In today’s society, more and more organizations are turning to E-learning in place of traditional instructor-led training (ILT). Over the past few years, E-learning has proven to be a cost-effective and reliable way to deliver training. While many small and mid-size organizations have already discovered the benefits of making the switch from ILT to E-learning, this is not to say that there are not challenges. When it comes to E-learning, there is added pressure to deliver informative and useful content in an accessible manner, while using fewer resources. However, with these challenges comes the opportunity to revolutionize the way in which training is delivered and accepted. Because of this, it is imperative for an organization to critically evaluate their business needs and goals before taking the plunge and converting from ILT to E-learning. As we continue to see advancements and innovation in technology, we expect to see more and more companies making this switch. In order for an organization to make this transition successfully, there are numerous factors that need to be addressed and a Needs Analysis should be performed to determine whether a company - and its employees - are ready for this next step.
Why Convert Instructor-Led Training into E-learning?
In most cases, there are a handful of business-based reasons for converting an ILT program into an E-learning course. Before you commit to making the switch, you will need to determine what factors are driving you to make this transition. Here is a look at some of the most common reasons for wanting to adopt an E-learning program in place of an ILT course:
- Cost - In most cases, online courses are cheaper to deploy and maintain
- Time - E-learning programs will have shorter deployment cycles, shorter training sessions, and are easier to maintain
- Accessibility - E-learning programs are a great option if you would like your employees to be able to access the training materials 24/7. E-learning works well to ensure all employees have access to critical training materials and resources at all times
- Limited Training Resources - This is one of the main reasons organizations opt for E-learning over ILT. Your company is big enough to need training, but too small for a training department, E-learning may just be your answer
These are just a few of the main reasons why organizations are deciding to make the conversion from ILT to E-learning. A cost-effective and proven method of providing learners with important and relevant training materials, E-learning is the future of training.
Best Practices for Making the Switch
Now that we’ve touched on a few of the most common reasons for making the switch to E-learning, let’s look at how to do so effectively. Before we so, it is important to once again reiterate the need for organizations to establish an E-learning strategy before making the conversion. In order to find success with online training courses, you must make sure the program is part of an overarching strategy. Assess your organization's current state and take a good look at your employee’s capabilities around technology, as well as the culture of your company and your technical infrastructure.
- Keep it Simple. The first step when switching to E-learning from ILT is to remember to keep things simple. The idea here is to develop courses that are accessible to your learners and that communicate the content in the right way. Learners should be able to understand the material and therefore have the tools necessary to improve their job performance.
- Effectively Organize Content. By making sure you have clear learning objectives and a plan in place when it comes to your instructional content, you will be setting yourself up success. When it comes to the design of your E-learning program, make sure you carefully select graphics and animation in order to highlight certain learning points and content in order to help learners retain the information. It is always important to remember that content is king in regards to E-learning. Because of this, it is critical for you to make sure all your content is relevant and up-to-date.
- Consider Feedback. Paying attention to constructive feedback from your learners is one way to improve your course and make sure it is being received as you intend. By making an effort to listen to feedback and implement changes, you will be showing your learners that you are serious and it will therefore encourage them to worker harder and provide you with feedback.
Once again, the key to success in E-learning is to have a solid strategy in place to ensure that making the transition from ILT courses is the right one. If you play your cards right and set the stage for success by taking the above tips into consideration, you will be setting the state for a smooth switch to E-learning, which will in turn save you money and allow you to provide your users with information they need, whenever they need it. While you may be met with challenges and hiccups along the way, we believe that, if done right, converting an ILT program to an E-learning one will be beneficial to your organization.
If E-learning is something you are interested in, give us a call! 866.316.9126