Why eLearning?
According to eLearning Industry corporate eLearning takes 40% to 60% less time than traditional learning.
eLearning boosts retention rates by 25% to 60% says Forbes.
And its self-paced, anytime, anywhere accessibility is fast making it the most preferred mode of training. With more and more organizations having their workforces dispersed all around the globe, training employees the traditional way is becoming too much of a hassle, taking too much time and cost to organize. Organizations that rely heavily on classroom training can now ensure uninterrupted training, thanks to eLearning solutions.
What is eLearning?
eLearning can be defined as LEARNING FACILITATED BY TECHNOLOGY – for its design, development, delivery, administration, and evaluation.
There’s a popular misconception that you can create eLearning by simply adding audio to PowerPoint presentations and publishing them online. But in truth, eLearning is much more than that. And web pages, eBooks, videos, or PDFs are NOT eLearning. And neither is adding audio to a PowerPoint slide deck and uploading it online.
And why is that? Because ‘Instructional Design’ (creating learning experiences that result in the learner acquiring and applying the newly learned knowledge and skills to the job), an integral part of eLearning, is missing in all these pseudo-eLearning formats.
Wondering how eLearning works its magic? Here’s a video highlighting the benefits of eLearning.
How does Instructional Design Forms the Foundation of eLearning?
An instructional design strategy is a high-level approach of how to teach a subject, to an audience in a learning environment. It refers to the methods, techniques, and devices used to instruct learners.
1. Learning Objectives
A Learning Objective is a statement, in specific and measurable terms, that describes what the learners will be able to do at the end of the course. Each learning objective has 3 components: Performance, Condition, and Criteria.
The importance of learning objectives lies in the fact that they form the basis for deciding the scope of the content, choice of instruction method, assessments, course duration, and cost.
Learning objectives should be SMART. Check out Bloom’s Taxonomy for framing learning objectives.
2. ID Strategies
The right instructional design strategy works like a magic potion to engage learners in the eLearning experience, taking into consideration the:
- Content
- Learning objectives
- Multimedia elements
- Assessments
Storytelling
Storytelling hooks learners by weaving compelling narratives featuring engaging characters. This approach aims to establish an emotional bond with learners, making the learning experience more immersive and relatable. This connection enhances understanding and retention of key concepts by allowing learners to apply knowledge in contextually relevant situations and tasks. Thus, storytelling in eLearning not only enriches the learning process but also facilitates the practical application of learned skills in specific scenarios, enhancing overall learning outcomes.
- New employee orientation
- Quality management training
- Customer service training
- Change management training
Simulations
Simulations emulate practical scenarios and product functionality in a virtual environment, giving learners a hands-on learning experience.
eLearning simulations offer a dynamic approach to training by placing learners in virtual environments that mirror real-world scenarios. By immersing participants in practical situations, simulations enable them to apply theoretical knowledge directly, fostering deeper understanding and skill development. It cultivates critical thinking and decision-making skills as learners navigate challenges within a controlled yet realistic setting. Simulations stand out as a powerful instructional design strategy in eLearning, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Simulations work best for
- ERP/Software Training
- Product Training
- Safety Training
Making a Business Case for eLearning
Win Senior Management's Support by Making a Persuasive Pitch for eLearning
- Growing Adoption of eLearning
- Benefits and Limitations of eLearning
- Applications of eLearning for Different Trainings
- And More!
Gamification
Gamification is using game elements, mechanics, aesthetics, and game thinking in “conventional” learning activities to engage learners, motivate action, and promote learning.
This instructional design strategy encourages trainees to actively participate in learning by making it interactive and enjoyable. Through challenges, levels, points, and rewards, gamification encourages employees to actively seek out and apply knowledge, fostering a more dynamic and effective learning environment.
Gamification works best for:
- Code of conduct training
- Sales training
- Product Training
Discover how to turbocharge eLearning engagement by introducing AI in gamification.
Scenario-based learning
Scenario-based learning involves presenting employees with real-world situations where they must apply their acquired knowledge to devise business strategies or resolve issues. This approach enhances critical thinking skills by challenging learners to analyze and make decisions in practical scenarios they may encounter in their job roles. It emphasizes the development of teamwork and communication skills, enabling employees to collaboratively determine the most effective actions in challenging situations they may face.
Scenario-based Learning works best for
- Compliance Training
- Sales Training
- Code of Conduct Training
Want to learn when to leverage scenarios effectively in your training programs? Here’s a detailed video to help you get started.
