subject: When Rapid Elearning Works Best: Five Key Factors To Consider [print this page] When Rapid eLearning Works Best: Five Key Factors to Consider Rapid e-Learning is fast, focused and pragmatic. Although its not as collaborative and interactive as custom e-Learning, speed to market and cost of development can be far superior compared to other forms of training. Before embarking on a rapid e-learning solution, its important to assess your situation. This brief provides a quick overview of key factors to consider for choosing Rapid Development.
Time
Budget
Audience
Learning goals
Course complexity
Time
Short windows of time available prior to a product launch, new legislation or internal systems change -- all make a great case for rapid development. All factors being equal, the shorter the time frame the more attractive rapid e-learning is as a development approach, with an average 20 min course taking 2-3 weeks to develop.
Budget
On the average, rapid development costs less than custom course development, as little as $5,000 per hour of training. Youll incur initial costs to purchase and license the tool. After that, costs are primarily internal labor for your team and subject matter experts, and any design, audio, localization and conversion tasks you outsource.
Audience Size
Whether for an audience of 500 learners or for repeated use with small batches of new employee hires, rapid e-Learning cost justifies itself quickly when compared to one-on-on training, classroom and custom. Part of the overall success includes managing audience expectations and making sure subject matter expertise is current and representative.
Learning Goals
Rapid e-learning works well for lower learning levels facts, information and knowledge sharing. Higher levels of learning that involve collaboration, analysis, synthesis and evaluation may require a hybrid/blended approach to course development or more customization to achieve the desired effect. Consider Dr. Benjamin Blooms learning outcomes classification system as it relates to the content and learning objectives.
Course Complexity
Tools supporting rapid development are improving every year. While originally only suitable for basic forms of training such as explaining features and benefits or new compliance requirements, new features allow forincluding some simulations and interactivity to engage learners. Discuss with your e-Learning provider what is possible to determine the best route. However, regardless of the tool, the more complex the content, the less rapid creating the course will be.
When to Use Rapid e-Learning
Rapidly produced projects typically produce less complex information and instruction. As noted above, rapid e-learning works well for lower learning levels facts, information and knowledge sharing. A major factor that impacts whether you can complete a project rapidly is the availability of existing, usable content. Content development often takes a great deal of time, so a rapid approach works best when needed content is already available and adequate for the job at hand.
Simple Orientation/Induction Training
Procedural training
Product knowledge updates
Compliance training
Types of Rapid Authoring Tools
Rapid authoring tools come in a variety of flavors. The following table describes five commonly used types of rapid authoring tools, what they typically create, and examples of commonly used rapid authoring tools in that category. Remember the more capabilities you use, the less rapid and more complex the project becomes. Getting Started in e-Learning Report on Rapid e-Learning published February,
Determining the right blend of learning for your organization can be a challenge. Considering the five key factors can help you determine if Rapid e-Learning is right for your training need. Its simple, pragmatic approach delivers fast solutions at a low cost. Whether youre looking for a stand-alone course or one that is blended with classroom instruction, work with your e-Learning partner to deliver the right combination of rapid, custom and classroom training for your organization today.
About viaLearning
To learn more about our multicultural e-Learning programs and how viaLearning can help your organization achieve improved performance, contact us at 1-800-737-8481 or visit us online at www.viaLearning.com.
