People’s opinions on the effectiveness of eLearning vary based on their own experiences. Determining what is true and what is myth can be challenging. Based on the 25+ years of experience Interactive Services has in designing and developing custom eLearning solutions for compliance, sales, manufacturing and technology, our company has addressed a number of popular myths about eLearning.
1. If you build it, they will come
This mantra can be the downfall for many companies. To engage the learner and provide a valuable learning experience, you need to do more than just create a piece of training. Having an eLearning solution in place doesn’t necessarily solve the problem – it’s what your employees take away from it that will impact the business.
2. Converting classroom to online is easy
The assumption here is that if you have a well-designed classroom course, moving it online will be a piece of cake. Creating a piece of I requires instructional design skills, knowledge of the delivery medium and a strong understanding of how people learn independently. The best online courses often look nothing like their classroom counterparts.
3. Checking the box = successful training
We are very wary of the training methodology where individual objectives are set, taught and then tested. Real understanding comes from the learner combining knowledge, skills and an understanding of how to put these into practice in their role. Basic, by the book training is unlikely to do this, so ensure your training is relevant, engaging and memorable.
4. Elearning must be fun
The best eLearning solutions never forget that their prime objective is learning. So beware of setting up game conventions that allow a learner to get stuck for hours in a place they don’t want to be (because they can’t roll a six or open a door). Keeping the learner engaged is imperative, but your game should never stop the learner from quickly getting to the content they need.
5. Employees hate eLearning
Now this myth is close, but not quite there… In actual fact, employees hate bad eLearning. And, too often, that’s much of what they’ve seen, so who can blame them? When the reaction to eLearning is negative, the finger always seems to point to dislike of the medium. And while eLearning is undoubtedly convenient, convenience gets old if the value is not there. On the other hand, when someone takes an eLearning course that is well designed, highly interactive, features the right content, is highly personalized for the learner’s needs, is conveniently available, and doesn’t waste their time, the reaction is almost always positive.
Regardless of why you decide to develop eLearning, it is important that your perception of it as a training resource is accurate; that you have a proper understanding of how eLearning works; and most importantly, that you acknowledge the value it can add to your organization in terms of performance improvement.
Interactive Services develops custom eLearning and blended training solutions.
For more information about developing eLearning to support your organization’s training, contact us.