Best Practices For Creating Online Training (eLearning)
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Scivally]Andrew Scivally
There are many things to think about when creating eLearning. There's no way that I can mention all of them in this article but I'd like to mention a few that come to the top of my mind.
Course Outline / Storyboarding
Know the audience
Find good SMEs
Always create an outline of the course
Storyboarding allows you to structure content flow
Decide what knowledge/skills need to be taught first
SMEs can take a glance at the flow and content
Content creating will go more quickly. (it's faster than creating content and then starting over)
Text
Learners scan, they don't read
Keep it simple
Don't introduce too much information at once (chunks)
Use bullets/lists
Avoid font color
Use bold and italics sparingly
Talk to learners or not (choose a style)
Formal or informal verbiage
Example: Bad
These are challenging times for the financial services industry.
Increased competition, recent uncertainty in the markets, and increasing expectations are just a few of the challenges we face as we seek to strengthen relationships with our clients.
Example: Good
These are challenging times for the financial services industry.
As we seek to strengthen relationships with our clients, we face:
Increased competition
Market uncertainty
Increased expectations
Consistency
Font (Headers, body)
Colors (text, images)
Grammar (tense, spelling, etc.)
Bullets
Image placement
Introduction pages, end of lesson, test launch, evaluation, etc.
Interface and navigation
Job Aids and reference material
Formatting of list of steps
Hyphenated words consistent (i.e. on-line vs. online)
Images
Learners scan text and often look at images first
Can learners understand your page by only looking at the image?
Make them meaningful. (not gratuitous images)
Explain the process visually
Import the.png, jpg, gif into PowerPoint for best quality
Can part of the text on the page be in the image?
Tests/Assessments
Ensure that the questions are answered
Decide an appropriate number of questions based on the needed score to pass
Will you have a pool of questions?
Should the questions be randomized?
Submit after each question vs. submit all at once
Quizzes vs. tests
Quality Review
Always click through the finished course before and after the final upload to the LMS
Have someone outside of your area click through the course
Don't test the course on the same computer that it was created on
I hope that the previous list helps get you thinking while designing online training.
Andrew Scivally
Co-Owner - eLearning Brothers http://www.eLearningBrothers.com
Using games, flash interactions, and challenges to create engaging, interactive, and inspiring eLearning.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Scivally [http://ezinearticles.com/?Best-Practices-For-Creating-Online-Training-(eLearning)&id=3223371 ]http://EzineArticles.com/?Best-Practices-For-Creating-Online-Training-(eLearning)&id=3223371
Saturday, December 5, 2009
E-Learning Solutions Now Allow Accelerated Learning For All Types of Learners
E-Learning Solutions Now Allow Accelerated Learning For All Types of Learners
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joel_Owens]Joel Owens
The premise of accelerated learning was only once viewed and applicable in education when a particular learner displayed advanced aptitude and knowledge that was already beyond the level of the others, thus making continued learning at the present level quite redundant. Once this has been properly established, the learner would then be accelerated to the next graduated level, or to whatever graduated level the learner's current aptitude is most appropriate. The introduction of e-learning solutions and the practical applications and potentials it presents to both learners and instructors, however, has made accelerated learning a possibility for practically anyone who wants to learn.
This is especially true in instances wherein certain proficiencies need to be learned in a minimum of time, such as in industrial and corporate situations. One of the most common forms of accelerated learning types is done through the use of simulations, entailing a minimum of theoretical knowledge and putting the bulk of the training in actual physical training through various forms of simulations. Simulations work by directly teaching muscle memory the appropriate or necessary response, and then promoting retention through repetition of the exercise, literally programming the muscles to the appropriate action given the situation. This type of training has been effectively integrated with the stimulus of multimedia and innovative learning tools to create very effective e-learning solutions.
Typically, simulations only work to teach learners how to react accordingly to certain situations, without much room for contingencies. These innovative tools add the knowledge component to this exercise, effectively teaching the learner why the response is the appropriate one to the simulation, as well as adding the contingency aspect of the situation, allowing them to formulate an alternative action once the traditionally accepted response proves to be ineffective or redundant.
