Trade Secrets of Using E-learning in Training

Overview

How best to plan, design and implement e-learning training programmes

Companies are grappling with how to improve and advance skills and knowledge within the workforce, aware that the effective development of staff is a requisite for surviving difficult economic times. Equally, the need for individuals to grow their skills base – and employability – has never been greater.

E-learning training programmes are recognised to be highly effective at improving staff efficiency and development, while also being seen as a cost-effective, flexible and self-managed way for professional development.

This Report provides the expertise of every aspect of designing a course – content, design and flow – how to anticipate users’ questions and problems, choosing your software supplier and applying the learning.

benefits of this report

This report will help you to:

• Understand the complex nature of creating an e-learning product
• Guide you to select the most efficient software supplier
• Enhance your online project design skills- content, design and flow
• Succeed in your project review meeting strategies
• Improve your confidence in managing the project
• Lead an e-learning project and successfully apply the learning into practice

Who will benefit from this report

• Line managers who may be managing e-learning projects
• HR professionals directly involved in e-learning
• Training professionals who may be designing or delivering e-learning

Content

1 Managing an E-Learning Project

• Define the Scope of the Training
• Link Outcomes to Business Objectives
• Carry Out Training Needs Analysis
• Identify Key Players
  • Who to Choose?
• Allocate Topics to E-learning and the Trainer-led Course
• Learning System Database
• Establish Milestones and Budgets

2 Accessibility

• Why this is Important
• Physical Accessibility
• Dyslexia
• Hearing Difficulties
• Visual Impairment
• Other Sources of Advice
• Be Positive about Accessibility

3 The Software Supplier

• Select and Brief a Software Supplier
• Establish the Project Team
• Communicate Your Needs
• Finalize the Storyboard Format

4 The E-Learning System

• Strengths and Limitations of the Electronic Learning System
• Agree the Screen Layout and Navigation Buttons
• Explore Options for On-screen Tasks, Questions and Activities
• Finalize How Learners will Access the E-learning System
• Discuss How the System will Track Individual’s Progress
• Decide What Information to Collect about
  • Learning System Usage
• Sell E-learning into the Business

5 E-Learning Course Content

• Define Learning Objectives
• Design the Overall Course Content
• Identify Company Materials or Procedures
  • Which Must be Used for Consistency
• Harmonize the Content with Other Company
  • Materials, Procedures or Products
• Research Sources for Course Content
• Clarify Expectations about Sourcing Materials

6 Delegate Workbooks

• Consider the Need for a Delegate Workbook
• Discuss the Scope and Coverage of the Workbook
• Consistency with the On-screen Image
• Clarify the Format and Style of the Workbook
• How Will Learners Access the Workbook?

7 Delegate Assessment

• When to Use Quizzes
• Are there ‘Right’ Answers?
• Detailed Design
• Who Will See the Results?

8 Design the Course

• Confirm the Overall Course Structure
• Build Each Screen Using Text and Images
• Maximize the Learner’s Participation
• Link to the Learner’s Workbook

9 Project Review Meetings

• When to Hold Project Review Meetings
• Review the E-learning Course Content
• Hand Over the Storyboards to the Software Designers
• Pilot the E-learning Course
• Review the Trainer-led Course Design
• Pilot the Trainer-led Course
• Review the Effectiveness of the Whole Program

10 Building the Storyboards

• Why have Storyboards?
• How to Build the Storyboards
• In Summary…

11 The Trainer-Led Course

• Establish the Project Team
• Some Challenges
• Identify the Key Skills to be Practised
• Agree the Duration of the Course
• The Optimum Number of Delegates
• Agree the Key Milestones in Terms of Dates and Deliverables
• Finalize the Budget

12 Links to the E-Learning Course

• Linking the Two Learning Experiences
• Using a Refresher Quiz

13 Design the Trainer-Led Course

• Develop an Overall Template for the Day
• Design Individual Sessions in Detail
• Design the Delegate Workbook
• Write a Trainer’s Guide
• Create Supporting Materials
• Draft a Venue Specification

14 Pilot the Trainer-Led Course

• Select and Train the Trainers
• Select the Venue
• Collect Nominations for the Pilot Course
• Issue Course Joining Instructions
• Deliver the Pilot Course
• Review and Modify the Course Design

15 Applying the Learning

• Assess Learners’ Improved Skills and Effectiveness
• Offer Coaching to Reinforce Learning
• Evaluate the Effectiveness of the Training Program
• Enhance Course Content to Offer Improved Skills
• Release and Publicize the Program
• Delivering Competitive Advantage

APPENDICES

• Resource 1: Project Specification
• Resource 2: Course Overview
• Resource 3: Sample Learner’s Workbook to Accompany the On-line Managing Meetings Course
• Resource 4: Sample Opening Quiz
• Resource 5: Sample Closing Quiz
• Resource 6: Course Flowchart
• Resource 7: Sample Screens
• Resource 8: Learning Options
• Resource 9: Project Status Report
• Resource 10: Sample Storyboards
• Resource 11: Refresher Quiz
• Resource 12: Sample Course Outline
• Resource 13: Sample Trainer’s Guide

The author

Tony Bray is an expert trainer and the author of a series of books and training materials published by Fenman with sales approaching £2m.

He has designed a number of e-learning programmes for a variety of organisations and international companies.

Tony started his career as an army officer, followed by 20 years management experience in British Telecom. He has been running his own training and consultancy business for over 20 years now.