Curate Your E-Learning Library for Organizational Impact

Topics: Strategy Integration, Program Design & Delivery, Business Outcomes

E-learning is well over a decade old and has come a long way from its simplistic, PowerPoint-based roots. Increased interactivity, virtual classrooms and simulations are fast becoming the norm, while software and authoring tools are becoming more sophisticated and easier to use. In spite of the improvements in presentation and design capabilities, most companies do not take stock of their e-learning library of content even when they have a process to review and evaluate the catalog of other types of learning available across the organization. In order to meet ever-changing company goals, strategies, and workforce performance needs, you should review certain aspects of your learning initiatives — including your e-learning inventory, however large it may be — on a periodic basis. Key elements to consider include the appropriateness of the title to develop necessary skills and competencies, the effectiveness of the course design, the relevance of the content to your company's global team, and any usage data from the last period

Don't Cut Corners With Your E-Learning Content

With the fast pace of today’s marketplace and the increasing demands being placed on learning departments to deliver more with less, learning and development (L&D) teams struggle to find the time. Though it may take some effort, the time spent on curating your e-learning materials pays off. There are many different criteria that can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of e-learning materials, from learner satisfaction to course structure. Upon selecting the metric to evaluate the library, the L&D team must determine whether courses measure up according to the chosen criteria in order to eliminate/replace the ones that no longer fill the need. Keep good records, too; it will make the next time easier.

Here are a few criteria for consideration to maintain and evaluate effective e-learning libraries:

Alignment

Of prime consideration is the e-learning course’s ability to support the company’s business objectives, such as developing the skills and competencies that are needed to align to the strategic business goals. Questions to ask include:

• What are current goals of the company?
• What knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) do employees need to achieve these goals?
• What are the objectives of the e-learning?
• What KSAs should an employee be able to demonstrate after completing the e-learning module?

Design

Another important consideration is the e-learning course design. Questions to consider include:

• Is the course designed using researched best practices and theories regarding adult learning?
• Does the e-learning reinforce or support the learning that takes place in the classroom or on the job?
• Where possible, does the e-learning use working examples with real world job tools and situations?

Appropriateness

With a significant increase in the globalization of companies, e-learning that translates to a global audience and is culturally sensitive is extremely important. L&D teams should ask:

• Are graphics and scenarios appropriate for a global audience?
• Does the e-learning text avoid slang, jargon, or local phrases?
• Does the e-learning material avoid humor that could be misinterpreted?
• Where possible, are icons used instead of buttons with text?
• Does the e-learning allow space for translation if necessary?

Structure

Many employees have busy schedules and would prefer shorter courses that can be completed quickly and easily. Questions to ask include:

• Is the course presented in a logical format?
• Are modules broken down into manageable pieces?
• Are directions clear?
• Does feedback for questions appear on the screen near the question?

Conclusion

Taking stock of your company’s learning inventory is crucial to maintaining the quality and impact of training and development across the enterprise. It is especially important not to ignore e-learning libraries when looking at the company’s learning assets. By maintaining the quality of courses in their libraries, L&D departments will help build their credibility, keep learning relevant and strategic, and ultimately increase the influence learning has on the company’s achievement of their business objectives. 

This article supports the CorpU 12 Dimensions of Learning Excellence - Measure (Business Outcomes), Align (Strategy Integration), and Execute (Program Design and Delivery)