Help for the Chronically Underfunded E-Learning Solutions on a Shoestring: Jane Bozarth, E-Learning Coordinator NC Office of State Personnel

Part I What is e-learning?

Advantages (1) Travel $ Trainee time away from work Just-in-time (eliminate waiting lists/empty seats) Just-for-me Easier to update

Advantages (2) Printing/materials/classroom $ Scalable Consistent delivery

Obstacles (1) Problems with 24/7 Learner buy-in Management buy-in Trainer buy-in Isolation Start-up $ Equipment considerations

Obstacles (2) Learner motivation/trainer control Updating materials Literacy requirements JANES BIG FEAR: Technology Abuse

The Decision If the e-learning solution is = or > the alternative, then e-learning may be the better choice

E-learning Computer-based training (CBT) Intranet-based training Internet-based training Web-based training(WBT) Dozens of other names

Levels Knowledge databases Performance support Online support Asynchronous training Synchronous training

Uses? Basic skills Online degrees/academics Supplement to classroom New employee orientation Mandatory business training: refresher on procedures Business applications (computer)

Training to INform Rule Policy Awareness DFWP AIDS Etiquette ADA = Content

Training to PERform (near reach) Filling out form Process (such as how to make a conference call on the new office phones)

Training to PERform (far reach) =Advanced Application Critical Thinking Empathy Skills Interacting with Angry Customer DDI

Part II E-Learning on a Shoestring

Build or buy? Company-Specific? REALLY? More than 500 users?

What we already had: HardwareSoftwarePeripherals Dell LatitudeMS PaintScanner TelephonePowerPointCD Burner WordMicrophone NetMeeting LOTS of training materials, including video we owned

What we had access to: WHOSoftwarePeripherals NarratorMacromedia 30-day trial+free tutorials Digital camera Flash designerVHS to digital converter MANY college students

Other decisions: Early vs. elegant Perfect vs. good enough What do you really NEED?

MYTHS Before you can do anything else, you have to have a/an: Authoring tool On-site Web designer Learning Management System

NCs Program Mix of built and bought Supervisor Skills, Mandated Topics, and Employee Development 25,000 users in 18 months 100% completion My salary + computer + ….

BUILDING

Use what you have Word PowerPoint MS Paint

Word Web Page Wizard

MS PAINT Start Programs Accessories Paint

Time to move up? Html Editors Page Tools Authoring Tools

Adding On Free Visuals Free Interactivity Coursebuilder Quia games Hot Potatoes games Collaborative Learning Systems games

Collaboration Role Plays Case Studies Team Assignments Student Home Pages

Job Aids

Other Bricks Network! ASTD, ISPI, NAGTAD Beg, barter, borrow Use child labor Reusable objects

Always ask: howd they do it? Are there any cheaper alternatives?

BUYING

Vendor: development GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER What are you buying? How much?

Vendor: OTS (Jane: Ask the right questions: Not Is it a good product? Not Do you like it?)

VENDOR Free, trial, demo, sample, cheap Optimize, dont customize Limit licenses Add on, dont renovate

Add on, dont renovate:

Jane Bozarth E-Learning Coordinator, NC Office of State Personnels HRD Group Author: E-Learning Solutions on a Shoestring Contributing Writer, Training magazine

Jane Bozarth NC Office of State Personnel HRD Group (919)