eLearning Reference

What is elearning?

eLearning is instruction that is delivered in an electronic format.  eLearning may be delivered via the Internet, an intranet, CD or DVD.  eLearning methods include; online training or Web-Based Training (WBT), Computer-Based Training (CBT), simulations or learning games.  eLearning may be asynchronous, meaning that it is a self-directed learning event that learners can take at their convenience, or it may be synchronous, meaning that it must be taken at a specific time with an instructor and/or other learners.

What are the advantages of elearning?

Both synchronous and asynchronous elearning offer the following advantages:

Scalability – elearning enables organizations to train large populations, quickly and easily  

Accessibility – elearning enables users to be geographically separate from the instructor.  This often empowers more users to access the training while also providing more timely access to the training

Reduced Travel Costs – elearning enables users to learn via their desktops, eliminating the need for employees and/or instructors to travel

Simplified training documentation – in many cases, elearning provides for automatic documentation of training activity

Asynchronous (self-directed) elearning offers the following additional advantages:

Less Disruptive to Workflow – users can access the training when it is most convenient for them, rather than when it is convenient for the instructor

Reduces Overall Training Time – asynchronous elearning has been shown to reduce the amount of time required to bring a user up to the desired level of competency by 50-80% over traditional classroom instruction

Personalization - users learn at their own pace

Consistency – asynchronous elearning provides consistent instruction

Frees Up Instructor Time – self-directed elearning frees up instructor time to focus on tasks that require face-to-face interaction

eLearning Glossary

Asynchronous eLearning - A self-directed elearning event which allows learners to participate according to their schedule and to proceed through the exercise at their own pace. 

Blended Learning - Blended learning utilizes two or more different training methods to provide learners with a variety of learning experiences.  Blended learning most often refers to programs that combine self-directed elearning with Instructor-Led Training but blended learning may also include other forms of training such as synchronized elearning, on-the-job training or etutoring. 

Computer-Based Training (CBT) – eLearning that is delivered via CD, DVD or specific workstations as opposed to via the Internet. 

Correspondence Course - A course completed from a distance using written correspondence for interaction and to submit assignments. Correspondence classes became popular in the 1890's.

Distance Learning or Distance Education - This term has traditionally applied to higher education that is provided remotely via combinations of conference calls, web-meetings, video or satellite broadcasts, self-directed exercises, written correspondence and more recently, elearning. 

Distributed Learning – A form of Distance Learning that emphasizes the use of technology over traditional written correspondence.

eTutoring – eTutoring is providing student tutoring remotely via email, conference calls or web-meetings.

Immersive Learning Simulations (ILS) - Immersive Learning Simulations or ILS are games that are used to help learners better understand complex concepts and processes.  Immersive Learning Simulations may also be referred to as learning games or serious games.

Instructor-Led Training (ILT) - A learning event led by an instructor.  Traditionally used to refer to training held at a specific location but may also be used to describe synchronous elearning events.

Job Aid – Job Aids are reference materials that provide users with critical information that can not be easily memorized.  Job aids may provide users with quick access to information such as procedures, product codes, specifications or flow charts.  Job Aids may also be referred to as Performance Support Tools.

Learning Games - Learning games are games that are used to help learners better understand complex concepts and processes.  Learning games are sometimes referred to as serious games or Immersive Learning Simulations (ILS).

Learning Management System (LMS) - A system that automates many of the tasks involved in organizing, delivering, documenting and tracking training.  LMS may be used to manage employee training as well as training for external stakeholders such as clients, members, suppliers or other business partners.    

Online Training - eLearning delivered over the Internet as opposed to via CD, DVD or intranet.  May also be referred to as Web-Based Training or (WBT).

Performance Support Tools - Performance Support Tools are reference materials that provide users with critical information that can not be easily memorized.  Performance Support Tools may provide users with quick access to information such as procedures, product codes, specifications or flow charts.  Performance Support Tools may also be referred to as Job Aids.

Serious Games - Serious games are games that are used to help learners better understand complex concepts and processes.  Serious games are sometimes referred to as learning games or Immersive Learning Simulations (ILS).

Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) - A set of specifications that resulted from the Department of Defense's Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) initiative.  SCORM is a way of packaging and labeling elearning components so that they can communicate with Learning Management Systems and be used as building blocks in multiple courses.     

Subject Matter Expert (SME) - One who is an expert in the domain of the course topic.   

Synchronous Learning – An elearning event where interaction happens simultaneously in real-time.  This requires that learners attend the event at its scheduled time.  

Web-Based Training (WBT) - eLearning delivered over the Internet as opposed to via CD, DVD or intranet.  May also be referred to as online training.

eLearning
Development
FAQs

Q - Is elearning as effective as Instructor-Led Training? 

A - There have been hundreds of studies comparing the effectiveness of elearning to that of Instructor-Led Training and the consensus shows that elearning, when properly developed, is as effective, if not more effective, than Instructor-Led Training on most topics. 

Q - Is this custom elearning expensive? 

A - No, studies show that elearning saves 50% or more over the cost of traditional Instructor-Led Training when all factors are considered (such as trainer’s time, learners’ time, lost productivity and any travel expenses).  However, the real value is not in reducing your training costs, but rather in achieving your business objectives such as increasing productivity or improving compliance. 

Q - How much time can elearning save? 

A - Studies show that elearning can reduce instructional time by 50% or more.   eLearning also eliminates travel time so total time savings can be as much as 80% or more. 

Q - How long does it take to develop a standard one hour elearning course? 

A - It normally takes 6-10 weeks to develop a standard one hour elearning course.  Development time varies depending on the content to be presented, the amount of interactivity required and the availability and response time of your subject matter expert(s). 

Q - How much time is required of the subject matter expert to produce a one hour elearning course? 

A - If the subject matter already exists in one form or another, such as in a PowerPoint presentation, the subject matter experts generally spend 12 – 20 hours working with LeanForward’s instructional design team to convert their existing materials into a one hour elearning course.

Learning
Management
FAQs

Q - Can LearnPoint™ track the results of instructor-led and on-the-job training? 

A - Yes, LearnPoint™ can track the results of instructor-led and on-the-job training.

Q- Does LearnPoint™ track results of courses, quizzes and exams? 

A - Yes, LearnPoint™ automatically tracks the results of any of these activities. 

Q - Does LearnPoint™ support the SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) standards? 

A - Yes, LearnPoint™ supports the SCORM 1.2 and 1.3 (2004) standards. 

Q – Can we install LearnPoint™ locally?