\n<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Design Dynamics For E-learning
\n<\/strong><\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Understanding the underlying dynamics of a specific learning requirement, and then being able to map into a viable learning delivery approach, is fundamental to any successful e-learning project. The fourth part of the ‘Recipes For E-learning Success’ series was written in 2001 but many of the design principles still apply.
\n<\/em><\/p>\nJanuary 2001<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div>There are many different types of learning requirement as well as a variety of subjects. These requirements vary significantly, and may be outside what historically has been known as \u2018training and development\u2019. Some diverse but very common examples could include:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Internal company announcements following a corporate takeover, explaining the rationale and impact of the change
\n\u2022 Training an experienced field-sales organisation in new products or new legislation
\n\u2022 Developing senior management programmes to enhance business performance and stimulate business creativity<\/p>\n
E-learning can have a role in fulfilling any or all of these requirements. Understanding the underlying dynamics of a specific learning requirement, and then being able to map into a viable learning delivery approach, is fundamental to any successful e-learning project.<\/p>\n
Designing example solutions<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nThe logistical demands of the company takeover (lots of people, very short space of time), probably mean that an overview document\/presentation and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document need to be distributed to everyone quickly. But this solution never answers all the questions or gets feedback from the organisation back to management. More importantly, it doesn\u2019t allow the employees to feel part of the change process. Implementing a managed discussion forum to support the information delivery and to answer key questions would increase the effectiveness of communication considerably.
\nTraining a field-sales organisation is a constant need, and has a very high opportunity cost if the sales staff need to attend classroom training sessions on a regular basis. Electronically pushing information out to an already-overloaded sales staff does not necessarily provide an effective learning approach.<\/p>\n
In this scenario, creating an online (e-)learning community which the sales team can access from their laptops would provide a better environment to manage learning and improve sales effectiveness. New product or legislative training can then be delivered in a controlled way on an ongoing basis. However, given the nature of the training and the audience, it is critical that this education isn\u2019t just information push. The sales team needs the chance to discuss and understand the implications of the new products: how do they compare to the existing range or that of the competition? This e-learning environment needs to be actively facilitated to manage discussions and gather feedback. It also needs subject experts to provide direct support and answer questions. It needs content too; everything from product specifications and presentations to industry analysis, external references and specific customer experiences. Some of these items are provided by the sales team themselves, giving them an extra sense of ownership. This integrated environment then becomes a highly effective learning and development solution for the sales force and an ongoing reference tool.<\/p>\n
In the case of the senior management programme, there are likely to be key components which must be done face-to-face in a facilitated workshop environment, including peer discussion and review and input from external industry experts. The trouble is, to do this properly you probably need lots of time, typically 10 or more days, and that is just not feasible.<\/p>\n
What if we restructure it as an integrated e-learning programme? The face-to-face time can be reduced significantly, maybe to a two-day initial session, followed by two months of facilitated online collaborative and coached development, and then a final two-day session. Included in the facilitated session may be a number of online synchronous presentations and question\/answer sessions with leading gurus, who may not be able to travel to meet with the participants. Whilst there may be pre-defined materials, much of the content and structure will develop during the workshops and online collaboration sessions. Resources of all kinds, particularly documents and references to external resources are critical, but are probably added as the specific context develops. Neither the audience nor the subject lend themselves to fixed structures or \u2018click next\u2019 content. The online environment is discussion and action-centric not content-centric \u2013 it is a learning community rather than a course. Focus is on outcomes not structure.<\/p>\n
All three of the above examples represent a very different approach and a very different e-learning experience. The design, the level of importance attached to core components of the learning structure, the nature of the content, participation and instruction\/facilitation, are all specific to the context in which they are found. Applying the same approach to each of the above situations would be disastrous, resulting in very poor outcomes and low e-learning value.<\/p>\n
E-learning Dynamics Matrix<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nAt Fosway, we have developed models to enable us to better map the types of learning requirements based on our experience of many e-learning projects. Most importantly, these include approaches to understanding the learning dynamics underlying the specific requirement including structure, content, participation and instruction\/facilitation. This information can then be constructed as an e-learning programme model and can be used to help us identify the appropriateness and role of associated technology support.<\/p>\n
We represent this mapping process using an E-learning Dynamics Matrix. The version below is simplified for ease of discussion, with a restricted set of e-learning characteristics and learning models.<\/p>\n
