In a recent dialogue with someone faced with a rather dull course project, we brainstormed ways to spice it up. The concern was that the client might resist innovative ideas, preferring the conventional, straightforward click-and-read approach.
This issue is prevalent because the simplest form of e-learning is a linear, narrative-driven course that relies heavily on information delivery and next buttons. Given their familiarity, clients often expect this format, making it challenging to introduce alternative course designs, especially under tight deadlines and constrained budgets.
To spark some inspiration, consider these points.
Identifying the Course Type Is the course intended to be explanatory or performance-oriented? An explanatory course focuses on information delivery without necessitating any direct improvement in performance. This distinction is crucial, as many courses aim to enhance performance, yet are structured without a clear performance improvement objective. Compliance training typically falls into this category.
For instance, ethics training is critical, emphasizing policies and principles, culminating in a quiz to ensure completion. Should the training be performance-focused, it might address specific organizational challenges, like reducing supply costs by curtailing unethical practices among employees, thereby achieving a tangible performance goal.
Owing to their simplicity, explanatory courses often become the standard model.
Demonstrating Different e-Learning Design Approaches to Clients Presenting a few demo courses that showcase various approaches to course content can help. Limiting the selection to three types avoids overwhelming the client while preventing scope creep. The three recommended formats are:
2. A linear course with basic learning interactivities
3. A course centered around decision-making interactivities
For example, transforming existing compliance training into these three formats for client presentations can illuminate the distinct benefits of each approach.
Choosing the Appropriate e-Learning Design For explanatory courses, simplicity is key. However, for courses with performance objectives, incorporating decision-making activities is preferable. Allowing clients to understand these differences often leads them to opt for the intermediate option, which balances familiarity with a modicum of interactivity and performance focus, and is also more time-efficient to develop.
This is where your expertise as a performance consultant becomes invaluable. The client’s initial choice might not always align with their best interests. By understanding the specific performance goals and how success is measured, you can steer them towards the most effective solution.
This discussion merely scratches the surface of assisting clients in developing the optimal training approach. Should you have additional insights or experiences, sharing them could offer further value to this conversation.