32 ehacks to jumpstart your elearning
TRANSCRIPT
32 eHACKS TO JUMPSTART
YOUR ELEARNING
A Training Manager's Guide To
Digital Learning Success
Foreword
Dear Fellow L&D Professional,
Thank you for downloading this little gem, "32 eHACKS TO JUMPSTART YOUR
ELEARNING -A Training Manager's Guide to Digital Learning Success".
Although we all love a good book that is detailed and comprehensive, we sometimes
crave for a short compilation of pithy tips that can be put to immediate use.
This book is the distilled knowledge and experience of l00's of wonderfully qualified
and tremendously experienced L&D professionals who built Comm Lab India since
2000 -the year when the word, "E-Learning" was coined.
As the editor of this eBook, I am confident that it will give you a lot of ideas, tools, and
techniques, not to mention, validate your own wisdom in many instances.
Enjoy!
Dr. RK Prasad
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
CommLab India LLP
eHACK
01
Align training to business goals - think of training as a vital input to business success
PEOPLE make all these things happen. Unlike other resources such as machines, money, and technology, people
have an almost unlimited potential to grow, improve, and contribute at an exponential rate.
Corporate Learning CAN and
DOES help achieve business
goals by improving employee
performance through
enhancing their knowledge,
skills, and attitudes.
A well-trained employee will
make everything else possible
- sell more, improve
efficiencies, and ensure
compliance - and thereby
accomplish the ultimate
objective of any
business - creation of value.
TRAINING HELPS TO
Selling skills CRM &
ouc."S '\ Soft Other �<'o
"'\ ) / Ware
End-user software training
(#'� l J°cess
MA�KETING & 5ALes
11? j Sell More/
Product service
t1?W
l Customer service
Troubleshooting
+
eND-USe�
i1?WW / Improve Efficiencies /
Wi 1?WtW I I
�OLE-BASED GENERA�
j_ (ALL EMPLOYEES)
.\, Leadership & General Core
+
Management Competencies
Caach;ng & / / �""Performance �� :::�c:��:•mentoring j \ management
Personal Leadership Team productivity building
j Stay Compliant/
i1?WW ALL EMPLOYEES
j \ \ Data EHS posrl
privacy
eHACK
02
Link Learning Objectives to Human Performance, which is in turn linked to business
The key to making training impact business goals is to ground training firmly in the desired performance. Training
should help employees PERFORM better by bridging the gap between their expected and current performance.
Setting performance-based learning objectives will help link the training with performance.
A performance-based learning objective is a statement in specific and measurable terms that describes what the
learner WILL BE ABLE TO DO as a result of engaging in a learning activity. This is the starting point for designing any
successful training intervention.
BUSINESS GOALS & PERFORMANCE-BASED LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Desired Organizational
Results
➔
Desired Performance
➔
Performance-based Objective
eHACK
03
Ensure that the 5 essential elements of good learning are always present in your training
Successful training deliberately and carefully incorporates each of these elements into the design of any learning
experience. This is true of both Instructor-Led Training (ILT) as well as elearning. In fact, it is only when we pay
attention to all these elements does learning become internalized and is more likely to be permanent.
Actual learning content that makes
the learner learn
ELEMENTS OF GOOD LEARNING
Response from the learner happens only in the presence
of an effective stimulus
Practicing learning through questions/
quizzes & reinforcement through feedback
Strong internal drive that makes the learner WANT TO LEARN
Rewards increase motivation & ensure learning continues beyond the learning event
eHACK
04
Make sure all 4 phases of the Learning Cycle are present in your courses
Start your course with Review and end it with Adaption, lest the learning cycle is left incomplete.
1. WHY?
Sets the context and
helps learner bridge prior
and new knowledge.
4. NOW WHAT?
Helps to adapt learning
to the workplace.
2. WHAT?
Is actual learning content:
concepts, procedures,
processes, principles.
3. HOW?
Provides opportunities to
apply the newly acquired
knowledge and skills.
eHACK
05
Set Learning Objectives that include Performance, Conditions, and Criteria
An ideal learning objective has 3 components:
1. Performance describes what the learner is
expected to be ABLE TO DO (tangible performance).
2. Condition refers to the situation or environment
under which the performance is expected to occur
(where does the performance take place - indoors,
outdoors, laboratory?).