![\"Fosway_Simplified](\"https:\/\/www.fosway.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Fosway_Simplified-Elearning-Dynamics-Matrix-1024x562.png\")
<\/a>
\nThe matrix can be applied to defined learning requirements and gives us a clearer understanding of the relative role of the different components. It tells us whether fixed learning structures are appropriate, whether content needs to be flexible in form (multiple types), and the degree of collaboration or instruction needed.<\/p>\nLooking at where the three examples fit into the E-learning Dynamics Matrix:<\/p>\n
![\"Fosway_Elearning](\"https:\/\/www.fosway.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Fosway_Elearning-Dynamics-Matrix-1024x562.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nApplying the E-learning Dynamics Matrix to our three examples might look like the following:<\/p>\n
![\"Fosway_Application](\"https:\/\/www.fosway.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Fosway_Application-of-Elearning-Dynamics-Matrix-in-Action-1024x565.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nAs you can see from the table, the application of the simplified E-learning Dynamics Matrix enables us to map from a Learning Model to an E-learning Outcome which outlines a learning approach and learning activities. This approach can then be mapped into an e-learning technical design, which defines the characteristics of the underlying technology and helps to determine the types of products we need.<\/p>\n
Of course, this mapping process is not the whole answer. There are other important factors, including the specific subject matter itself and how that lends itself to online representation. Also we need to consider the needs of the students, delivery logistics, technology and infrastructure, longer-term strategy and so on.<\/p>\n
But, by understanding the underlying nature of the learning requirement and the key dynamics of learning associated with it, we can at least start to map out a sensible way of delivering it, to ensure we are constructing an e-learning approach where we deliver real learning value.<\/p>\n
Summary<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nSuccess in e-learning involves three key areas. Firstly, a broad understanding of all the various components \u2013 from Learning Management Systems to content development techniques, from IT infrastructure to learning design and management of organisational change. Next, since e-learning programmes are rarely inexpensive, it is critical to get a high return on your initial investment, so making use of the most experienced resources possible is vital for success. The value of those who have \u2018done it before\u2019 cannot be underestimated. And finally, it is essential to co-ordinate and manage these components, business functions and resources. E-learning crosses many boundaries and should be viewed as a strategic endeavour, and managed as a truly cross-functional programme.<\/p>\n
We hope that the articles in the \u2018Recipes for E-learning Success\u2019 series help you to understand some of the current issues surrounding this topic and have stimulated you to review your ideas on e-learning. Fosway is continually researching and developing e-learning best practice, and is focused on sharing its knowledge and experience with its customers and e-learning practitioners.<\/p>\n
Recommended Fosway Reading<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nThe other articles in this series are as follows:
\n\u2022 Recipes for E-learning Success<\/a>
\n\u2022 The Volume Vs. Value Equation<\/a>
\n\u2022 Blended or Integrated E-learning?<\/a>
\n\u2022 Building Learning Communities<\/a>
\n\u2022 Synchronous Vs. Asynchronous<\/a>
\n\u2022 E-learning Standards<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>Accelerate and de-risk<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nTo talk to us about our research on learning and talent systems, or to discuss what it might specifically mean for your organisation please contact us directly.<\/p>\n
We will use our independent expertise to provide you with the guidance you need to accelerate and de-risk your decisions. We have a wealth of experience, tools, research and profiles at our disposal.<\/p>\n
We don\u2019t have any products to sell and we have no vested interest to bias your outcomes. We concentrate on pragmatic, independent advice.<\/p>\n
Accuracy of information and warranties
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\nThe analysis and recommendations made in this document are based on the information currently available to Fosway and from sources believed to be reliable.<\/p>\n
Fosway disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information. Fosway will have no liability for errors, omissions or inadequacies in the information contained herein or for interpretations hereof.<\/p>\n
Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. All content is copyright Fosway limited unless otherwise identified. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n<\/div>
About Fosway Group<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nAt Fosway Group, we understand that developing and engaging people is how complex global organisations deliver performance and achieve success. Just as every employee\u2019s talent journey is unique, so is every organisation\u2019s people strategy.<\/p>\n
Fosway Group\u2019s analyst and advisory services deliver the insights your organisation needs to achieve results and eliminate risk. We know that every aspect of next generation HR and talent are more intertwined than ever. When you work with us, you accelerate your insight and make better decisions.<\/p>\n
We\u2019re Europe\u2019s #1 independent HR analyst, and just like the Roman road we draw our name from, you\u2019ll find that we\u2019re unusually direct. We don\u2019t have a vested interest in your technology or consulting choices. You can depend on us to tell you what you need to know to succeed.<\/p>\n
Example clients include: Alstom, Aviva, Boots UK, BP, BT, Centrica, Deutsche Bank, Faurecia, HSBC, International SOS, Lloyds Banking Group, Novartis, PwC, Rolls-Royce, Royal Bank of Scotland, Sanofi, Shell, Swiss Re, Telefonica, Thomson Reuters, Toyota Europe, and Vodafone.<\/p>\n