The addition of these tools to the traditional simulations is seen as highly beneficial in the aspect that it does not only teach the learner to look for an alternative response should the traditional response fail, but it also gives a deeper understanding of the current situation that the learner is presented with. Equipped with that knowledge, the learner is presented with a greater overview of the situation, allowing him to foresee potentially critical areas of the situation and even formulate a response should a contingency in that area arise.
This deeper understanding also presents a failsafe of sorts to an otherwise unforeseeable occupational or situational hazard or danger, since the deeper understanding and comprehension afforded by the e-learning solutions allows the learner some crucial insight to the situation, or because of the learning and research habits fomented by the learning management solution, the learner may actually do a prior research and analysis of the situation and everything encompassed in it, to ensure better understanding of everything in it. The combination of simulation and e-learning actually promotes a form of multi-tasking on the part of the learner, since the trained muscles and reflexes afforded by the simulation, allows for an almost automatic response and will not require much thought from the person, allowing them to allot some attention to other aspects of the task.
A computer graduate and loves to travel. Reading current news in the internet is one of his past times. Taking pictures of the things around him fully satisfies him. He loves to play badminton and his favorite pets are cats and walk with them in the park with some dogs.
For more information regarding [http://www.intelladon.com]E Learning you may want to call directly at 813-814-2345 or visit our website for more help.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joel_Owens http://EzineArticles.com/?E-Learning-Solutions-Now-Allow-Accelerated-Learning-For-All-Types-of-Learners&id=3001202
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joel_Owens]Joel Owens
The premise of accelerated learning was only once viewed and applicable in education when a particular learner displayed advanced aptitude and knowledge that was already beyond the level of the others, thus making continued learning at the present level quite redundant. Once this has been properly established, the learner would then be accelerated to the next graduated level, or to whatever graduated level the learner's current aptitude is most appropriate. The introduction of e-learning solutions and the practical applications and potentials it presents to both learners and instructors, however, has made accelerated learning a possibility for practically anyone who wants to learn.
This is especially true in instances wherein certain proficiencies need to be learned in a minimum of time, such as in industrial and corporate situations. One of the most common forms of accelerated learning types is done through the use of simulations, entailing a minimum of theoretical knowledge and putting the bulk of the training in actual physical training through various forms of simulations. Simulations work by directly teaching muscle memory the appropriate or necessary response, and then promoting retention through repetition of the exercise, literally programming the muscles to the appropriate action given the situation. This type of training has been effectively integrated with the stimulus of multimedia and innovative learning tools to create very effective e-learning solutions.
Typically, simulations only work to teach learners how to react accordingly to certain situations, without much room for contingencies. These innovative tools add the knowledge component to this exercise, effectively teaching the learner why the response is the appropriate one to the simulation, as well as adding the contingency aspect of the situation, allowing them to formulate an alternative action once the traditionally accepted response proves to be ineffective or redundant.
The addition of these tools to the traditional simulations is seen as highly beneficial in the aspect that it does not only teach the learner to look for an alternative response should the traditional response fail, but it also gives a deeper understanding of the current situation that the learner is presented with. Equipped with that knowledge, the learner is presented with a greater overview of the situation, allowing him to foresee potentially critical areas of the situation and even formulate a response should a contingency in that area arise.
This deeper understanding also presents a failsafe of sorts to an otherwise unforeseeable occupational or situational hazard or danger, since the deeper understanding and comprehension afforded by the e-learning solutions allows the learner some crucial insight to the situation, or because of the learning and research habits fomented by the learning management solution, the learner may actually do a prior research and analysis of the situation and everything encompassed in it, to ensure better understanding of everything in it. The combination of simulation and e-learning actually promotes a form of multi-tasking on the part of the learner, since the trained muscles and reflexes afforded by the simulation, allows for an almost automatic response and will not require much thought from the person, allowing them to allot some attention to other aspects of the task.
A computer graduate and loves to travel. Reading current news in the internet is one of his past times. Taking pictures of the things around him fully satisfies him. He loves to play badminton and his favorite pets are cats and walk with them in the park with some dogs.