Learning through Exploration and Discovery (LEAD)
LEAD also known as inquiry-based learning, emphasizes active exploration and discovery within the learning process. This instructional design strategy encourages employees to immerse themselves in the learning environment, rather than passively observing or listening. They need to actively engage interactive content in a virtual setting with clickable elements, such as icons, pictures, and avatars. Importantly, LEAD offers flexibility by enabling employees to progress at their own pace. It encourages a dynamic learning environment where employees can discover and apply knowledge in practical and meaningful ways.
LEAD works best for
- Employee Onboarding
- Safety Training
- Product Training
- Site Training
Explore more impactful instructional design strategies that elevate eLearning courses.
3. eLearning Assessments
Assessments should not be viewed as distinct entities in eLearning; rather, they are integral components of the learning journey. Their critical role lies in their alignment with the defined learning objectives. Within eLearning, assessments are categorized into two main types:
- Formative Assessments reinforce learning, come after every enabling objective during the course, are diagnostic in nature, and always provide feedback.
- Summative Assessments indicate the learner’s final achievement in the course, are evaluative, grade learners with “Pass or Fail”, and sometimes provide feedback.
eLearning Assessments are used to:
- Reinforce Learning: Well-constructed assessments provide immediate feedback that helps learners reinforce their understanding, boost motivation, and build confidence.
- Measure Achievement: Summative assessments, like final quizzes, gauge whether learners have met the intended learning objectives. They focus on assessing performance and are scored to determine competency.
- Evaluate Course Effectiveness: Assessments also offer insights into the course's effectiveness by highlighting strengths and areas that may require improvement, helping improve the eLearning courses.
Want to delve into designing effective eLearning assessments? Here’s a guide to get started.
What is Custom eLearning?
Custom eLearning refers to the development and delivery of eLearning courses that are specifically tailored to meet the unique needs, preferences, and goals of a particular organization or audience. Instead of off-the-shelf courses that might be a general fit, custom eLearning is built from scratch to match the specific training needs of a company.
Custom eLearning is on the rise! Learn the A-Z of custom eLearning solutions
In the absence of an instructor, the engagement quotient of the course will depend on the interactivities in it. Interactivities are opportunities in the course for learners to engage with the content in terms of an action they need to take (such as selecting the right answer). They capture and engage learners’ attention, give them the opportunity to interact with the content, and help them participate actively in the learning process.
There are 4 levels of interactivities, depending on the type of content and degree of learner involvement.
Level 1 eLearning — PASSIVE
Level 1 eLearning, often referred to as Passive or Page-Turner eLearning, is characterized by its simplicity and linear structure. These courses primarily consist of static slides providing information in an easy-to-follow manner. This helps to reduce cognitive load, making the content more digestible for learners.
In addition to the core content, these courses often provide links to supplementary resources such as videos, podcasts, and glossaries, allowing learners to revisit learning at their own pace. Assessments at this level are typically simple, designed to reinforce the learning rather than challenge the learner with complex problem-solving.
Level 1 eLearning offers a cost-effective and efficient way to deliver fundamental knowledge and concepts to a broad audience, making it an ideal solution for introductory courses or topics that require a basic level of understanding.
When to Use?
Learners are familiar with content
Topic is self-explanatory and doesn’t need interaction to aid recall
Need to digitize text-heavy classroom training material
Tracking scores and completion is unmanageable
Level 2 eLearning — INTERACTIVE
Level 2 eLearning, also known as Interactive eLearning, is designed to actively engage learners. These courses offer a more dynamic and interactive experience compared to Level 1, allowing learners to control their learning path and pace.
The eLearning courses at this level feature 'click to reveal' interactions, thinking activities, and multimedia elements to make the content more engaging. Audio support is also provided to cater to different learning styles and preferences, making the content more accessible. The courses also offer open navigation and a customized Graphical User Interface (GUI), giving learners flexibility.
Assessments in Level 2 eLearning are interactive, often incorporating scenarios or problem-solving tasks that require learners to apply what they've learned.
When to Use?
Content is complex and hard to convey
Learners need to remember dry facts and figures, steps and processes
Additional cognitive support is required to facilitate learning
Making a Business Case for eLearning
Win Senior Management's Support by Making a Persuasive Pitch for eLearning
- Growing Adoption of eLearning
- Benefits and Limitations of eLearning
- Applications of eLearning for Different Trainings
- And More!
