For years classroom training has been an integral part of learning and development. The times have changed now, and so has the generation. Moreover, the growing competition, expansion of organizations across different geographic locations, limited resources, lack of time and most of all the growth of eLearning has decreased the interest in classroom training. Though some aspects of classroom training including the actual interactions between the instructor and the learner are hard to replicate, online training still manages to make the best use of video call/chat options to do so.
As more and more organizations are shifting from classroom training to eLearning there is an increased amount of classroom training modules that are available to be converted to eLearning. Considering that the classroom training is already designed, the initial stages of analysis, content gathering, assessing the learning requirement, segregating it into modules are already done. But, the game changer here is the mode of delivery, which makes a great difference in terms of how the content needs to be modified and presented. Here are 5 effective ways to convert the existing classroom training into eLearning.
1. Analyze the Content
Though the analysis is a step done earlier during the creation of classroom training, there can be cases where the step must have been sidelined. Also, as the organizations, technologies etc. keep advancing, there are chances that the content be outdated and so the analysis done then can hardly be valid for today. In both cases, getting a better understanding about the current requirements and making a note of the missing information can always help in creating better eLearning.
2. New Instructional Design Strategies
The instructional design strategy for classroom training cannot be directly used to create eLearning in most cases. The new strategy should be designed keeping in mind the latest devices, the nature of the learners, the learning environment, mode of delivery etc.
3. Replicate the Experience
One of the most common mistakes committed when it comes to converting classroom training to eLearning is directly putting the content into an eLearning framework. What content designers fail to realize is that classroom training is much more than just the content. There are many additional factors that accompany it. In any successful classroom training, the story-based examples, the situational questions, the supportive images and the periodic interactions play a major role in support with the actual course. Those elements create the complete experience, which is why the eLearning should have these too in one way or another.
4. Utilize What's Readily Available
The most helpful aspect of having classroom training as reference point is the additional elements like quizzes, tests, scenarios, graphics etc. that can be directly incorporated into the eLearning being designed. Utilizing what’s already available not only saves time, but also helps in retaining the essence of classroom training.
5. Try to Make Improvements
This is crucial in order to differentiate eLearning from its classroom training counterpart. What good is an eLearning that looks and feels similar to classroom training-the whole purpose would be lost here. Though the content cannot be changed there are many other aspects including the overall presentation, interactions etc. that can make eLearning different. In addition, trainers often have improvement plans in their mind-try to include those improvements too in the eLearning as and where possible.
The five points mentioned above can help in creating eLearning that is more effective than classroom training, and also in enhancing its quality. However, conversion of classroom training to eLearning includes much more than just these. The other factors include - the device types, learning experiences, learning formats, interaction models and much more that are part of normal eLearning creation.
Many a times the conversion process can be time consuming and costly and creating eLearning from scratch can be the better option. In such cases most organizations tend to look for assistance to make the best choice. At Knowzies, we assist organizations by understanding and analyzing their requirements and suggesting the best possible solution.So, we are here to help you too-anytime.