For more information regarding [http://www.intelladon.com]E Learning you may want to call directly at 813-814-2345 or visit our website for more help.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joel_Owens http://EzineArticles.com/?E-Learning-Solutions-Now-Allow-Accelerated-Learning-For-All-Types-of-Learners&id=3001202
Sunday, October 25, 2009
New E-learning Trends in Knowledge Economy
New E-learning Trends in Knowledge Economy
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Natalie_Aranda]Natalie Aranda
E-learning has easily become one of the most popular trends in the past few years. After all, it has allowed businesses to save money and train their employee’s online, as well as help students get their degree while working. However, as e-learning programs become more complex and easier to use in the business market, more trends will develop within.
One of the biggest trends within e-learning programs is that applications are expanding. Originally, e-learning software merely trained individuals and subsequently went from there. Now e-learning courses are keeping employers up to date within their industry. For instance, if a sales rep needs to know how to handle customers on the phone, then these e-learning solutions will provide a lot of help. Also, if new software is out on the market, employees can easily learn how to use it from these programs. Fortunately, applications are now expanding so much that companies can constantly be training their staff when new information comes out.
Another big trend in e-learning is blended learning. This is when education consists of not only e-learning programs, but also in person lectures and exams. By adding the internet element as well as the standard teaching method, students are able to get the best of both worlds. Discussion boards, offline group projects, and chat rooms are just a few examples of integrating both. Most of the time an in person lecture is not daily, thus allowing people who work to still maintain a schedule.
M-learning is also becoming part of the e-learning solution. Although e-learning is strictly online, M-learning can be included in this category. This is when a student is accessing these e-learning courses from more than one location. For instance, someone could be reading the material from a mobile phone, a PDA, or even an Ipod. Most of the time this information is still being accessed from the internet. It is the newest trend in the online education field, thus making it easier for anyone to acquire more knowledge.
No matter what happens to e-learning, there will always be different e-learning solutions and trends. After all, this always happens when new creations come out. Luckily, e-learning software is expanding to cell phones and PDA’s. This is a great advancement because it’s allowing people to become more knowledgeable in society. What’s greater than a world full of intelligence? Absolutely nothing.
Natalie Aranda writes on learning and technology. E-learning has easily become one of the most popular trends in the past few years. After all, it has allowed businesses to save money and train their employee’s online, as well as help students get their degree while working. However, as [http://www.protechgroup.com]e-learning programs become more complex and easier to use in the business market, more trends will develop within. E-learning is effective for [http://www.cbtplanet.com/]software training, certification training and [http://www.countrywidetraining.com/]corporate training. Now e-learning courses are keeping employers up to date within their industry. For instance, if a sales rep needs to know how to handle customers on the phone, then these e-learning solutions will provide a lot of help.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Natalie_Aranda http://EzineArticles.com/?New-E-learning-Trends-in-Knowledge-Economy&id=248898
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Natalie_Aranda]Natalie Aranda
E-learning has easily become one of the most popular trends in the past few years. After all, it has allowed businesses to save money and train their employee’s online, as well as help students get their degree while working. However, as e-learning programs become more complex and easier to use in the business market, more trends will develop within.
One of the biggest trends within e-learning programs is that applications are expanding. Originally, e-learning software merely trained individuals and subsequently went from there. Now e-learning courses are keeping employers up to date within their industry. For instance, if a sales rep needs to know how to handle customers on the phone, then these e-learning solutions will provide a lot of help. Also, if new software is out on the market, employees can easily learn how to use it from these programs. Fortunately, applications are now expanding so much that companies can constantly be training their staff when new information comes out.
Another big trend in e-learning is blended learning. This is when education consists of not only e-learning programs, but also in person lectures and exams. By adding the internet element as well as the standard teaching method, students are able to get the best of both worlds. Discussion boards, offline group projects, and chat rooms are just a few examples of integrating both. Most of the time an in person lecture is not daily, thus allowing people who work to still maintain a schedule.
