Are you thinking of converting a live training programme into eLearning?
Assessing the Need for eLearning
Instructor-led training (ILT), whether in-person or virtual, provides direct knowledge transfer but comes with drawbacks like high costs, scheduling challenges, and limited scalability. Transitioning to eLearning can mitigate these issues by reducing costs, improving repeatability, and enhancing scalability.
eLearning also ensures delivery consistency and content quality while allowing ILT to focus on discussion and reflective activities. Sometimes, a blended approach works best - use eLearning for the things eLearning is good at, and use ILT for the parts that work best in person.
Helpful Questions for Assessing eLearning Suitability
Consider your content when determining if eLearning is suitable.
eLearning solutions
Do you have a large number of learners in disperse locations, requiring large training budgets for travel and accommodation?
eLearning can enable consistent delivery of content at scale, for learners in any location. The costs saved from transitioning to eLearning can easily cover the cost of development.
Do your facilitators repeat themselves over and over, repeating content like onboarding information or safety briefings?
Free your instructors from repetitive content delivery.
Let learners study with eLearning on their own schedule. Choose to add in a short session with a facilitator to check understanding and reflect on learning.
Do your learners have diverse backgrounds, and need different amounts of explanations?
eLearning can accommodate both learners with no prior knowledge and those with more advanced knowledge. With careful information design, required background knowledge can be made available for those who need it, thereby allowing learners to navigate through the eLearning module in a way that suits them best.
Does your content involve complex topics that necessitate discussion?
Consider delivering the foundations via eLearning, and then scheduling some live training with a facilitator for when discussions are vital to the learning journey.
Do your learners suffer from cognitive overload when attending long training sessions?
Break up the sessions into small elearning modules that learners can re-visit in their own time. Schedule occasional check-ins with a live facilitator for checking understanding and reflecting on learning.
Are your training sessions delivered by subject-matter experts (SMEs) who are not skilled facilitators?
Work with an instructional designer to capture their subject-matter expertise in some engaging eLearning presentations and activities. Allow them to sign off on the eLearning, and free their time from facilitation.
Live training issues
Tips to Enhance eLearning Engagement
Video
Use video for demonstrations and to maintain your organisation's personality. Short clips of instructors or subject matter experts can add a human touch. Include some explainer videos with helpful illustrations for extra clarity.
Activities
Include various interactive elements like quizzes, branching scenarios, click-to-reveal, drag-and-drop, fill-in-the-blank, and flashcards to make learning more immersive and effective.
Storytelling
Storytelling is intrinsically engaging, and it allows learners to see and also trial new ideas and concepts in real-to-life scenarios.
Should you work with a consultant to create eLearning?
If you've answered 'yes' to one or more of these questions, partnering with an eLearning specialist could be beneficial.
What does it cost to convert live training to eLearning?
Converting live training to eLearning incurs both development costs and potential savings.
Costs for live training include instructor fees, facility expenses, travel costs, and lost productivity. eLearning offers savings on all of these components, which can be significant if there are large numbers of learners.
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Custom eLearning development costs typically range from $3,000 to $25,000 per module or course, depending on complexity. For instance:​
Basic
eLearning with text, images, and video
Cost (20-minute module)
$3,000 - $6,000
Mid-level
eLearning with multimedia and interactivity
Cost (20-minute module)
$6,000 - $12,000
Advanced
eLearning with complex simulations and scenarios
Cost (20-minute module)
$12,000 - $25,000
Multiple courses may be needed for a complete eLearning program.
Quick summary
Before converting live training to eLearning:
Assess the Need for eLearning
Evaluate the drawbacks of live training, such as high costs and scalability issues, and how eLearning can address them by reducing costs, improving repeatability, and enhancing scalability.
Determine Suitability for eLearning
Assess factors like instructor engagement, learner knowledge levels, scheduling difficulties, and content complexity to decide if eLearning is appropriate.
Enhance eLearning Engagement
Ensure eLearning resonates with learners by incorporating video, narration, activities, and interactivity to create engaging learning experiences.
Consider Hiring a Consultant
If your team lacks expertise in instructional design, eLearning tools, or content creation, hiring a consultant may be beneficial to ensure a smooth transition.
Understand Conversion Costs
Custom eLearning development costs range from $3,000 to $25,000 per module or course, depending on complexity, with factors like video production and interactivity influencing costs.
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