Following Part 1, this article discusses the next 4 processes of good corporate eLearning.  There are many subjects and topics that are well suited to eLearning as a format.  Having a good plan for implementation into your company and solid pedagogy will ensure positive outcomes.

Development

Asynchronous eLearning has many of the positive attributes which traditional instructor-led training has and more.  While reducing cost and making training more convenient, students can learn any time, any place.  Sections of learning can be repeated infinitely until they understand, as the computer is the perfect patient teacher. Learning can happen at the student’s own pace.  Print and video training materials are the core assets of many face-to-face training programs, whereas in eLearning multimedia-rich instructions are at the core.

A good LMS will have internal authoring capabilities.  These tools are simple enough for anyone to learn.  Subject trainers can create learning material themselves and publish within the system.

More complex learning activities, such as virtual reality simulations, can be created with the use of outsourced companies.  These learning items can be externally created and linked into the LMS afterwards. To develop your own, more complex training materials, you may need a team.  Subject matter experts, instructional designers, content developers, programmers and graphic designers form part of this team.  The appropriate programming and integration talent can make up all the engaging eLearning content you need.

Prototype

Prototypes are a very useful way to mock-up new LMS interface.  A prototyped or storyboard view of what typical instructional content looks like allows the design team and client a way to evaluate how the training and software application is going to look and work.

This also allows for practice procedures.  Any potential problems can be solved by making decisions and interacting with the software.

Implementation and Testing

The details of final delivery, installation and acceptance by the client are dealt with next.  There may be a lot of interaction with IT staff in order for software and other systems to harmonise perfectly.  Proper installation, configuration and testing are essential in this phase.

Evaluation

The evaluation phase is used to collect feedback and assess whether or not the desired learning outcomes have been achieved. If not, then the feedback is used to refine the instruction.  A post-analysis of ROI might only be determinable months or even years after the implementation of the eLearning program.

Having an understanding of what your eLearning service provider does when creating your corporate training solution will empower you.  Use accurate information to guide your decisions in choosing a service provider and even bolstering your claims to higher management in favour of implementing eLearning at your company.

Sound Idea Digital specialises in Learning Management Systems and eLearning development | soundidealearningmanagement.co.za
Sandra is an eLearning Specialist & Content Editor for Sound Idea Digital | sandra@soundidea.co.za

To cite this blog article:
Slabbert, S. 2016, January 13. 7 Processes in Good Corporate eLearning – Part 2. <ideas> the official Sound Idea Digital blog [Web log post]. Available: http://blog.soundidea.co.za/articles/7_Processes_in_Good_Corporate_eLearning_Part_2-441.html

Source: Gipple, E. 2015. The Building Blocks of a Successful e-Training Program: An authoritative whitepaper on how to plan, implement, and evaluate an elearning program for your business. [ebook] Pasadena: Interactive Communications Solutions Group. Available: http://www.icslearninggroup.com/sharedResources/Documents/ICS%20Whitepaper%20The%20Building%20Blocks%20Of%20A%20Successful%20eTraining%20Program.pdf [Accessed 30 Dec. 2015].