Basics of E-learning

Basics ofE-

learning

Table of Contents Introduction to E-learning E-learning Definition

• Characteristics of E-learning• Advantages of E-learning• E-learning Statistics• Impact of E-learning on Business

Types of Learning E-learning Delivery Methods E-learning Delivery Platforms Overview of the E-learning Process The 3 Dos of Instructional Design Evaluation of an E-learning Course Conclusion

Introduction to E-learning

1

To increase the productivity and competency of their workforce, many large and mid-sized organizations have fostered innovation, moved away from the traditional training methods and adopted e-learning methodologies that have had a positive impact on business.

Introduction

2 E-learning Definition

E-learning refers to any form of learning that can be accessed through web technology. It is facilitated and supported by web-enabled technology, moreover it enables people to learn at their own time and at a place convenient to them.

The objective of an e-learning course is to help learners learn by themselves, while at the same time allowing them to collaborate and interact with their peers for a social learning experience.

E-learning

Every e-learning course is created because there is a learning need. An e-learning course is designed with one or more learning objectives in mind. An e-learning course is also created with a particular audience and its needs in mind. E-learning is created with the help of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). The development of e-learning follows a very streamlined process. E-learning is always followed up by an assessment. E-learning is connected to electronic media. E-learning is self-paced and reaches a wider audience.

Characteristics of E-learning

Just-in-time knowledge Anytime and anywhere learning Uniform training to a geographically dispersed workforce Reduced training time and costs Interactive and collaborative learning Self-paced learning Effective and efficient life-long learning – on demand

Advantages of E-learning

The market size of the global corporate e-learning market is predicted to reach close to USD 31 billion in revenue by the end of 2020 (Research, 2016).

The global e-learning market will grow at a CAGR of 17.81% during the period 2016-2020 (Markets, 2016).

U.S. organizations spent 5 percent of their budget or $602,306 in 2015 (vs. $254,256 in 2014) on learning tools and technologies (Staff, 2016).

74% companies used an LMS in 2014 and 41% of non-users said they intended to purchase an LMS in 2015 (2014 Training Industry Report, 2014).

25 percent of companies said they are using social learning to some extent (Staff, 2016). Large and mid-size US companies appeared to be focusing on online or computer-based methods (29

percent vs. 20.8 percent for small and mid-size companies) (Staff, 2016). 1.8 percent of training hours were delivered via mobile devices in the US, in 2015 (Staff, 2016). 31.9 percent of hours were delivered with blended learning techniques, up from 29.1 percent in 2014, in

the US (Staff, 2016). Technology use was higher overall in 2015 than the previous year, with Learning Management Systems

accounting for 73% (Staff, 2016).

E-learning Statistics

Improved Employee Productivity Reduced Costs Reduced Time to Competence Better Return on Investment Improved Training Content Development and Delivery Improved Bottom Line Enterprise Transformation Increased Brand Loyalty

Impact of E-learning on Business

3

Types of Learning

In today’s e-learning environment, learning happens primarily by two methods – synchronous and asynchronous, and often a combination of the two (blended learning).

Types of Learning

Synchronous learning is just like classroom learning except that the instructor and all the learners could each be in an entirely different location.

Synchronous e-learning is suitable for concept-based training, training of very complex concepts, and sometimes training for learners who require the presence of a trainer.

Synchronous learning happens via: Virtual classrooms Audio and video conferencing Chat Webinars Application sharing

Synchronous Learning

Asynchronous LearningGeneric training that has a long shelf life and does not pertain to a particular group of people such as soft skills training, management training, and financial training can be conducted via asynchronous e-learning.

Asynchronous learning makes use of media that is not instantaneous: Self-paced online courses Discussion forums & groups Messages boards Emails Blogs Discussion forums CDs and DVDs

Blended LearningBlended learning is a mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning. The proportion of each of the blended ingredients will depend on the audience, the amount of independence and guidance required during the training/learning.

Blended learning can also be a blend of: Offline and online courses Structured and unstructured learning Self-paced and collaborative learning Customized content and off-the-shelf content Work and learning

4E-learning Delivery

Methods

E-learning is not always online – and just like the way e-learning can take place synchronously, asynchronously or by a blended approach, e-learning can be delivered synchronously, asynchronously or by a blended approach. With the exception of blended learning and ILT, all the delivery methods listed below are asynchronous.

Common E-learning Delivery Methods

Instructor-led Training Computer-based Training (CBT)

Mobile LearningWeb-based Training (WBT)

E-learning Delivery Methods

5E-learning Delivery

Platforms

E-learning can be delivered through a Learning Management System (LMS) or a Learning Content Management System (LCMS).

E-learning Delivery Platforms

6Overview of

the E-learning Process

Analyse

Design

DevelopImplement

Evaluate

E-learning Delivery Methods

A clear-cut learning strategy is defined at this stage based on the instructional, visual,

and audio strategy.

E-learning programs are categorized as Asynchronous

(CBT or WBT courses) and Synchronous (Virtual

Classrooms, Webinars, etc.).

The program is reviewed at various stages by editors,

instructional designers, Subject Matter Experts, and finally by

Quality Control managers.

Based on the inputs in the design phase, the content, visuals, and

assessments are developed through the storyboard, page

layout, and multimedia development.

Analysis stage involves understanding your organization’s

training requirements, timelines, and the needs of the target audience

7The 3 Dos of Instructional

Design

1. DesignIs based on the analysis of the audience, content, and best delivery method.The Design phase deals with describing the design specifications of the course.All the information collected during analysis (the A phase of ADDIE), is assimilated in a well-planned, and well-designed manner, to make sense and meet the learning objectives.

The 3 Dos of Instructional Design

2. DevelopE-learning course development is a continuously evolving field and e-learning principles and authoring tools are constantly updated to be able to give learners the best learning experience. 3 Well-known Rapid Authoring Tools: Articulate Storyline Adobe Captivate Lectora Inspire


3. DeployThe course is now ready to be delivered via a system that was decided on in the initial stages - either by a web portal, LMS (Learning Management System), LCMS (Learning Content Management System), or mobile devices.


8Evaluation of an E-learning Course

Reaction

Learning Outcome

Behavioral Change

Results

The Kirkpatrick Model of Evaluation

9

Conclusion

Conclusion

E-learning has proved to have immense business benefits – helping organizations do more, with

less.

Any organization that wants to stay at the forefront, can make use of technology-enabled

learning to give both the organization as well as its employees a competitive advantage.

Technological advancements have changed the way we learn.

Now that you have an understanding of the basics of e-learning, the next step is to implement e-

learning in your organization, in a matter that will be fruitful - both to your employees and the

organization.

Education

Basics of E-learning