Level 3 eLearning — IMMERSIVE
Level 3 eLearning, also known as immersive eLearning offers a highly engaging and experiential learning environment. These courses simulate real-world work environments, allowing learners to gain practical experience and learn by doing.
Courses at this level feature customized graphics and illustrations, employ various ID strategies such as scenarios and guided learning, and LEAD (Learning through Exploration and Discovery). 'Watch-Try-Do' simulations and case studies are also used enabling learners to apply their knowledge in a safe and controlled setting. Advanced strategies are employed to further enhance the learning experience. This includes gamified courses, scenarios, storytelling, and interactive.
Assessments at this level often involve scenarios and simulations to test the learner's ability to apply their knowledge in practical situations.
When to Use?
Learners need to apply knowledge/skills in specific settings
Learning is role-based and involves decision making
Immediate feedback is essential
What is Rapid eLearning?
Rapid eLearning is a method of developing eLearning courses quickly, leveraging the power of rapid eLearning authoring tools. It eliminates the fancy frills while adhering to the principles of instructional design. Contrary to popular misconceptions, it doesn’t compromise on course quality.
Here’s a quick video highlighting the benefits of rapid eLearning
Discover why rapid eLearning is the secret to training at the speed of business
What is the Role of eLearning Authoring Tools in eLearning Development?
eLearning authoring tools are eLearning content development tools that help create engaging and interactive online training programs – not just create, but also edit, review, and design assessments.
Authoring Tools:
- Speed up eLearning course development through inbuilt and customizable templates, themes, and interactivities.
- Make it easy for your in-house L&D team or SMEs to make quick updates to your existing eLearning course/s.
- Support eLearning content translation as they allow exporting the content in text format. The translated file can then be imported into the course.
- Make responsive learning a reality as they produce HTML5 output making the eLearning course accessible on multiple devices.
Articulate Storyline
When it comes to designing and developing custom eLearning courses, Articulate Storyline is an eLearning authoring powerhouse. It crafts stunning, interactive courses packed with multimedia using its intuitive interface. It publishes courses seamlessly to any LMS with SCORM, AICC, and Tin Can API support.
Articulate Rise
Forget complex eLearning development! Articulate Rise lets you build beautiful, mobile-ready courses in a flash. This user-friendly cloud tool streamlines the entire process, making it easy to create engaging customized learning experiences for your learners, anytime, anywhere.
iSpring Suite
iSpring Suite is an eLearning authoring tool that seamlessly integrates with Microsoft PowerPoint, making it an attractive option for those already comfortable with the Office suite. It enables you to transform static presentations into dynamic eLearning courses with interactive quizzes, assessments, and rich media elements. With iSpring Suite, you can efficiently harness your existing skills to create engaging eLearning content.
dominKnow | ONE
The dominKnow| ONE platform provides a range of authoring tools ideal for quick eLearning development. Within the dominKnow platform, you'll find Claro, Flow, and Capture, each offering unique functionalities tailored to specific needs.
The platform's adaptability encompasses responsive design and strong assessment features, ensuring the creation of engaging and impactful custom eLearning courses. The cloud-based nature of dominKnow | ONE ensures constant accessibility and real-time updates, establishing it as a crucial tool for eLearning teams committed to achieving excellence.
Elucidat
This cloud-based authoring tool is known for the rapid creation of eLearning courses, providing extensive options for customization. It features highly adaptable templates for both courses and assessments, facilitating eLearning translations too and the seamless development of responsive courses. Beyond these fundamental capabilities, it boasts a range of advanced and distinctive functions that significantly aid developers in efficiently designing professional eLearning courses.
What is the Process of eLearning Design & Development?
The agile Successive Approximation Model(SAM) was created by Michael Allen as an alternative to the linear ADDIE model. It is an iterative process that overcomes the drawbacks of the linear ADDIE model. It has three phases – preparation, design, development. Each phase follows an iterative process with constant communication between the design team and the stakeholders.
ADDIE Model + Rapid Prototyping = SAM
Phase 1: Preparation
This phase includes Information Gathering and Savvy Start where:
- Business challenges and goalsare identified.
- The audience and their learning environment
- Authoring tool is decided.
- Learning Objectives are set
- The GUI is finalized.
- The instructional design strategy and level of interactivities are decided.
Phase 2: Iterative Design
This phase consists of Project Planning and Additional Design where:
- Project development and other considerations affecting the project are agreed on.
- A fully functional prototype is created and sentto the stakeholders.
