LMS Tips: The Business Advantages of a Rapid E-Learning Deployment

Rapid E-Learning Implementation – Your Business Advantage

 

 

With traditional E-Learning, program development is often preceded with protracted scoping and needs analysis which often take several weeks. Most online training experts want to cut through the red tape and get the training show on the road.

 

With a rapid implementation approach, the instructional designer can gather the core team and identify key training points. In just days, the E-Learning initiative will be ready to hit the highway.

 

1. Use smart design structures to deliver effective learning. Rapid E-Learning design starts with a set of well conceived structures and patterns. Relevant, effective design that engages learners can make a difference and add to your message.

 

2. Allocate sufficient time with Subject Matter Experts (SME). This approach searches a wide array of product knowledge material and identifies sets of re-usable patterns that work across all presented material. SMEs can be asked to define the important aspects of training content and, if possible, provide the information in a web deliverable format such as PowerPoint. This requires much less time for overwriting or missing content plus reduction in misinterpretation from SME to designer.

 

3. Use a tightly structured process to reduce time and cost. The most effective approach is to create a timeline, such as:

 

Day 1            Trainer provides brief and source material

Day 1           Designer reviews and sets design structure

Day 2-3         SME authenticates content in design structure

Day 3           Designer teams up with SME to clarify any ambiguities

Day 4            Designer builds first version of course into authoring tool without graphics (no scripts, straight to build)

Day 5            Designer reviews first online version with trainer for possible changes

Day 5-6         Graphics team works on animation/graphics, and designer integrates them

Day 7            Designer has second meeting with trainer for additional edits

Day 8            E-learning class finalized and ready to launch

 

The rapid e-Learning approach utilizes:

 

·         A small core team of designers, trainers and graphic artists, often with people serving multiple roles

·         A design structure that can be quickly deployed and amended

·         Quality input from SMEs

·         Cohesive work during live calls and meetings

·         An established partnership between training and development

 

4. Continue innovation of rapid techniques and technologies. Content created in Flash is emerging as a preferred method of delivering training. A Learning Management System, such as FlexTraining, or a third party authoring tool, can be used to convert or create content in Flash.
5. Use rapid tools to provide feedback. Feedback is critical for rapid E-Learning success. Trainers should look to learners to provide worthwhile feedback on the usefulness of course material and how it can be improved. An assessment upon course completion is the quickest way to get much needed feedback.

 

Rapid E-Learning implementation can be a boost to your business by reducing development time and speeding up the availability of important training material.