32 eHACKS TO JUMPSTART

YOUR ELEARNING

A Training Manager's Guide To

Digital Learning Success

Foreword

Dear Fellow L&D Professional,

Thank you for downloading this little gem, "32 eHACKS TO JUMPSTART YOUR

ELEARNING -A Training Manager's Guide to Digital Learning Success".

Although we all love a good book that is detailed and comprehensive, we sometimes

crave for a short compilation of pithy tips that can be put to immediate use.

This book is the distilled knowledge and experience of l00's of wonderfully qualified

and tremendously experienced L&D professionals who built Comm Lab India since

2000 -the year when the word, "E-Learning" was coined.

As the editor of this eBook, I am confident that it will give you a lot of ideas, tools, and

techniques, not to mention, validate your own wisdom in many instances.

Enjoy!

Dr. RK Prasad

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

CommLab India LLP

eHACK

01

Align training to business goals - think of training as a vital input to business success

PEOPLE make all these things happen. Unlike other resources such as machines, money, and technology, people

have an almost unlimited potential to grow, improve, and contribute at an exponential rate.

Corporate Learning CAN and

DOES help achieve business

goals by improving employee

performance through

enhancing their knowledge,

skills, and attitudes.

A well-trained employee will

make everything else possible

- sell more, improve

efficiencies, and ensure

compliance - and thereby

accomplish the ultimate

objective of any

business - creation of value.

TRAINING HELPS TO

Selling skills CRM &

ouc."S '\ Soft Other �<'o

"'\ ) / Ware

End-user software training

(#'� l J°cess

MA�KETING & 5ALes

11? j Sell More/

Product service

t1?W

l Customer service

Troubleshooting

+

eND-USe�

i1?WW / Improve Efficiencies /

Wi 1?WtW I I

�OLE-BASED GENERA�

j_ (ALL EMPLOYEES)

.\, Leadership & General Core

+

Management Competencies

Caach;ng & / / �""Performance �� :::�c:��:•mentoring j \ management

Personal Leadership Team productivity building

j Stay Compliant/

i1?WW ALL EMPLOYEES

j \ \ Data EHS posrl

privacy

eHACK

02

Link Learning Objectives to Human Performance, which is in turn linked to business

The key to making training impact business goals is to ground training firmly in the desired performance. Training

should help employees PERFORM better by bridging the gap between their expected and current performance.

Setting performance-based learning objectives will help link the training with performance.

A performance-based learning objective is a statement in specific and measurable terms that describes what the

learner WILL BE ABLE TO DO as a result of engaging in a learning activity. This is the starting point for designing any

successful training intervention.

BUSINESS GOALS & PERFORMANCE-BASED LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Desired Organizational

Results

➔

Desired Performance

➔

Performance-based Objective

eHACK

03

Ensure that the 5 essential elements of good learning are always present in your training

Successful training deliberately and carefully incorporates each of these elements into the design of any learning

experience. This is true of both Instructor-Led Training (ILT) as well as elearning. In fact, it is only when we pay

attention to all these elements does learning become internalized and is more likely to be permanent.

Actual learning content that makes

the learner learn

ELEMENTS OF GOOD LEARNING

Response from the learner happens only in the presence

of an effective stimulus

Practicing learning through questions/

quizzes & reinforcement through feedback

Strong internal drive that makes the learner WANT TO LEARN

Rewards increase motivation & ensure learning continues beyond the learning event

eHACK

04

Make sure all 4 phases of the Learning Cycle are present in your courses

Start your course with Review and end it with Adaption, lest the learning cycle is left incomplete.

1. WHY?

Sets the context and

helps learner bridge prior

and new knowledge.

4. NOW WHAT?

Helps to adapt learning

to the workplace.

2. WHAT?

Is actual learning content:

concepts, procedures,

processes, principles.

3. HOW?

Provides opportunities to

apply the newly acquired

knowledge and skills.

eHACK

05

Set Learning Objectives that include Performance, Conditions, and Criteria

An ideal learning objective has 3 components:

1. Performance describes what the learner is

expected to be ABLE TO DO (tangible performance).

2. Condition refers to the situation or environment

under which the performance is expected to occur

(where does the performance take place - indoors,

outdoors, laboratory?).

3. Criteria describe the level of competence that must

be reached or surpassed to succeed (the passing

grade of the desired performance).