M-learning is also becoming part of the e-learning solution. Although e-learning is strictly online, M-learning can be included in this category. This is when a student is accessing these e-learning courses from more than one location. For instance, someone could be reading the material from a mobile phone, a PDA, or even an Ipod. Most of the time this information is still being accessed from the internet. It is the newest trend in the online education field, thus making it easier for anyone to acquire more knowledge.
No matter what happens to e-learning, there will always be different e-learning solutions and trends. After all, this always happens when new creations come out. Luckily, e-learning software is expanding to cell phones and PDA’s. This is a great advancement because it’s allowing people to become more knowledgeable in society. What’s greater than a world full of intelligence? Absolutely nothing.
Natalie Aranda writes on learning and technology. E-learning has easily become one of the most popular trends in the past few years. After all, it has allowed businesses to save money and train their employee’s online, as well as help students get their degree while working. However, as [http://www.protechgroup.com]e-learning programs become more complex and easier to use in the business market, more trends will develop within. E-learning is effective for [http://www.cbtplanet.com/]software training, certification training and [http://www.countrywidetraining.com/]corporate training. Now e-learning courses are keeping employers up to date within their industry. For instance, if a sales rep needs to know how to handle customers on the phone, then these e-learning solutions will provide a lot of help.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Natalie_Aranda http://EzineArticles.com/?New-E-learning-Trends-in-Knowledge-Economy&id=248898
Training Without Being Sidetracked by E-Learning
Training Without Being Sidetracked by E-Learning
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joel_Owens]Joel Owens
One of the more challenging occupations to arise from the onset of the internet age is that of the training officer. The fact that the internet is practically accessible to anyone and will also, conversely, give access to virtually any information sought makes a training officer redundant in some aspects, since learning new skills and researching and studying new material and knowledge is made easy. There is, however, a crucial role that is delegated solely to the training officer: that of assessing and evaluating the skills of the employees, both the seasoned members of the work force and those that have just joined as new hires. This evaluation is done to aid the training officer in preparing modules to be used in specifically targeted training sessions for the work force. Learning modules are specifically tailored according to need, since members of the workforce really don't have much time to spare, thus necessitating that the learning modules are absolutely targeted towards teaching the group the necessary knowledge and skills that are related to the needs of their tasks, rather than a haphazard collection of skills and knowledge that may upgrade their existing skill sets, but may not be applicable to their tasks at work. Not only is such an exercise nothing more than a waste of time, it is also a waste of resources that could have very well been put to much better use.
By targeting the specific knowledge and skills that are actually related to the project and can be used for the betterment of the work, the learning time used in the training session is maximized, and the group is immediately able to put what they learned to use as soon as the training session is over, making for a direct to application solution, which guarantees a clear return on investment on the training. The task of targeting lessons and learning modules, as complicated as it may sound, is actually a simple matter for skilled trainers, especially those who know how to best make use of elearning solutions.
The elearning solutions being offered on the internet today are fully customizable and can be tailored to target specific knowledge and skills, to effectively point the entire learning process towards a quantifiable goal, such as specific tasks, programs, and practically any aspect of the business that the job may entail. This means the entire learning module can be done in a defined period of time, and the entire time that the group is engaging in this is spent learning only relevant knowledge and skills, ensuring none f the time spent on the exercise is wasted on anything that is not related to achieving the goals set by the project. Even the feature that allows for in depth study and additional research can also be streamlined to be within the parameters of topics that are related to the module, so as to preclude having to be drawn and sidetracked into unrelated information, and possibly wasting time that would have been better spent on the elearning exercise.
A computer graduate and loves to travel. Reading current news in the internet is one of his past times. Taking pictures of the things around him fully satisfies him. He loves to play badminton and his favorite pets are cats and walk with them in the park with some dogs.