- Only on approval of the prototype does the process go into the next phase.
Phase 3: Iterative Development
This phase has 4 steps:
- Design Proof: The complete storyboard is sent for review.
- Alpha: The fully functional ‘Alpha’ course with audio script is sent for review.
- Beta: Next, Beta version with audio narration is sent.
- Gold: The final version is checked for SCORM/ AICC/TinCan compatibility and hosted on the LMS.
What are the Popular eLearning Avatars?
Technology and innovation have made eLearning a sustainable alternative to traditional learning and have also led to some very learner-friendly avatars of eLearning.
Microlearning
Microlearning delivers short bites of learning, each addressing a single learning objective. It allows for easy absorption and knowledge retention and helps quickly close knowledge and skill gaps, just-in-time. It can be used in a variety of ways to enhance individual and organizational performance. It helps:
- Beat the forgetting curve
- Prepare learners for the core training
- Create a learning culture
- Offer performance support and learning on-demand
There’s more to microlearning, learn more!
Microlearning assets can be configured in a variety of formats – whiteboard animations, digital flashcards, concept and process maps, quiz-based modules, etc., depending on their function.
Mobile Learning
Mobile learning (mLearning) is learning that can be accessed by learners through mobile devices from any location. It makes the concept of ‘learn anything, anywhere, anytime’ a reality and can be an effective and accessible option for your organization to support employees (without taking them out of their workflow) and accelerate their time to proficiency.
According to Gallup, 71% of Millennials say they connect more with mobile learning than L&D activities delivered via desktop or formal methods, so it’s all the more important to harness the power of mobile devices for your employee training. Mobile learning is especially useful to train ‘always on the move’ employees – salespeople, field service technicians, remote workers, and others who use the mobile extensively in their work.
Here’s a quick video for you to watch and understand how mLearning is an ideal pick for modern-day learning.
How to Introduce eLearning In Your Company?
Stages in the eLearning Journey
- Getting started – Start with a training that appeals to most employees
- Scaling up – Focus on standardization
- Centralizing training – Create an organization-wide learning community
- Advanced – Move toward becoming a learning organization
Organizations face many challenges when it comes to successful eLearning implementation, and that includes resistance from both the management and employees. Your biggest challenge will be the “It-may-be-good-but-it-will-not-work-in-our-company” syndrome. Different groups will have different concerns – about security, effectiveness, development, and infrastructure costs, and so on.
Here are some factors you need to check before eLearning implementation in your organization:
Need for eLearning
Where eLearning can help sell your products, improve efficiencies, or ensure compliance.
Learners’ readiness
If they are not very tech-savvy, have an action plan to build that skill first.
Infrastructure
Required LMS technology and other infrastructure to launch eLearning.
Readiness of content
Available content that is clearly aligned to your training objectives.
Where and How to Start
- Set Up an LMS- You can start with an open source yet robust LMS like Moodle at little or no expense.
- Start with Mandatory and High-Profile Courses- Introduce eLearning to your learners through mandatory training programs.
- Identify ILT Material for Conversion- Identify ILT materials best suited for eLearning and decide on how best to present them in an eLearning format with suitable interactive instructional design, media strategies, and engaging functionality.
- Decide on the Authoring Tool- Choose the tool based on your training need, the expertise of your internal team with using the tool, and the state of eLearning adoption in the organization.
- Pilot Test the eLearning- Pilot test the eLearning with an eclectic mix of learners to evaluate the course.
Making a Business Case for eLearning
Win Senior Management's Support by Making a Persuasive Pitch for eLearning
- Growing Adoption of eLearning
- Benefits and Limitations of eLearning
- Applications of eLearning for Different Trainings
- And More!
Challenges to eLearning Implementation
Organizations face many challenges when it comes to successful eLearning implementation. And there are different challenges at each stage.
Just starting eLearning
Challenges
- Getting buy-in for eLearning
- Trying to fit eLearning fit in your training strategy
- Identifying the best way to get started with eLearning
- Deciding on: The best authoring tool for your organization and the LMS
Solution
Start small with a training that appeals to most employees like compliance or safety.
Scaling up eLearning
Challenges
- Promoting eLearning and increasing its adoption in the organization
- Taking a call on standardization vs. creativity
- Designing blended solutions
- Adding microlearning/mobile learning in your training strategy
- Deciding on outsourcing LMS administration and support
- Minimizing SMEs’ involvement in eLearning
Solution
- Focus on standardization and processes.
