Rapid E-Learning

Rapid e Learning is like to web 2.0 version of social media. Rapid e-learning is not replacing other types of e-learning. It is one of three e-learning categories:

rapid
traditional
strategic

Problems originally solved with conference calls, e-mail and PowerPoint presentations can now be addressed more effectively with rapidly developed training materials.

Rapid elearning is best used to address needs that are largely informational in nature, have a high degree of urgency or are likely to have short shelf lives, and do not require mastery.

Characteristics of Rapid ELearning

Rapid eLearning is characterised by:

Short bursts of learning
Intergration to task performance
Focuses on very fast transfer of knowledge
Has a direct impact on performance
Is fast and low cost to develop

The need to produce quality eLearning more quickly include:
shorter product life cycles
dynamic operating environments with frequent business process changes
time-mandated compliance

Not all traditional means of eLearning development accommodate such immediate demands. Businesses do not have six months lead time to produce an eLearning course.
Rapid eLearning environments can be produced faster, with little compromise in quality.
Development of rapid elearning follows the operational structure of People-Process-Technology.

Types of Rapid Elearning Content

There are two types of rapid eLearning content:
Courses – where each lesson is 30-60 minutes
Integrated Electronic Performance Support System (EPSS) – these can be produced much more quickly, and will be much more effective.

Development Of Rapid Elearning Environments

Content Development

Many managers mistakenly believe that subject matter experts can use tools to quickly create eLearning, leaving trainers to focus on building templates and coaching and measuring.

However, this is a mistake, as a large part of the effectiveness of the content, is stepped in psychology of learning. This is a skill that most SME’s do not possess.

The best process overall, is to have instructional design experts interview SMEs, to reduce a lesson to its core elements, then bring the story alive with multimedia content and relevant case scenarios.

Authoring Tools

Authoring software such as Macromedia Breeze, Lectora (by Trivantis), or Articulate Presenter mean even non-technical people to produce eLearning. Most LMS / LCMS software makes producing eLearning content relatively simple.

The key to successful rapid e-learning development is having tools and templates to quickly create a meaningful course. This means that programs can be developed in a few weeks.

Modules are designed to be completed in 30 - 60 minutes.
Synchronous (live) and asynchronous (self-paced) models can be utilized.
PowerPoint templates are a good starting point for course development.
Media elements such as Flash and Video can be used to enhance learning.
Simple self assessment, feedback and tracking are usually provided, but not always necessary.

Development Skills

Apart from instructional skills, developers also need to have application development skills [SDLC]. Having the right people develop rapid eLearning material speeds up development cycles and streamlines decision processes.

NEXT: eLearning Technology