3. Criteria describe the level of competence that must
be reached or surpassed to succeed (the passing
grade of the desired performance).
Criteria
How well the
task is done
Conditions in which
the task is done
Components of Learning Objectives
(Robert F. Mager)
eHACK
06
Performance-based Learning Objectives help you decide
Learning design starts with setting of learning objectives, without which the following can't be decided/ estimated
with any accuracy.
eHACK
07 Frame right objectives to improve ROI
Typically, we approach learning objectives only from the learners' point of view, but learning objectives are important
also because they help finalize other aspects of any training program, such as the scope, choice of instructional
method and strategies, evaluation methodology, duration and cost.
Evaluation Decide, Rate, Choose, Recommend, Justify, Access
Synthesis Develop, Create, Construct, Compose, Propose, Formulate
Analysis Distinguish, Compare, Contrast, Solve, Inspect, Analyze
Application Apply, Show, Illustrate, Demonstrate, Practice, Recall, Relate
Comprehension Restate, Report, Express, Discuss, Recognize, Interpret
Knowledge Define, Name, Memorize, Repeat, Label, Record
eHACK
10
Convert instructor-led training material into elearning curriculum
Out of all the available content, ILT
material is the lowest hanging fruit that
can be quickly and painlessly converted
to elearning. However, PPTs are meant
to be used by Trainers during face-to
face interaction.
So, they need to be converted into
elearning courses with the help of
learning experts and multimedia
developers together with the SM Es,
based on sound learning principles.
eHACK Bring the SM Es to your side to add magic to your elearning 11
Despite shared goals between SM Es and elearning experts, the road to elearning design is seldom smooth.
The biggest challenge is that elearning experts MUST RELY on the SME for expert content knowledge. And
invariably, these experts often have NO TIME and little interest in elearning development.
In an ideal world, this is what the SME and elearning experts bring to the table:
SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT (SME) ELEARNING EXPERT (Instructional Designer)
Has expert knowledge of subject Is the learning expert
Has classroom training experience Is experienced in designing self-learning with technology
Knows how to teach the subject Converts the knowledge from the SME into a self-learning module
eHACK
12
Use microlearning assets to make learning a journey and not an event
Microlearning assets can be designed in a variety of interesting formats such as whiteboard animations, digital
flashcards, infographics, quiz-based modules, etc. depending on their function.
eHACK
15
Develop videos to improve emotional engagement
Video-based learning is the concept of teaching skill-based, procedural topics via video- real, 2D or 3D animations.
Because people learn better through examples, video-based learning is the best way to provide visual examples and
enhance the learning experience.
Live shooting
using real characters
Animations with
computer software
and on line tools using
real images and text
Scenario-based
videos using tools
such as GoAnimate
Explainer videos
using tools such as
VideoScribe
eHACK
16 Follow an agile process while developing elearning
Michael Allen's Successive Approximation Model (SAM) is an agile model that advocates the active participation of
and sign-off from stakeholders at every step of the development process. As a result, there are less iterations to be
made, less frustration, and greater satisfaction - because at the end of the day, the stakeholders get a course they are
happy with - one that has been approved by them at every stage of development; and learners get a course that
helps them learn.
Information
Gathering Sawy
Start
Preparation Phase
Project
Planning
Additional
Design
Iterative Design Phase
Design
Proof Alpha Beta
Iterative Development Phase
Gold
eHACK
18
3 vital ingredients that go into course translations -Translator, TM Tool & QA
l. Select only SM Es who are native speakers, with domain expertise and experience in translations
2. TM Tool: A translation memory {TM) database that stores segments that have been previously translated, to aid
human translators
3. Three Layer QA Process: Ensure a three-layer quality assurance process of Self QA, Lead QA, and then Project
Management QA
eHACK
19 Plan for a translation-friendly course
l. Avoid text on images
2. Limit the use of audio and videos. Supplement with visuals, graphics, and textual content
3. Ensure enough white space onscreen to accommodate text length in different languages
4. Avoid using culture-specific and religious symbols that can lead to problems
5. Ensure you select a professional narrator with a neutral accent
eHACK
25 Choose an authoring tool over HTMLS coding
Authoring Tool
Engaging, customized interactions
Better user experience, cost-effective in the long run
No need for programming
Easy translations and upgrades
Multiple device and browser compatibility, SCORM/ AICC compliant
Also gives HTML output
HTMLS
Difficult to design rich engaging visual experience
Free/ one time investment (no licenses required)
Need specialized programming skill set
Easy translations and upgrades
Manual coding required for compliance
Responsive HTM LS output
eHACK
26
Choose the right authoring tool that fits your organizational need
Irrespective of whether you develop your elearning courses in-house, or outsource, select one authoring tool based
on your training needs, maintenance needs, the composition and competence of your L&D team, and the stage of
elearning adoption you are in.
