October 2011
E-learning software
Rapid E-Learning Implementation –
Your Business Advantage
A
traditional E-Learning program development is often preceded with protracted
scoping and needs analysis which may 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 training administrator or instructional
designer can gather the core team and identify key training points. In just hours
or days, the E-Learning initiative will be ready to hit the highway.
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.
Allocate sufficient time with
Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
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, Flash, Video, Word, etc. This requires much less
time for overwriting content plus reduces possible misinterpretation from SME
to designer.
Use a
tightly structured process to reduce time and cost. The most effective approach
is to create a timeline, such as:
Trainer
provides training brief and source material; designer reviews and sets design
structure.
SME
authenticates content in design structure.
Designer
teams up with SME to clarify any ambiguities.
Designer
builds first version of course without graphics (no scripts, straight to build).
Designer
reviews first online version with trainer for possible changes.
Graphics team
works on animation/graphics, and designer integrates them.
Trainer and
designer edit and finalize; class is 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.
Innovation and technologies are key to E-Learning success
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.
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.
Training
Tips
Recycle Your Content and Rebuild
Your Training
Before you
start building your online training program, you should know the answer to
an important question: Is an online course the same as an online lesson?
The content is the
essence of the lesson, and each lesson you create will become a course section
and should flow in a natural sequence from section to section. One or more
lessons make up a course.
You
can recycle, or repurpose, your existing training materials and learning
content to compile and create a series of E-Learning lessons, courses and
programs.
A
course can contain a mixture of new and existing material and a variety of
delivery platforms. Integrating video, audio and other media add inter-activity
and flexibility for better learner retention.
You
can start small with learning screens and attachments, building to a lesson and
finally ending with a course. And when you recycle, you're rebuilding your
training initiatives in an efficient, economic and environmentally friendly
way.