Contact us<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\nTalk to our analyst team today about your talent management requirements and get insights into your procurement process and strategic decision making. Contact us<\/a> online or call +44 (0)20 7917 1870 or email info@fosway.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Understanding the underlying dynamics of a specific learning requirement, and then being able to map into a viable learning delivery approach, is fundamental to any successful e-learning project. The fourth part of the ‘Recipes For E-learning Success’ series was written in 2001 but many of the design principles still apply. There are many different types of learning requirement as well as a variety of subjects. These requirements vary significantly, and may be outside what historically has been known as \u2018training and development\u2019. Some diverse but very common examples could include:<\/p>\n \u2022 Internal company announcements following a corporate takeover, explaining the rationale and impact of the change E-learning can have a role in fulfilling any or all of these requirements. Understanding the underlying dynamics of a specific learning requirement, and then being able to map into a viable learning delivery approach, is fundamental to any successful e-learning project.<\/p>\n The logistical demands of the company takeover (lots of people, very short space of time), probably mean that an overview document\/presentation and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document need to be distributed to everyone quickly. But this solution never answers all the questions or gets feedback from the organisation back to management. More importantly, it doesn\u2019t allow the employees to feel part of the change process. Implementing a managed discussion forum to support the information delivery and to answer key questions would increase the effectiveness of communication considerably. In this scenario, creating an online (e-)learning community which the sales team can access from their laptops would provide a better environment to manage learning and improve sales effectiveness. New product or legislative training can then be delivered in a controlled way on an ongoing basis. However, given the nature of the training and the audience, it is critical that this education isn\u2019t just information push. The sales team needs the chance to discuss and understand the implications of the new products: how do they compare to the existing range or that of the competition? This e-learning environment needs to be actively facilitated to manage discussions and gather feedback. It also needs subject experts to provide direct support and answer questions. It needs content too; everything from product specifications and presentations to industry analysis, external references and specific customer experiences. Some of these items are provided by the sales team themselves, giving them an extra sense of ownership. This integrated environment then becomes a highly effective learning and development solution for the sales force and an ongoing reference tool.<\/p>\n In the case of the senior management programme, there are likely to be key components which must be done face-to-face in a facilitated workshop environment, including peer discussion and review and input from external industry experts. The trouble is, to do this properly you probably need lots of time, typically 10 or more days, and that is just not feasible.<\/p>\n What if we restructure it as an integrated e-learning programme? The face-to-face time can be reduced significantly, maybe to a two-day initial session, followed by two months of facilitated online collaborative and coached development, and then a final two-day session. Included in the facilitated session may be a number of online synchronous presentations and question\/answer sessions with leading gurus, who may not be able to travel to meet with the participants. Whilst there may be pre-defined materials, much of the content and structure will develop during the workshops and online collaboration sessions. Resources of all kinds, particularly documents and references to external resources are critical, but are probably added as the specific context develops. Neither the audience nor the subject lend themselves to fixed structures or \u2018click next\u2019 content. The online environment is discussion and action-centric not content-centric \u2013 it is a learning community rather than a course. Focus is on outcomes not structure.<\/p>\n All three of the above examples represent a very different approach and a very different e-learning experience. The design, the level of importance attached to core components of the learning structure, the nature of the content, participation and instruction\/facilitation, are all specific to the context in which they are found. Applying the same approach to each of the above situations would be disastrous, resulting in very poor outcomes and low e-learning value.<\/p>\n At Fosway, we have developed models to enable us to better map the types of learning requirements based on our experience of many e-learning projects. Most importantly, these include approaches to understanding the learning dynamics underlying the specific requirement including structure, content, participation and instruction\/facilitation. This information can then be constructed as an e-learning programme model and can be used to help us identify the appropriateness and role of associated technology support.<\/p>\n We represent this mapping process using an E-learning Dynamics Matrix. The version below is simplified for ease of discussion, with a restricted set of e-learning characteristics and learning models.<\/p>\n Looking at where the three examples fit into the E-learning Dynamics Matrix:<\/p>\n Applying the E-learning Dynamics Matrix to our three examples might look like the following:<\/p>\n As you can see from the table, the application of the simplified E-learning Dynamics Matrix enables us to map from a Learning Model to an E-learning Outcome which outlines a learning approach and learning activities. This approach can then be mapped into an e-learning technical design, which defines the characteristics of the underlying technology and helps to determine the types of products we need.