- Finalize a preferred training partner.
Centralizing all training
Challenges
- Increasing the usage of LMS in the organization
- Ensuring courses are responsive and future-proof
- Converting courses developed in Flash and older versions of authoring tools
- Bringing down translation cost and time
Solution
Identify eLearning Champions across locations/units and create an organization-wide learning community.
Advancing in the journey
Challenges
- Implementing learning analytics to measure ROI
- Implementing change management for new initiatives
Solution
Identify ‘Learning Innovators’ to move the company towards becoming a learning organization.
How is AI Reshaping eLearning?
In eLearning, AI is being utilized in the following ways:
1. Learning the Learner’s Way with Adaptive Learning
Imagine a learning path that adjusts to your strengths and weaknesses on the fly. This is the magic of adaptive learning. AI algorithms analyze learner performance in quizzes and assessments. Based on this data, the learning path can be adjusted to the difficulty level, focusing on areas that require more practice.
2. Content Curated for Learners
One-size-fits-all eLearning is a thing of the past. AI can personalize learning content based on the learner’s background knowledge, interests, and learning style. Do they prefer videos over text? Video modules are offered. Are they visual learners? Images and infographics are presented.
Discover the power of personalized eLearning with this video.
3. Smart Recommendations
AI-powered recommendations analyze the learning goals and progress and suggest relevant courses and resources. It helps learners discover new areas of interest and optimize their learning journey, all without feeling lost in a sea of information.
4. Grading Gets Smarter with Automated Assessments
Manual grading can be time-consuming and prone to human error. AI steps in with automated eLearning assessments, efficiently grading assessments. But it's not just about speed. AI can analyze identify knowledge gaps and provide targeted feedback.
5. Predicting the Learning Path with Predictive Analytics
AI analyzes learner data to identify patterns and predict potential roadblocks and proactively suggest additional resources or intervene with personalized support before a learner falls behind.
What are the Popular AI Tools for eLearning Design and Development?
Curious about how AI is transforming eLearning? Dive into the world of AI tools for eLearning design and development! From personalized learning experiences to smart content creation, these innovative technologies are reshaping eLearning.
Before diving into the list of AI tools. Have a look at this infographic sharing the eLearning design and development aspects that AI tools impact.
Content: ChatGPT and Quillbot
Images: Adobe Photoshop, Stability AI
Videos: Synthesia, VyondGo
Illustration and Graphics: Midjourney
Assessments: PrepAI and Quizzbot
Translations: DeepL and Google Translate
Text to Speech Conversions: Amazon Polly and Speech Studio by Microsoft
Voiceover: Speechelo, Speechify
Should you Design and Develop the eLearning In-house or Outsource?
To develop your eLearning in-house or outsource to an eLearning vendor? That is the question!
If you have an internal team of instructional designers, it makes sense to outsource only that component where your inhouse lacks expertise, for instance:
- eLearning translation
- Rapid eLearning development from production-ready storyboards
- Development of videos and other media assets
But in case of huge projects or tight timelines, or if you are just starting eLearning in your organization, it might be better to opt for outsourcing eLearning design and development.
When you outsource eLearning design and development, you get access to experts in training, instructional design, authoring tools expertise, and more. Their pool of resources will make it easy to scale up development. And their strong project management and robust QA processes will ensure development proceeds smoothly, without any unexpected delays.
How to Select the Right eLearning Outsourcing Vendor?
With eLearning becoming increasingly popular as a cost-effective and efficient training method for businesses, and with hundreds of players in the market, it is becoming more and more difficult to find a good eLearning outsourcing vendor. But these questions will help you find the right one:
- Does the vendor specialize in eLearning?
- How long has the vendor been in business?
- How good is their portfolio of customers and testimonials?
- Do they have robust Project Management and Design & Development processes in place?
- Does the vendor have expertise in instructional design?
- Is the vendor proficient in using authoring tools?
- Do they leverage AI technology?
- Do they provide additional services (e.g. translations, LMS)?
Have more questions popping into your head about how to select the right eLearning outsourcing vendor? Click here to find answers!
Unleashing the Power of eLearning in L&D!
eLearning’s transformative impact on scalability, engagement, and cost-effectiveness is undeniable. By harnessing the power of eLearning, companies can empower their workforce with flexible, personalized learning experiences that adapt to individual needs and organizational goals. As we continue to witness the dynamic synergy between technology and training, eLearning stands poised as the cornerstone of future-ready corporate training strategies, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
