Implementing an Online Learning Content Strategy
Having a diligent Enterprise-Wide online learning strategy leverages the power of e-content creation, delivery and distribution. The aim of every online learning content strategy is to deliver the right content to the right person in right time, context and way. The e-learning platforms available today have taken learning to next level of relevancy and personalization as they offer an incredible way to assemble and construct learning assets as per interests, needs, requisites etc of the learners.
Implementing an online learning content strategy is not an easy task rather it requires excellent planning and a channelized execution to achieve success. Below mentioned are few tips to ease out e-learning strategy implementation.
1. Identify Needs
The first step for every organization is the identification of training needs that can be met with online learning content strategy. It is very important to understand how these needs are linked with the organization’s business goals. For example, online learning may help the organization in reducing the high investments in offline training.
2. Collecting and Documenting Online Learning Needs
It is very important to have a formal process in place in order to identify, collect and document training needs. It can be done by conducting surveys and filling feedback forms by the employees and management. For a successful online learning program, it is crucial to involve the directors, managers and the stakeholders in all the training initiatives.
3. Selecting Appropriate Training Programs for Online Learning
Online learning may not be compatible with every learning/training need. For that, just provide the material online as well as in traditional form. The effectiveness of the online content strategy can be analyzed by accessing the performance of the learners (traditional vs. online programs) based on scores and other parameters.
The results will help the organization decide which training programs are suitable for online learning.
4. Identify Barriers to Online Learning
It is very important to assess the e-learning readiness amongst the audience or within the organization. A lack of readiness may result in failure of the strategy. Other factors such as poor internet connectivity, inadequate information, irrelevant and poor study material and assignments may influence the candidate’s decision to pursue that course.
5. Convincing Business Proposal
For a seamless implementation of the online learning content Strategy, the buy-in of the top management is absolutely necessary. The e-learning proposal should be effective and convincing in all respects. The proposal should include the shortcomings of current training programs, the advantages of online learning strategies and a detailed comparison of existing practices with new online learning practices.
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6. Look Out For Great Online Learning Vendors
Before outsourcing the online learning project, it is very essential to have a perfect, reliable and seasoned vendor. By asking right questions and running through a checklist will help you in finding the right one. Before finalizing the vendor the person should have a fair idea regarding the qualification of the vendor, team members, the core area of business (make sure it’s online learning), work experience, examples of past work, completion time and cost.
7. Large Scale or Small Scale Development of Courses
It is always a great idea to start the online learning project on a small scale or develop the one which requires small investment. This way the project can be kick started immediately. Large scale online learning can be implemented after having well planned e-learning strategy in place and collecting required funds and resources.
8. Success Monitoring
Another quintessential task is to measure the success of the online learning programs on regular basis. Effective evaluation of the e-learning program will help to gauge the program’s success.
Winding Up
Content is always a key player in learning and performance related functions in any organization. With the coming of new online learning content strategies, the organizations are realizing new opportunities to add brand value on their part. Online learning implementation may not be a daunting task when the organization knows the best practices and follow them die-heartedly.
