e-Learning has the potential to help IT companies create massive savings and gain far better value from their training budgets.However, many companies are not making the most of this opportunity due to misconceptions about how to develop and use it. This is resulting in vast sums being squandered through wasted time and effort. But there is so much that could easily be done to prevent this.
1. Buy a whole system – carefully
Just as word processing software cannot run without an operating system such as Windows, so e-learning really needs a Learning Management System (LMS) along with, for instance, an engineers’ skills training programme, or a new product launch brief. Too often companies buy an LMS that does not match the content that goes with it. So far there is not a universal standard like VHS or Windows (it would be very helpful if there was), so organisations should be careful to buy an LMS specifically designed for e-learning, not adapted from another use. The wrong LMS can be limiting. Take a holistic approach.
2. Is the training developed by training specialists or ‘internet techies’?
Too much e-learning looks good but does not teach. Look at the background of the e-learning company and choose one that has references enthusiastic about the results delivered.
3. Off the shelf or a bespoke solution?
Buying e-learning may sound like buying clothing but it is a far more expensive decision. While an ‘off the shelf’ solution may be suitable for some common IT application learning requirements, a tailored solution is often the most cost-effective answer to many needs. And don’t buy purely on price.
4. The IT department must define the computer resources available to most learners. For instance, does everyone have an operative sound card?
Before a company buys e-learning, there needs to be an assessment of the technology capabilities available. Many managers want an ‘all-singing, all-dancing’ multimedia e-learning course, but don’t have the necessary IT facilities. They should speak to the IT managers before writing a brief to an e-learning producer so that e-learning solutions are geared towards the lowest common denominator of technology widely available among those learning.
5. Remember KISS – Keep It Simple….
Technology should be an enabler, rather than an exciting feature itself. What is important is the appropriate use of technology to explain the subject. Just as when desk top publishing first arrived and everybody started producing newsletters containing 20 fonts simply because they could, similarly, with all the multimedia software now available, it is tempting for training specifiers and e-learning developers to use technology such as video streaming that may be wholly inappropriate.If simple graphics are the best way of getting across a message, then that is what should be used. On the other hand, some training is best delivered with animated features and interactive games.
6. e-learning needs to be introduced as well as produced
Having developed an e-learning solution and put it on the company intranet, too many companies simply tell the engineers or sales team how to access it and leave them to it. e-learning benefits from a controlled introduction, with traditional trainers as facilitators. Learners will more readily become absorbed in the training if they are helped over the initial start-up ‘barriers’ before being left alone. Overall, e-learning can produce massive benefits to IT companies and the more learners the greater the savings after the initial development investment. With local adaptation, it can readily be applied internationally, saving overseas travel, accommodation and trainer expenses. But, unless the planning decisions are taken in the right perspective, the training won’t work and the opportunities will be missed.
Deepa Singh
Business Developer
Web Site:-http://www.gyapti.com
Blog:- http://gyapti.blogspot.com
Email Id:-deepa.singh@soarlogic.com
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