eLearning Development

What is eLearning?

eLearning can mean many different things today as the term covers a wide range of applications and processes. As technology and business evolve, so does the terminology.

Any learning that is enhanced by online communications systems can be thought of as eLearning. The scope of this type of learning is not restricted either. eLearning systems can be applied to almost any topic, business, school, etc.

Over the last few years eLearning has been emphasised by leading technology providers, educational experts and most recently by the most powerful and successful corporate industries.

Characteristics of eLearning

The promise of eLearning is that this powerful new tool is used for improving competency and capability. Speed and performance is never hampered by a fixed geographical location. The emergence of eLearning in the corporate world has fundamentally changed the nature of how employees are trained today.

eLearning involves the use of technology to enhance learning. This could include digital collaboration, CDROMS, video and audio, mobile technology, interactive elements and web based technologies. Many successful organisations use a combination of eLearning with face-to-face teaching, otherwise known as Blended Learning or the Flipped Classroom.

A major part of effective eLearning is interaction. In terms of greater flexibility and timeliness, eLearning can suit training needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whereas traditional classroom-based training initiatives can be quite disruptive to the normal working operations of any business.

What eLearning can do for your company

eLearning initiatives can save time and money for the organisation and the employee. It costs less than traditional face-to-face training. Just-in-time training is possible with an always-on resource system. Engaged, personalised content management and delivery mean that knowledge is actually transferred. Speed and accuracy of information is easily disseminated to the entire organisation through effective learning management systems.

eLearning Items

eLearning items form part of the modules in the courses, in the qualifications. eLearning works best within a structured system such as a Learning Management System (LMS).  For more information on the unique Sound Idea LMS click here.

There are myriad different ways that learning can be facilitated.  To choose the best eLearning options consider the following steps:

1. Place the learner in the centre of the course or learning object development.
   1. In which ways does learning occur? Visual, auditory, kinesthetic, interactive, reading, writing.
2. Develop learning objectives.  Keep it simple, keep it organised.
3. Consult with subject experts on content development and deployment. Keep it interactive, keep it short.
4. Ensure relevance throughout with your choices of eLearning items.

Choose from among these items to populate your LMS.

• Presentations
• Simulations
• Training videos
• Storylines
• SCORM courses
• Videos
• Audio/podcasts
• Discussion forums
• Webinars
• Interactive applications
• Document downloads
• Assessments and exams
• Assignments
• Training
• Drag and drop
• Scenarios
• Gaming elements
• Mobile – HTML5
• Case studies
• Quizzes
• Demos
• Blended learning
• Discussion boards and forums
• Asynchronous learning
• Interviews
• Surveys
• Role play
• Peer editing/collaboration
• …and more!

eLearning Capabilities

Perform pre-testing as a diagnostic tool to determine where information gaps occur within your organisation.

Use eLearning items to train staff.  Tracking data, provided by the LMS, can be analysed statistically to determine necessary learning and training interventions for individuals or groups. 

Use a combination of eLearning items to ensure that learners with different learning preferences are catered for. Some people learn better by listening (eg. Audio/podcast), while others prefer to learn by doing (eg. Interactive applications, demos, simulations).

Lifelong learning with eLearning. Learning doesn’t happen only once; often we need top-up training, refresher courses, updates on new products or company changes, and Just In Time knowledge.