Tuesday, April 9, 2013

[tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] [tremeex] How to Avoid Building Online Training That Wastes Time

How to Avoid Building Online Training That Wastes Time

Link to The Rapid eLearning Blog

How to Avoid Building Online Training That Wastes Time

Posted: 09 Apr 2013 12:30 AM PDT

Articulate Rapid E-Learning Blog - how to build good online training

Building an effective online training program requires packaging the right content with the right type of learning experience. However that often doesn't happen because it's easier to pull a lot of information together, create some slides, and then publish a course.

To top it off, many of these types of online courses are merely repacked content that already exists on the organization's network. So instead of building a real learning experience, we're just repurposing existing content.

Do You Need Online Training?

Do you you really need to build an online training program if all you're doing is repurposing existing content? Is this adding real value? Most likely you don't need the course (or at least not that type of course). But often those courses get built anyway and that wastes the person's time and the organization's money.

How to Avoid Wasting Time & Money for Online Training?

When I consult with a client I always try to determine if the training program has a direct link to the organization's business goals. If so, then it's easier to find the right training intervention (assuming it's needed) and then aligning it to the correct measure. That's how you get your return on investment, by the way.

Become a Performance Consultant

For those new to this, follow a simple performance consulting model where you can determine where things are currently, where they should be, and how to bridge the gap that exists. I always recommend the Performance Consulting book because it's straightforward explanation of the process and easy to implement.

Articulate Rapid E-Learning Blog - performance consulting book

In an ideal world, you and your client come up with a solution that works. Unfortunately, often the client wants to build an online training course regardless of whether or not it's linked to the organization's goals.

The first step is to avoid building the wrong course (if any). That's why you wear the hat of performance consultant. But sometimes you still have to build a course. Is so, what's the best plan?

Three Ways to Build Save Time & Money with Online Training

Going back to the original scenario, you have to build training but the content already exists online. Here are a few viable options.

Create an abstract of the existing content and publish as a PDF. Don't waste time building a "course" that's merely content easily accessed in other places. In those cases, focus on simple job aids that can be used at work. This contents the content to the learner, but doesn't overwhelm them with a bunch of information.

Articulate Rapid E-Learning Blog - convert online training content to a summarized document or job aid

Another option is to create a summary or abstract of the key information. Then point them to the more detailed information online. This way they have a simple overview and access to more information if they need it. Of course, that's easier said than done. Some clients will still want to create something and a PDF isn't the solution for them.

Build a simple interactive multimedia module. When I have a customer who has to have "elearning" but was just repurposing the online content, I'd use something like the process or tabs interactions in Engage. They looked like a training course, but they really were more like multimedia documents.

Articulate Rapid E-Learning Blog - convert online training content to an interactive elearning module

Because they're form-based they're easy to build and maintain. In some ways, they're even easier to build than a PDF because the software does all of the visual design and formatting. Another advantage is that they can easily be tracked in an LMS. So you get the benefit of a "course" but the speedy production.

Change the focus of the training. Since most of the training content is already online change the focus of the training. Instead of online training that covers the subject matter, do training on how to find and use the online resources.

Articulate Rapid E-Learning Blog - teach people how to find resources and online training

This also gives you an opportunity to build a community of practice around that training content. You can combine training on using the resources with a peer community of others in the organization who use the same resources. A community lets you capture activity that may be valuable to future learners.

The truth is that a lot of online training wastes time because it's just content that already exists. However, if you have to build online training like this, the tips above should help make it meaningful and more valuable to the organization.

How do you get around this type of training? Share your thoughts with the community.

Articulate Rapid E-Learning Blog - vote for best of elearning software

If you're passionate about Articulate software, please take a minute to vote for your favorites. Every vote matters. Plus a good showing means I can keep my kids fed.

Upcoming workshops for 2013:

David and I are really excited about the workshop in the London. If you're interested, make sure to sign up before it sells out.

Also, if you're an Articulate user in Austin, check out the free jam session on April 18.

  • April 16 & 17: Austin, TX. Two workshops.
    Day 1 – Rapid E-Learning Workshop.
    Day 2 – Articulate Storyline Workshop
  • April 18: Austin, TX. Free jam session with the Central Texas Articulate User Group. It's a great time to get answers and meet your peers. Here are the details. Seating is limited so RSVP to reserve your spot.
  • May 14 & 15: London, UK. How to Become a Rapid E-Learning Pro: Two-day master class filled with lots of hands-on activities.
  • June: Philadelphia, PA. Details coming.
  • June 26-27: Portland, OR. BlueVolt eLearning Conference. Join the Articulate community team for a series of how-to sessions using the Articulate elearning applications.
  • June 12 & 13: Miami, FL. Two workshops. Details coming.
    Day 1 – Rapid E-Learning Workshop.
    Day 2 – Articulate Storyline Workshop.
  • September: Greensboro, NC. Details coming.
  • September: New York, NY. Two workshops. Register here.
    Day 1 – Rapid E-Learning Workshop.
    Day 2 – Articulate Storyline Workshop. I'll also be presenting at the evening chapter meeting.
  • October: Baton Rouge, LA. Details coming.
  • October: Los Angeles, CA. Details coming.
  • November: St. Louis, MO. Details coming.
Download your free 46-page ebook: The Insider's Guide to Becoming a Rapid E-Learning Pro


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