Criteria

How well the

task is done

Conditions in which

the task is done

Components of Learning Objectives

(Robert F. Mager)

eHACK

06

Performance-based Learning Objectives help you decide

Learning design starts with setting of learning objectives, without which the following can't be decided/ estimated

with any accuracy.

eHACK

07 Frame right objectives to improve ROI

Typically, we approach learning objectives only from the learners' point of view, but learning objectives are important

also because they help finalize other aspects of any training program, such as the scope, choice of instructional

method and strategies, evaluation methodology, duration and cost.

Evaluation Decide, Rate, Choose, Recommend, Justify, Access

Synthesis Develop, Create, Construct, Compose, Propose, Formulate

Analysis Distinguish, Compare, Contrast, Solve, Inspect, Analyze

Application Apply, Show, Illustrate, Demonstrate, Practice, Recall, Relate

Comprehension Restate, Report, Express, Discuss, Recognize, Interpret

Knowledge Define, Name, Memorize, Repeat, Label, Record

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

?

eHACK

10

Convert instructor-led training material into elearning curriculum

Out of all the available content, ILT

material is the lowest hanging fruit that

can be quickly and painlessly converted

to elearning. However, PPTs are meant

to be used by Trainers during face-to­

face interaction.

So, they need to be converted into

elearning courses with the help of

learning experts and multimedia

developers together with the SM Es,

based on sound learning principles.

eHACK Bring the SM Es to your side to add magic to your elearning 11

Despite shared goals between SM Es and elearning experts, the road to elearning design is seldom smooth.

The biggest challenge is that elearning experts MUST RELY on the SME for expert content knowledge. And

invariably, these experts often have NO TIME and little interest in elearning development.

In an ideal world, this is what the SME and elearning experts bring to the table:

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT (SME) ELEARNING EXPERT (Instructional Designer)

Has expert knowledge of subject Is the learning expert

Has classroom training experience Is experienced in designing self-learning with technology

Knows how to teach the subject Converts the knowledge from the SME into a self-learning module

eHACK

12

Use microlearning assets to make learning a journey and not an event

Microlearning assets can be designed in a variety of interesting formats such as whiteboard animations, digital

flashcards, infographics, quiz-based modules, etc. depending on their function.

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

eHACK

15

Develop videos to improve emotional engagement

Video-based learning is the concept of teaching skill-based, procedural topics via video- real, 2D or 3D animations.

Because people learn better through examples, video-based learning is the best way to provide visual examples and

enhance the learning experience.

Live shooting

using real characters

Animations with

computer software

and on line tools using

real images and text

Scenario-based

videos using tools

such as GoAnimate

Explainer videos

using tools such as

VideoScribe

eHACK

16 Follow an agile process while developing elearning

Michael Allen's Successive Approximation Model (SAM) is an agile model that advocates the active participation of

and sign-off from stakeholders at every step of the development process. As a result, there are less iterations to be

made, less frustration, and greater satisfaction - because at the end of the day, the stakeholders get a course they are

happy with - one that has been approved by them at every stage of development; and learners get a course that

helps them learn.

Information

Gathering Sawy

Start

Preparation Phase

Project

Planning

Additional

Design

Iterative Design Phase

Design

Proof Alpha Beta

Iterative Development Phase

Gold

▪

▪

eHACK

18

3 vital ingredients that go into course translations -Translator, TM Tool & QA

l. Select only SM Es who are native speakers, with domain expertise and experience in translations

2. TM Tool: A translation memory {TM) database that stores segments that have been previously translated, to aid

human translators

3. Three Layer QA Process: Ensure a three-layer quality assurance process of Self QA, Lead QA, and then Project

Management QA

eHACK

19 Plan for a translation-friendly course

l. Avoid text on images

2. Limit the use of audio and videos. Supplement with visuals, graphics, and textual content

3. Ensure enough white space onscreen to accommodate text length in different languages

4. Avoid using culture-specific and religious symbols that can lead to problems

5. Ensure you select a professional narrator with a neutral accent

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

eHACK

25 Choose an authoring tool over HTMLS coding

Authoring Tool

Engaging, customized interactions

Better user experience, cost-effective in the long run

No need for programming

Easy translations and upgrades

Multiple device and browser compatibility, SCORM/ AICC compliant

Also gives HTML output

HTMLS

Difficult to design rich engaging visual experience

Free/ one time investment (no licenses required)

Need specialized programming skill set

Easy translations and upgrades

Manual coding required for compliance

Responsive HTM LS output

eHACK

26

Choose the right authoring tool that fits your organizational need

Irrespective of whether you develop your elearning courses in-house, or outsource, select one authoring tool based

on your training needs, maintenance needs, the composition and competence of your L&D team, and the stage of

elearning adoption you are in.