<\/p>\n Of course, this mapping process is not the whole answer. There are other important factors, including the specific subject matter itself and how that lends itself to online representation. Also we need to consider the needs of the students, delivery logistics, technology and infrastructure, longer-term strategy and so on.<\/p>\n But, by understanding the underlying nature of the learning requirement and the key dynamics of learning associated with it, we can at least start to map out a sensible way of delivering it, to ensure we are constructing an e-learning approach where we deliver real learning value.<\/p>\n Success in e-learning involves three key areas. Firstly, a broad understanding of all the various components \u2013 from Learning Management Systems to content development techniques, from IT infrastructure to learning design and management of organisational change. Next, since e-learning programmes are rarely inexpensive, it is critical to get a high return on your initial investment, so making use of the most experienced resources possible is vital for success. The value of those who have \u2018done it before\u2019 cannot be underestimated. And finally, it is essential to co-ordinate and manage these components, business functions and resources. E-learning crosses many boundaries and should be viewed as a strategic endeavour, and managed as a truly cross-functional programme.<\/p>\n We hope that the articles in the \u2018Recipes for E-learning Success\u2019 series help you to understand some of the current issues surrounding this topic and have stimulated you to review your ideas on e-learning. Fosway is continually researching and developing e-learning best practice, and is focused on sharing its knowledge and experience with its customers and e-learning practitioners.<\/p>\n The other articles in this series are as follows: To talk to us about our research on learning and talent systems, or to discuss what it might specifically mean for your organisation please contact us directly.<\/p>\n We will use our independent expertise to provide you with the guidance you need to accelerate and de-risk your decisions. We have a wealth of experience, tools, research and profiles at our disposal.<\/p>\n We don\u2019t have any products to sell and we have no vested interest to bias your outcomes. We concentrate on pragmatic, independent advice.<\/p>\n The analysis and recommendations made in this document are based on the information currently available to Fosway and from sources believed to be reliable.<\/p>\n Fosway disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information. Fosway will have no liability for errors, omissions or inadequacies in the information contained herein or for interpretations hereof.<\/p>\n Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. All content is copyright Fosway limited unless otherwise identified. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n<\/div> At Fosway Group, we understand that developing and engaging people is how complex global organisations deliver performance and achieve success. Just as every employee\u2019s talent journey is unique, so is every organisation\u2019s people strategy.<\/p>\n Fosway Group\u2019s analyst and advisory services deliver the insights your organisation needs to achieve results and eliminate risk. We know that every aspect of next generation HR and talent are more intertwined than ever. When you work with us, you accelerate your insight and make better decisions.<\/p>\n We\u2019re Europe\u2019s #1 independent HR analyst, and just like the Roman road we draw our name from, you\u2019ll find that we\u2019re unusually direct. We don\u2019t have a vested interest in your technology or consulting choices. You can depend on us to tell you what you need to know to succeed.<\/p>\n Example clients include: Alstom, Aviva, Boots UK, BP, BT, Centrica, Deutsche Bank, Faurecia, HSBC, International SOS, Lloyds Banking Group, Novartis, PwC, Rolls-Royce, Royal Bank of Scotland, Sanofi, Shell, Swiss Re, Telefonica, Thomson Reuters, Toyota Europe, and Vodafone.<\/p>\n Talk to our analyst team today about your talent management requirements and get insights into your procurement process and strategic decision making. Contact us<\/a> online or call +44 (0)20 7917 1870 or email info@fosway.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
\n<\/em><\/p>\nJanuary 2001<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div>
\n\u2022 Training an experienced field-sales organisation in new products or new legislation
\n\u2022 Developing senior management programmes to enhance business performance and stimulate business creativity<\/p>\nDesigning example solutions<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
\nTraining a field-sales organisation is a constant need, and has a very high opportunity cost if the sales staff need to attend classroom training sessions on a regular basis. Electronically pushing information out to an already-overloaded sales staff does not necessarily provide an effective learning approach.<\/p>\nE-learning Dynamics Matrix<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"Fosway_Simplified](\"https:\/\/www.fosway.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Fosway_Simplified-Elearning-Dynamics-Matrix.png\")
<\/a>
\nThe matrix can be applied to defined learning requirements and gives us a clearer understanding of the relative role of the different components. It tells us whether fixed learning structures are appropriate, whether content needs to be flexible in form (multiple types), and the degree of collaboration or instruction needed.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nSummary<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Recommended Fosway Reading<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
\n\u2022 Recipes for E-learning Success<\/a>
\n\u2022 The Volume Vs. Value Equation<\/a>
\n\u2022 Blended or Integrated E-learning?<\/a>
\n\u2022 Building Learning Communities<\/a>
\n\u2022 Synchronous Vs. Asynchronous<\/a>
\n\u2022 E-learning Standards<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>Accelerate and de-risk<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Accuracy of information and warranties
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\nAbout Fosway Group<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Contact us<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n