Corporate E learning Planning

Details

Category: E-learning Articles

Beginning

Successful corporate E-Learning solutions can differ greatly from each other; but they all have some common features that make them successful.

A sound plan is the first point. Like any corporate proposal, the learning program should have an aim and a set of trade objectives that are clear. The plan should include a business analysis identifying the costs and benefits of e- learning program.

Next, it is time to create the execution strategy and plan. It is necessary to evaluate considerations such as specific learning requirements, existing and planned technology, and corporate culture and employee demographics. The complete execution plan should include a proposed syllabus and a report of training methods along with delivery methods.

Finally, a sound plan and execution strategy are pointless if the courses and learning content are not appropriately designed. The instructional content must be pertinent to the learner and presented in a way that is appealing and memorable

Methods

 Corporates understand that E learning needs to be memorable to be useful. If an employee easily forgets a learning exercise and any knowledge gained, it is a wasted expense. There are many ways to make learning exercise memorable, like Interesting contexts and novel situations, Problem-solving scenarios, Games, Simulations etc. Games and simulations are rapidly gaining popularity as the preferred modes of training.

Simulations

Simulations can vary from simple live role plays to hi-tech flight simulators. Some people believe that next level simulations are the only way to develop employees quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively
 There are four main online simulation genres

•  Branching Stories that involve the learner in a highly defined scenario where he/she makes multiple choice decisions that lead the story down different avenues at spaced intervals. Branching stories are suitable to train new employees, sales men etc.
• Interactive Spreadsheets that allow the learner to make decisions regarding allocation of resources. The simulation will generate a graph, after each decision showing the results. These are most handy training tools where shared understanding of complex systems is required
• Game based models where learners engage in interesting and competitive games. Very useful training for marketing big new ideas.
• Virtual Products and Virtual Labs which are on-screen adaptations of objects and software that allow interaction and copy the real-life counter part. This type of training is most suited to those needing to learn the handling of complex equipment.

Conclusion

Every organization faces many e-learning choices. Synchronous or a-synchronous learning, Blended or self-paced programs, Bulletin boards, discussion groups, blogs, simulations, the decision is complex. As mentioned earlier it is necessary to base your decision on what is most suited to your organization requirement wise, financially and infrastructurally.