Here's a quick look at when to use which tool:
Scenario
l
2
3
Need
Quick conversion of a PPT to an elearning course
Developing customized interactive, engaging
elearning courses with minimal development time
Completely responsive elearning courses
Solution
iSpring Suite
Articulate Storyline 2, and Storyline 360
Articulate Rise, Lectora Inspire, HTMLS
eHACK
27
Use an LMS or a similar platform to manage learning (Cont'd ... )
Learning Platform
LCMS
Learning Portals
What Is It?
A Learning Content Management System
(LCMS} is a tool that allows you to create,
manage, host, and track digital learning
content.
A learning portal is an online learning hub that
can be used to manage formal and informal
learning resources.
When to Use?
To create digital content and detailed analytics.
An LCMS cannot keep track of classroom and blended
learning programs. So, invest in an LCMS only when a
major part of training happens through digital learning.
When you need to provide a gateway to the
organization's learning resources, including the LMS.
eHACK
28 In-house elearning development makes sense
Whether you start in-house or outsource your elearning design and development, eventually you should do both.
Why?
In-house solutions cost less,
especially when you have plans to
develop multiple elearning courses.
Data is highly confidential and
cannot be sent to an external
company.
When?
You have an in-house team who
can work on the design and
development of elearning
courses.
How?
Hire people with the right skills
who can work on elearning
development.
Train SM Es or internal teams on
using authoring tools to develop
elearning courses.
eHACK
29 Outsourcing elearning development makes sense
It takes a lot of perseverance and effort to nurture an elearning partner, but will yield high dividends.
Why?
You do not have the skill set and
resources to develop elearning
courses in-house.
You need to speed up turnaround
time on elearning projects. An
elearning vendor has the expertise
and the experience in rolling out
effective elearning courses quickly.
When?
You are just starting with
elearning implementation in your
organization.
You are looking for engaging,
customized elearning solutions
that address specific needs of
your industry.
You need elearning to meet
global training requirements.
How?
Identify and partner with the
right elearning outsourcing
vendor.
eHACK
31
Use this 6-point checklist to choose the right elearning vendor
l. Experience, Expertise, and Trustworthiness
2. Size & Scalability
3. Project Management Processes
4. Cost to Quality Ratio
5. Samples of Similar Projects
6. Customers' Testimonials
eHACK
32
Promote and market elearning courses for better completion
Several organizations that launched elearning at great cost and efforts failed for the lack of promotion. Use
marketing and promotional efforts in attracting and retaining learners.
A well-thought-out communication, promotional, and marketing campaign within the organization can be the
difference between the success and failure of your elearning initiative.
Want to Become an eLearning Champion?
Don’t miss this eBook that is filled with practical insights, implementation ideas, best practices,
and more. Explore how you can align L&D with corporate strategy to design and deliver online training
programs that will help employees stay current, competitive, and contribute to your organization’s
bottom line in today’s dynamic business environment.
‘Become an eLearning Champion’, dedicated to learning professionals, is a distillation of CommLab India’s
20 years’ experience in instructional design, eLearning, corporate training, and technology-enabled learning.
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CommLab India is the most sought-after global leader for its rapid eLearning solutions. It has been ranked first among top providers of Rapid eLearning and Blended Learning Solutions for 2020 by eLearning Industry.
With our formidable authoring tools expertise and decades of experience in corporate training and instructional design, we offer rapid eLearning solutions for speed, scale, and value…with any authoring tool!
What we do:
Convert ILT material into instructionally sound, visually appealing, engaging eLearning curriculums, virtual sessions,and other digital learning formats.
Convert legacy courses developed in Flash or any other authoring tool to HTML5, even without the source files.
Translate English eLearning courses into 35 international languages – both text and audio.
Get in Touch
www.commlabindia.com