For more information regarding [http://www.intelladon.com]Elearning you may want to call directly at 813-814-2345 or visit our website for more help.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joel_Owens http://EzineArticles.com/?Training-Without-Being-Sidetracked-by-E-Learning&id=3053610
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joel_Owens]Joel Owens
One of the more challenging occupations to arise from the onset of the internet age is that of the training officer. The fact that the internet is practically accessible to anyone and will also, conversely, give access to virtually any information sought makes a training officer redundant in some aspects, since learning new skills and researching and studying new material and knowledge is made easy. There is, however, a crucial role that is delegated solely to the training officer: that of assessing and evaluating the skills of the employees, both the seasoned members of the work force and those that have just joined as new hires. This evaluation is done to aid the training officer in preparing modules to be used in specifically targeted training sessions for the work force. Learning modules are specifically tailored according to need, since members of the workforce really don't have much time to spare, thus necessitating that the learning modules are absolutely targeted towards teaching the group the necessary knowledge and skills that are related to the needs of their tasks, rather than a haphazard collection of skills and knowledge that may upgrade their existing skill sets, but may not be applicable to their tasks at work. Not only is such an exercise nothing more than a waste of time, it is also a waste of resources that could have very well been put to much better use.
By targeting the specific knowledge and skills that are actually related to the project and can be used for the betterment of the work, the learning time used in the training session is maximized, and the group is immediately able to put what they learned to use as soon as the training session is over, making for a direct to application solution, which guarantees a clear return on investment on the training. The task of targeting lessons and learning modules, as complicated as it may sound, is actually a simple matter for skilled trainers, especially those who know how to best make use of elearning solutions.
The elearning solutions being offered on the internet today are fully customizable and can be tailored to target specific knowledge and skills, to effectively point the entire learning process towards a quantifiable goal, such as specific tasks, programs, and practically any aspect of the business that the job may entail. This means the entire learning module can be done in a defined period of time, and the entire time that the group is engaging in this is spent learning only relevant knowledge and skills, ensuring none f the time spent on the exercise is wasted on anything that is not related to achieving the goals set by the project. Even the feature that allows for in depth study and additional research can also be streamlined to be within the parameters of topics that are related to the module, so as to preclude having to be drawn and sidetracked into unrelated information, and possibly wasting time that would have been better spent on the elearning exercise.
A computer graduate and loves to travel. Reading current news in the internet is one of his past times. Taking pictures of the things around him fully satisfies him. He loves to play badminton and his favorite pets are cats and walk with them in the park with some dogs.
For more information regarding [http://www.intelladon.com]Elearning you may want to call directly at 813-814-2345 or visit our website for more help.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joel_Owens http://EzineArticles.com/?Training-Without-Being-Sidetracked-by-E-Learning&id=3053610
Promote E-Learning Student Originality and Track Progress With Learning Management
Promote E-Learning Student Originality and Track Progress With Learning Management System Solutions
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Robin_L._Green]Robin L. Green
E-learning courses delivered via learning management systems within school districts are able to address all kinds of issues schools face, including too few course offerings, teacher shortages in certain areas, the rising number of home-schoolers, lack of AP courses, and lack of physical space and school funding.
The downside is that plagiarism and other forms of dishonesty are likelier to happen in online education. Cheating doesn't occur only in online assessments, but also in online discussion forums, assignments, projects and other collaborative, online, educational tools.
We in the e-learning community believe that online learning is an effective method of teaching, training, and testing student understanding, but it needs to be done well. And it often is not. In many popular e-learning systems, when a student receives a high score on an online assessment, it makes us wonder: is it an accurate indicator of the student's understanding?
According to studies, 70% of American high school seniors admit to cheating on at least one test, and 95% of the students who admitted to cheating were never caught. And furthermore, 75% of college students reported cheating during their college career. To sum it up, cheating is a huge temptation, and something that most people do at some point.
As educators, online course developers, and training instructors, our goal is to provide effective and engaging content so that students are both inspired to learn and held accountable if they are not doing their best. But how do we go about achieving this goal?
A robust learning management system will provide the best tools for ensuring that students are putting in their best effort and submitting creative and original work. Tools that prevent cheating and monitor student progress are part of this solution.
Using Web 2.0 tools like discussion forums for student assignments is a common practice in e-learning courses--especially at the university level. But it isn't enough just to tell students to answer questions and post them, and "get engaged." The assignment needs to be coordinated in a way that ensures maximum responses and originality. Without a strategy to make the tools work and avoid copying and repetition, educational tools like discussion forums and wikis become ineffective.
