into the practical implications of training, ensuring that content is not only informative but also applicable to real-world scenarios. For example, in our new course called “Customer Service for HVACR Counter Sales”, we worked with members of our Sales Council, Branch Managers, and Counter Sales Staff from some of our members. “Customer Service for HVACR Counter Sales” begins with an extensive scenario where a counter salesperson named Carlos is working alone in his branch and trying to manage customers at his counter while also being responsible for the phone. Carlos is an actual person. This scenario is real, and it plays out in HVACR distribution branches across the country daily. That makes it relevant and participants who take the course immediately see how the course will benefit them. That’s the power of collaborating with SMEs and Stakeholders.

Iterative Development: Continuous Feedback and Improvement

If you’ve studied adult learning theory and the instructional design process, you may already be familiar with the acronym A.D.D.I.E., which stands for Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate. A.D.D.I.E. was the gold standard in learning development for years, but its waterfall process can be time-consuming and costly. These days, many eLearning developers prefer the SAM model, a fluid cycle that is ideal for creating training that needs to be developed quickly, and when creating materials that need regular updates. SAM stands for the Successive Approximation Model. In plain terms, A.D.D.I.E. can be described as rigid, linear, and sequential, whereas SAM is described as agile, circular, and iterative. It also means that HARDI’s collaborative process doesn't end with creating eLearning modules; it continues through iterative development and feedback. As SMEs and stakeholders review each draft, they provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement. This iterative approach allows us to refine content, address discrepancies, and ensure alignment with your organizational goals and learner needs.

Empowering Distributors: The Impact of Collaborative eLearning

The true measure of success lies in the impact of eLearning on HVACR distributors. By harnessing the collective expertise of SMEs and stakeholders from our wholesale and supplier members, HARDI’s training programs empower distributors with the knowledge and skills needed for their staff to excel in every role, whether they work in the warehouse, counter sales, or the c-suites (and everyone in between). That’s important because we understand that every individual in your organization plays a part in delivering exceptional customer experiences and driving business growth.

By embracing a culture of learning and continuous improvement, and by investing in the professional growth of employees, HARDI members can enhance employee engagement, reduce turnover, and gain a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Unlock the Full Potential of Creating Your Internal eLearning Programs

In any industry, effective eLearning begins with collaboration. By leveraging the expertise of SMEs and stakeholders' insights, you too can create tailored training solutions that empower your employees to thrive in today’s rapidly changing environment.

Or Empower Yourself with HARDI’s Versatile eLearning Options

But what if you don’t have the time, budget, staff, or other resources to create, distribute, and track training in-house? We’ve got you covered. Our courses are available through subscriptions for individual learners through our LMS called HEAT.U. You can also purchase individual HARDI courses, complete eLearning packages, or entrust us to tailor custom eLearning content for your business.

For more information about our process or products, or to schedule a consultation, please email us at Talent@hardinet.org.