Rapid e-learning

Fast, flexible and customisable e-learning

The benefits

'Traditional' e-learning content is often regarded as expensive, slow to develop and difficult to update: and as a consequence uptake has been limited. The pace of change in modern organisations can render content obsolete almost before it launches. Rapid e-learning, is an approach designed to address these criticisms.

'Rapid' in this case, refers to the development cycle, rather than the rate of learning. A typical rapid e-learning module would be designed, created and delivered within around 3 weeks, compared with months for a traditional solution. Thereafter, the content can be updated and customised in-house, if required, without the need for specialist development skills.

An iterative approach

The compressed project time scales in rapid e-learning derive from an iterative approach to the development process, in which a first prototype is produced quickly for review and comment by the project team. Successive prototypes are also developed quickly to "home in" on a final product which closely matches the original objectives. Key elements of the process include:

• Involving stakeholders in an early meeting to define and clarify measurable learning objectives.
• Avoiding lengthy, detailed specification documents, aimed at describing the final product in fine detail.
• An expectation that large parts of initial prototypes may need to be reworked or even discarded.
• A clear focus on the original objectives at each iteration.
• Evaluation of the final product against the original objectives.

Quality

Rapid production doesn't need to mean poor quality. Good visual and instructional design are essential components which shouldn't be compromised in the quest for a rapid solution.

Authoring tools

Rapid e-learning is often associated with Microsoft PowerPoint based tools like Adobe Presenter and Articulate Presenter, since they facilitate the rapid prototyping process, although other tools can be used. Content may also be developed using specialist tools like Adobe Flash for animated content or more interactive elements.

PowerPoint is familiar territory for most office staff, making in-house updates a viable option for clients, without the need for extensive up-skilling. Our preferred approach is to create the first version for you, but we can train your staff to make updates and take ownership of the materials moving forward, saving you time and costs in the long-term.

Add a learning environment

If you’re investing in a series of e-learning modules, you’ll probably want to know that your trainees have completed them and grasped the concepts. By delivering your modules through a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), you can monitor staff progress and intervene where necessary to keep them on-track.

A VLE also provides the opportunity to develop a collaborative learning community, where your trainees learn from each other by sharing knowledge and experiences online. More about VLEs here.

Contact us to find out how we could help you to reap the benefits of e-learning in your organisation.