Stephen W. WattsNorthcentral University

Organizational AssessmentCurrent e-Learning PortfolioReadiness of e-LearnersMaintenance Support System NeedsCurriculum Development ModelHardware, Software and Networking NeedsTrainer Delivery Skills AssessmentLearner Participatory Skills AssessmentCost – BenefitsRecommendationsQuestions

Current e-Learning Portfolio Informal Learning

Self-Paced Learning

Leader-led Learning

Performance Support Tools

Informal Learning Resources available for direct user

access without structure to answer specific questions.

Technology Network Downloads of trial software Full documentation of company’s products Articles Newsletters Learning Library

Self-Paced Offerings Learners participate anywhere, anytime in any

order

Currently:Self-Study CD-ROMS (SSCD)Primarily audio-based instruction on CD-ROM

Proposed: Training on Demand Primarily video-based instruction delivered on the

web

Instructor-led Learning Instructor facilitates material presentation,

flow of discussion and answers questions to meet learning objectives.

Currently: Instructor-led in-classroom training Company facility or On site delivery

Proposed (after successful pilot study): Live Virtual Classroom (LVC)

Performance Support Tools Guided instruction on a series of complex

tasks , or application help

Application Wizards

Help documentation

Context-sensitive help

Readiness of Learners Insiders (employees)

Outsiders (paid customers)

Characteristics: Familiar and more comfortable with

traditional learning in a physical classroom. Technologically proficient

Maintenance Support System Needs Self-paced offerings are fully automated in

sales and delivery No additional staffing

Live Virtual Classroom Need for additional bandwidth Current servers sufficient Need for additional personnel - producers

Curriculum Development Model All training is internally created

Management expects this to continue

On Demand Training Video-based web-delivered training

Live Virtual ClassroomsWebEx (Interactive environment , Chat, Polls, Visual)Conference Call (audio)Same curriculum and student guides

Hardware, Software and Networking Needs Hardware

Training on demand – hardware current in place LVC – hardware currently in place

SoftwareTraining on demand – No additional software

neededLVC – All browser based software (licensing fees)

Networking Training on demand – additional bandwidth

required LVC – additional bandwidth required

Trainer Delivery Skills Assessment Instructors already create content for SSCD

Senior instructors have the skills to create training on demand

All instructors will deliver LVC Same materials Same content Same labs Need training for adaptations between face-to-

face and online presentations.

Learner Participatory Skills Assessment Learners have the necessary skills to participate

in current in-classroom learning Learners have the necessary skills to use SSCD Training on demand will need same skill base as

SSCD Live Virtual Classrooms

Learners will need introduction to WebEx environment

Learners will need instruction in connecting to Lab machines

Producers will be used to provide this introduction

Cost – Benefits Training on demand

Upfront costs - video team, travel, editing team Residual costs – network storage, bandwidth Revenue - continuing with approx. 80% margin

Live Virtual ClassroomUpfront costs – instructor webcams Residual costs – bandwidth Revenue – 35-40% of delivery with no

instructor travel expenses, and decreased facility overhead and maintenance

Recommendations Begin implementation of training on

demand

Begin expansion of Live Virtual Classroom training

Immediately

Questions and Discussion

References

Broadbent, B. (2002). ABCs of e-learning:

Reaping the benefits and avoiding the pitfalls.

San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer.