According to the e-Learning Council report on workforce demographics and training, a whopping 60% of future jobs will require training that only 20% of the current workforce possesses. In addition, it is estimated that by 2015, 40 million workers will work from home at least one day a week - a growth from 24 million.

The demand for online training and learning is higher than ever. How do we reach that demand and do so efficiently?

Learning 3.0 explores some suggestions for a successful eLearning strategy in their attention-grabbing titled blog, “Ten Reasons Why eLearning Doesn’t Work.” Learning 3.0 quickly explains these are ways eLearning doesn’t work when poorly implemented. Here are some of the key points Learning 3.0 outlines for a successful eLearning strategy and implementation for computer-based training:

Connect instructional designers with teachers or content experts. The technological and instructional design side of things is equally important as the content components designed for learning. Strong learning content (lessons, explanations, examples, testing etc.) coupled with strong instructional design delivers a strong eLearning course.

Long-term knowledge assessment. Testing and evaluating the learner and his or her experience is essential to both retention and eLearning development. If the learner fails to understand and retain the information longer than short-term, the eLearning course was not designed optimally. Make sure your learning and testing strategy is implemented as successfully as your instructional design strategy. Evaluate both learner engagement and retention of information for the whole picture.

Assess what the learners already know before you design. Keep in mind that although learners may be on different levels, you don’t want to start your course assuming that they know practically nothing or waste their time. In other words, find out learners’ level of understanding and cut to the chase. You can reference a “refresher” section for those who may need more knowledge, but dive right into the information for the rest of your learners to get them off and running in the course or training.

Make sure you have a strong Learning Management System (LMS). “An LMS platform needs to be robust and usable at all times in order to encourage learners to engage and use the system on a regular basis,” according to Learning 3.0. Learners are less likely to stay engaged when technology fails, so keep their involvement high by using a well-rounded LMS and authoring software.

Blended Learning. Provide one-to-one and one-to-many resources for learners such as forums, chat capabilities, webinars and conferencing. Go beyond the course itself and offer ways for learners to interact with each other and with field experts. This type of social learning also gives learners the opportunity to teach one another, further facilitating understanding.

Support learners. Just like classroom teaching, learners will not always understand the material and will have questions. Although forums and peer chat serve as great tools, also provide readily available support and open communication such as email, phone calls or face-to-face meetings, if possible.

Outline the importance and expectations for training and learning. Make sure learners and management understand eLearning and training as a means to learn important information and skills for the company or organization. This provides motivation for learner involvement and commitment to the course.

Anticipate the learner’s environment. Take into consideration how learners will complete the course. Outline what technology, devices and prior knowledge are required for the course or training and provide resources to meet the possible needs of the learners.

Design your eLearning strategy before you develop the course and always create an evaluation plan. A thorough and robust eLearning or training course shines, but one without careful consideration to the learning, development and outcomes as a whole is not nearly as successful. Even if you consider yourself an instructional design expert, it doesn’t hurt to take another look at your eLearning strategies to guarantee that you create successful eLearning!

 

Molly Horn is a Content Evangelist at Trivantis Corporation. She graduated from University of Cincinnati with a degree in Communication and focus in Public Relations.