Human Resource-Related Services

e-Learning

Benefits

A few years ago e-Learning was a novelty, much talked about but rarely seen in practice
outside a few very large organizations. Today it is, if not commonplace, becoming widespread.

Many clients are gaining an appreciation for the core benefits of e-Learning, namely:

  • Reduced training costs
  • Just-in-time training
  • More challenging courses
  • Longer shelf-life
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For more information on current trends in e-Learning, read our white paper, e-Learning: Old Trends and New.

Platforms

The solutions also address the appropriate delivery platform, namely an LAN-based, Browser-based (i.e. Internet delivery) or CD-ROM. Many e-Learning programs are a blended combination of Instructor-led material (e.g. PowerPoint slides) and e-Learning components. The blended solutions allocate course content between IL-led material and e-Learning content. This approach can help maximize at-home time and in-person time, save T&E costs, accelerate pre-classroom learning and increase knowledge retention.

These benefits will only be achieved if e-Learning specialization is effective and efficient.

e-Learning Specialization

We’ve designed and developed a significant number of e-learning courses (over 800 in the last three years alone) and simulations tailored to our clients' training needs. Our e-Learning development expertise uses a combination of skills and knowledge in the areas of:

  • Self-study instructional design
  • Content Management architectures
  • Database development
  • Authoring/programming languages
  • Learning Management Systems
  • Multimedia applications
  • Project management
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We combine these assets with APEX Best Practices to develop e-Learning solutions that fit the client-specific environment and need. More e-Learning course features are discussed below.

For more information on Apex Best Practices, read our white paper, Best Practices in Web-based Training.

e-Learning Program Features

In addition to taking into account the above elements, many programs include a combination of the following program features:

  • Dynamic, interactive content
  • Video and/or audio
  • Simulations or games
  • Note-taking ability
  • Glossary
  • Integrated online databases
  • Progress tracking
  • Learning Management System integration
  • Links to additional reference data

An additional consideration is to ensure that the e-Learning programs are in compliance with fast-moving industry standards. Adherence with methodologies such as Learning Resource iNterchange (LRN) and Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) increases the ability to structure and share online learning content without having to worry about compatibility issues. Recent applications also have e-Learning content delivered alongside electronic discussion forums and streaming media lectures.

For more information on SCORM implementation in Apex courses, read our white paper, Data Tracking, Learning Management Systems, and SCORM.

Client Examples

The noteworthy benefits associated with e-Learning have driven excitement and use of various forms of self-study programs. The benefits include increased retention, reduced training costs and heightened trainee accountability. Recent projects involved training sales professionals, customer service reps, across-the-board new hires and company-wide proprietary system users via robust e-Learning practices. Examples include:

The sales & marketing department of a rapidly growing pharmaceutical company needed to reduce training costs while implementing several skill-based courses. The solution was a series of three 1-hour CBTs. The programs blended product knowledge with sales skills training and were segmented based on different experience levels. The programs were given as advance preparation to regional IL-led training classes and incorporated rigorous testing to ensure compliance.

Customer Service Representatives needed additional product knowledge due to an impending new product launch. The e-Learning program addressed knowledge and skills transferable to self-study platforms which allowed the IL-led subject matter to be more focused. The WBT was scenario-driven, incorporated practical examples and was richly interactive. The Division VP also helped endorse the program with an introductory video piece.

A rapidly growing professional services firm needed a platform to enhance building a common message concerning company values, direction and protocols. The WBT Program was modularized for ease-of-use and also included features such as book-marking, a glossary, note-taking and tracking. Various forms of multimedia were used to incorporate leadership endorsement, to broaden appeal and to increase economies of scale.

Integrating an ERP system with a legacy system involved a company-wide effort for a financial services conglomerate. Over 1,500 end-users utilize different aspects of the system, which would make made IL-led training an extraordinarily expensive proposition. The situation fit e-Learning approaches well because of the number of users, variety of system uses, nature of the system content and the breadth of implementation. The WBT modules prioritized training content, addressed core system functionality and helped establish common practices among users. WBT also incorporated reengineered business processes and online reference manuals.