Employees in an organization commonly encounter workplace problems. No matter which level a person is on the organizational chart, he or she probably had trouble in the workplace at least once. When management sees problems, they often turn to training as a first-line solution to all work-related problems without realizing that lack of knowledge is just one of the reasons for poor performance. In fact, there are many other performance improvement interventions that can fix work-related issues. This is where conducting needs analysis becomes important. Instructional designers frequently neglect this step in the ISD process for various reasons, such as low budget or lack of time. Prior to meeting with an instructional designer to discuss a new training course, managers should assess every situation they face at work and properly diagnose the root cause of the problem. Once the root is identified, it’ll be easier to decide on the appropriate method of correcting the … [Read more...] about Does Training Always Fix Workplace Problems?
instructional design
Needs Analysis – How to Analyze ELearning Course Audiences
The ADDIE method is the tried and true method instructional designers use when approaching a new project. The “A” in ADDIE stands for “Analysis” - taking time to review the desired learning outcomes and figuring out how to best achieve them. It is also the time in the project’s lifecycle where the ISD professional should get to know the intended audience. The world’s most beautiful training module, with all the content, interactions, and examples one could dream of, can fall short for the learner, if it does not address the core questions adult learners have - what’s in it for me? Why should I spend my time on training when there is a growing mountain of work on my plate? Determining the core needs of your target audience is both the most important task you may perform when working as an instructional designer, and also the most difficult one. The initiation of the project is most likely not driven by the requests of an end-user, but rather managers or leadership, who determine that … [Read more...] about Needs Analysis – How to Analyze ELearning Course Audiences
Which ELearning Content Can Be Reused -Understanding Reusable Learning Objects
Thanks to many rapid eLearning tools available on the market, instructional designers are able to save time and resources by reusing learning objects such as eLearning modules, videos, and documents. However, the main problem with Reusable Learning Objects (RLOs) is that many training products are customized to address a very specific need, and become outdated relatively quickly. Developing a library of RLOs means designing content with sustainability in mind. Another term used for this type of content is “evergreen,” meaning that in a month, six months, or even a year, the content will still be relevant and applicable to learners. Evergreen content can eventually save a lot of time by not requiring extensive edits and updates. Consider the content you may use for training products currently on your shelf - what pieces of information are easy to recycle and require very little maintenance? Here are some examples: Stable: compliance laws, harassment awareness training, and … [Read more...] about Which ELearning Content Can Be Reused -Understanding Reusable Learning Objects
Content Analysis: How to determine the best learning approaches
The proliferation of learning technologies has given rise to a number of approaches that instructional designers can use to deliver eLearning content. Based on extensive research, the National Training Laboratories (NTL) developed an effective Learning Pyramid that demonstrates a clear relationship between the teaching method of choice, and content retention rates. Your choice of how (the most effective approach) you wish to deliver learning, should be based on what (the content) you want to deliver (not the other way around!). Content Domain Analysis and Content Level Analysis should be conducted prior to selecting the instructional approach. Content Domain Analysis must be carried out in order to determine the fundamental objectives of the content. For instance, does the content address cognitive, emotional or physical characteristics of a … [Read more...] about Content Analysis: How to determine the best learning approaches
Technical Training – How to Make Technical ELearning Stick!
Teaching technical concepts is not an easy task, and delivering technical information through eLearning is an additional hurdle to overcome. Online learners often tune out, click through text-heavy slides barely skimming information, and still get that satisfying “check the box” completion status on their assigned training - all without actually retaining a thing. The core challenge of creating technical training is to translate very dry, mundane information into a memorable and engaging experience. The information must also clearly explain the inflection points where the learner should choose one option over another. How can you make sure your training hits both of these marks? Working with the right Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will be central to your success. The learners will need context of where the technical information fits into their job, and this is where SMEs can help. Developing training that makes users relate to the technical information goes back to a cornerstone of … [Read more...] about Technical Training – How to Make Technical ELearning Stick!
How to Gamify ELearning Courses through Virtual Worlds
Instructional designers often search for ways to gamify their eLearning courses quickly and efficiently without hiring professional developers and graphic artists. We all know that gamification can get expensive! So, what can you do if your client wants to get an engaging product and, at the same time, does not want to pay a fortune? Luckily, there is a rapid solution that can make everyone happy. Virtual Worlds have been around for quite some time now and many designers have been successfully incorporating them in their eLearning lessons. With Virtual Worlds, the sky is the limit. There are many avatars and settings that you can choose from. All you have to do is choose a Virtual World you want, find the characters that best meet your needs, find settings and create your story around that setting. One of the best features of Virtual Worlds is that you can maneuver your camera very quickly to capture your characters at different angles. You can easily change and capture their … [Read more...] about How to Gamify ELearning Courses through Virtual Worlds