The best strategy to ensure that students are engaged is to create engaging material. Dynamic course features like videos, audio material like podcasts, and other tools are simple ways to obtain and maintain students' attention and interest.
However, even the most engaging course and the most interactive content needs to be kept in check by a way to track and monitor student progress.
Once a learning management system is in place and its features are understood, administrators can take advantage of its tools to easily create a system in which student progress is tracked. Once the system is in place, instructors and educators need not worry much about grading and other traditionally tedious activities.
A good LMS automates not only the administration of training, but the way in which administrators can find out students' progress.
Ultimately, creating and maintaining a great course, tracking and monitoring student progress needs to be both built in to an e-learning system but most importantly, the intent needs to exist. It's something that must be actively sought, rather than passively dismissed. A strong learning management system with automated tracking tools is great, but even more ideal is that combined with the energy and effort of the person behind the scenes, delivering the content.
Public schools can now use Coggno's [http://www.coggno.com]learning management systems for free. Create your free account now, visit Coggno at http://www.coggno.com/lms
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_L._Green http://EzineArticles.com/?Promote-E-Learning-Student-Originality-and-Track-Progress-With-Learning-Management-System-Solutions&id=2655067
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Robin_L._Green]Robin L. Green
E-learning courses delivered via learning management systems within school districts are able to address all kinds of issues schools face, including too few course offerings, teacher shortages in certain areas, the rising number of home-schoolers, lack of AP courses, and lack of physical space and school funding.
The downside is that plagiarism and other forms of dishonesty are likelier to happen in online education. Cheating doesn't occur only in online assessments, but also in online discussion forums, assignments, projects and other collaborative, online, educational tools.
We in the e-learning community believe that online learning is an effective method of teaching, training, and testing student understanding, but it needs to be done well. And it often is not. In many popular e-learning systems, when a student receives a high score on an online assessment, it makes us wonder: is it an accurate indicator of the student's understanding?
According to studies, 70% of American high school seniors admit to cheating on at least one test, and 95% of the students who admitted to cheating were never caught. And furthermore, 75% of college students reported cheating during their college career. To sum it up, cheating is a huge temptation, and something that most people do at some point.
As educators, online course developers, and training instructors, our goal is to provide effective and engaging content so that students are both inspired to learn and held accountable if they are not doing their best. But how do we go about achieving this goal?
A robust learning management system will provide the best tools for ensuring that students are putting in their best effort and submitting creative and original work. Tools that prevent cheating and monitor student progress are part of this solution.
Using Web 2.0 tools like discussion forums for student assignments is a common practice in e-learning courses--especially at the university level. But it isn't enough just to tell students to answer questions and post them, and "get engaged." The assignment needs to be coordinated in a way that ensures maximum responses and originality. Without a strategy to make the tools work and avoid copying and repetition, educational tools like discussion forums and wikis become ineffective.
The best strategy to ensure that students are engaged is to create engaging material. Dynamic course features like videos, audio material like podcasts, and other tools are simple ways to obtain and maintain students' attention and interest.
However, even the most engaging course and the most interactive content needs to be kept in check by a way to track and monitor student progress.
Once a learning management system is in place and its features are understood, administrators can take advantage of its tools to easily create a system in which student progress is tracked. Once the system is in place, instructors and educators need not worry much about grading and other traditionally tedious activities.
A good LMS automates not only the administration of training, but the way in which administrators can find out students' progress.
Ultimately, creating and maintaining a great course, tracking and monitoring student progress needs to be both built in to an e-learning system but most importantly, the intent needs to exist. It's something that must be actively sought, rather than passively dismissed. A strong learning management system with automated tracking tools is great, but even more ideal is that combined with the energy and effort of the person behind the scenes, delivering the content.
Public schools can now use Coggno's [http://www.coggno.com]learning management systems for free. Create your free account now, visit Coggno at http://www.coggno.com/lms
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_L._Green http://EzineArticles.com/?Promote-E-Learning-Student-Originality-and-Track-Progress-With-Learning-Management-System-Solutions&id=2655067
Thursday, October 22, 2009
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