Here's a quick look at when to use which tool:

Scenario

l

2

3

Need

Quick conversion of a PPT to an elearning course

Developing customized interactive, engaging

elearning courses with minimal development time

Completely responsive elearning courses

Solution

iSpring Suite

Articulate Storyline 2, and Storyline 360

Articulate Rise, Lectora Inspire, HTMLS

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

eHACK

27

Use an LMS or a similar platform to manage learning (Cont'd ... )

Learning Platform

LCMS

Learning Portals

What Is It?

A Learning Content Management System

(LCMS} is a tool that allows you to create,

manage, host, and track digital learning

content.

A learning portal is an online learning hub that

can be used to manage formal and informal

learning resources.

When to Use?

To create digital content and detailed analytics.

An LCMS cannot keep track of classroom and blended

learning programs. So, invest in an LCMS only when a

major part of training happens through digital learning.

When you need to provide a gateway to the

organization's learning resources, including the LMS.

eHACK

28 In-house elearning development makes sense

Whether you start in-house or outsource your elearning design and development, eventually you should do both.

Why?

In-house solutions cost less,

especially when you have plans to

develop multiple elearning courses.

Data is highly confidential and

cannot be sent to an external

company.

When?

You have an in-house team who

can work on the design and

development of elearning

courses.

How?

Hire people with the right skills

who can work on elearning

development.

Train SM Es or internal teams on

using authoring tools to develop

elearning courses.

eHACK

29 Outsourcing elearning development makes sense

It takes a lot of perseverance and effort to nurture an elearning partner, but will yield high dividends.

Why?

You do not have the skill set and

resources to develop elearning

courses in-house.

You need to speed up turnaround

time on elearning projects. An

elearning vendor has the expertise

and the experience in rolling out

effective elearning courses quickly.

When?

You are just starting with

elearning implementation in your

organization.

You are looking for engaging,

customized elearning solutions

that address specific needs of

your industry.

You need elearning to meet

global training requirements.

How?

Identify and partner with the

right elearning outsourcing

vendor.

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

eHACK

31

Use this 6-point checklist to choose the right elearning vendor

l. Experience, Expertise, and Trustworthiness

2. Size & Scalability

3. Project Management Processes

4. Cost to Quality Ratio

5. Samples of Similar Projects

6. Customers' Testimonials

eHACK

32

Promote and market elearning courses for better completion

Several organizations that launched elearning at great cost and efforts failed for the lack of promotion. Use

marketing and promotional efforts in attracting and retaining learners.

A well-thought-out communication, promotional, and marketing campaign within the organization can be the

difference between the success and failure of your elearning initiative.

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

▪

Want to Become an eLearning Champion?

Don’t miss this eBook that is filled with practical insights, implementation ideas, best practices,

and more. Explore how you can align L&D with corporate strategy to design and deliver online training

programs that will help employees stay current, competitive, and contribute to your organization’s

bottom line in today’s dynamic business environment.

‘Become an eLearning Champion’, dedicated to learning professionals, is a distillation of CommLab India’s

20 years’ experience in instructional design, eLearning, corporate training, and technology-enabled learning.

Get it NowGet it NowGet it Now

CommLab India is the most sought-after global leader for its rapid eLearning solutions. It has been ranked first among top providers of Rapid eLearning and Blended Learning Solutions for 2020 by eLearning Industry.

With our formidable authoring tools expertise and decades of experience in corporate training and instructional design, we offer rapid eLearning solutions for speed, scale, and value…with any authoring tool!

What we do:

Convert ILT material into instructionally sound, visually appealing, engaging eLearning curriculums, virtual sessions,and other digital learning formats.

Convert legacy courses developed in Flash or any other authoring tool to HTML5, even without the source files.

Translate English eLearning courses into 35 international languages – both text and audio.

Get in Touch

www.commlabindia.com