eLearning is
a human performance improvement initiative that employs electronic
technology.
By that definition, consulting an
Internet-based dictionary to find out the meaning of a word is a form of
eLearning. Indeed learning is occurring, therefore improving performance
by the means of an electronic technology. Though it is incidental and
informal, it falls within the parameters of eLearning.
One of the pitfalls many encounter when developing an eLearning strategy
is ignoring the wide spectrum of eLearning possibilities. They limit their
potential by centering their approach around the digitization of content
via impressive technology. They forget that, much like in the case of the
user consulting the Internet-based dictionary, meaningful learning is
personal, context-related and most effective when answering a specific
need.
This error often occurs because somewhere
along the line, we forgot that learning is an activity and we tried to
turn it into a product. We packaged it, made it stand-alone and made it so
universal that it lost its meaning. This approach might have been
successful for short tutorials but doesn't work well within an eLearning
strategy geared towards performance improvement.
Because it's
online, it's interactive - Not necessarily. Too often, courseware
applications are simply digitized content and are limited to back/next
type navigation. Their evaluation components are often limited to rote
memory testing. This approach doesn't take into account the need for
personalised and contextualised learning. When we develop an eLearning
program, we need it to truly engage the learner via contextual
interactivity, getting the learner to truly reflect. These strategies need
to be built into the design in order to promote meaningful learning.
eLearning is about putting content online - If this were the case,
eLearning costs could be reduced considerably by converting all textbooks
to eBooks. We know however that the process of creating the right context
and environment for meaningful learning is more complex. An instructional
design strategy to breakdown, organize and contextualise content with the
goal of teaching concepts and strategies geared at improving performance
is required.
eLearning is essentially classroom
training online - By now, you should recognise that this is a very limited
view of eLearning. eLearning encompasses the wide spectrum of performance
improving interventions using technology, for example intranets, knowledge
portals, performance support systems, communities of practice,
peer-to-peer discussion groups or synchronous text chat, voice or video
based course conferencing. For optimal results, the type of eLearning used
in must be aligned with the performance and learning objectives.
Using a wide variety of media will accommodate individual learning styles
- Again, not necessarily. The degree to which an eLearning program caters
to various learning styles is determined by the methodology used at the
design and development stage. Certainly, including sound, images, video,
animation and text throughout the program will ensure a greater equity for
all types of learners. But more importantly, knowing which media best
relates which kind of content and activity is a design technique that
ensures that the information is communicated in the most optimal manner.
Better technology makes for better eLearning - Technology is
simply a support. Finding the best technology to enhance the learning
strategy is imperative. However, the best technology in a given instance
doesn't necessarily mean the latest or most impressive technology on the
market. One of the biggest pitfalls of eLearning development is letting
the technology drive the program. Rather, it is important to determine
what the technological needs are and then find the best technology to meet
those needs.
Technological improvements means eLearning improvements -
Technological improvements can definitely mean lower development and
implementation costs, it can improve navigational option and usability
aspects, but it doesn't guarantee a better instructional strategy or
design. Technology can assist in the gathering and analysis of the
information required to develop your strategy, but cannot develop the
strategy. In addition, as technology becomes more complex and
sophisticated, designing to exploit the full potential of the technology
becomes an even greater challenge.
eLearning is expensive to produce, implement and update - If the
wrong approach is used, it most definitely can be. Initial needs
assessment, instructional design, prototype development and analysis,
change management strategies and planned updates are all strategies that
can reduce the costs of eLearning development. They should all be part of
your strategy. In fact, the most expensive mistake in eLearning
development is using the wrong eLearning strategy and having the project
fail as a result.
