THE HURDLES!

As trainers coming to the end of another year, it’s time to take stock of what needs to be done in 2011 in order that you can successfully upgrade the results of your current and future training initiatives.

So, you may either be thinking about starting an E-Learning initiative in 2011 — or, you are experiencing disappointing results with the E-Learning initiative that is already underway in your organization!

Not to worry! It’s time to look at the typical hurdles that must be overcome if your e-Learning initiative is going to provide the positive returns your organization expects.

First, and foremost, for E-Learning to succeed it must have top management “buy-in.” No initiative is going to be very successful if it is not wholeheartedly endorsed by the leaders of your organization. If, on the other hand, your management regards E-Learning as a “something to do if there’s sufficient time” activity, chances are it will fail.

Secondly, is the E-Learning solution you are contemplating designed for the modern learner? Today’s learner expects multimedia instruction. They grew up watching television production techniques and they expect the same in their media instruction experiences. Above all, is the E-Learning you are using based on an “optional full word-for-word audio” design (and, where appropriate, full motion video), necessary for the more than 40% of the workforce that do not read above a 4th Grade level?

Thirdly, have you checked the E-Learning content with a subject matter expert in your organization? Does the content promote the necessary skills for the tasks to be assigned? If not, it’s a waste of time and money.

E-Learning is the future. But, only the E-Learning initiatives that meet the three above mentioned criteria will give you the payback your organization expects.

Happy New Year! More next Tuesday – – – – –

— Bill Walton, Founder, ITC Learning
bwalton@itclearning.com

“THE WORLD RELIES ON THE HANDS OF ITS MEN AND WOMEN”