The 6 Must-Do List AFTER Deploying eLearning
One of the most frustrating challenges that eLearning professionals face is creating an eLearning course that doesn’t get the attention it deserves. You’ve chosen every piece of eLearning content carefully and stressed over every aspect of the layout. But after deploying eLearning courses, you discover that attendance rates are low, sales are lackluster, and you aren’t reaching your target audience. Here are 6 things that you should always do AFTER launching your eLearning course.
1. Conduct A Hindsight Launch Analysis
Once you've completed your eLearning course and sent it out into the world, take time to evaluate the eLearning design process from beginning to end. Meet with your eLearning team to get their input and figure out how you can improve moving forward. You may even find that there are aspects of your current eLearning course that you can fix right away, such as new eLearning content that the Subject Matter Expert uncovers through ongoing research. This is also the time to evaluate your eLearning budget and delivery timeline to see if you can cut costs or make the eLearning process more efficient the next time around.
2. Set Up A Social Media Support Page
Some online learners may need additional support after the eLearning course is deployed. For example, if they are unable to login to the eLearning platform with their username and password they should be able to reach out to IT support. Likewise, online learners who are struggling through a particular section may need guidance from their online instructors or peers. Set up a page on at least one social media platform where online learners can leave comments, ask questions, and learn about eLearning course updates. If you are selling your eLearning course, online learners are more likely to make a purchase if they have access to ongoing support. They know that they can get the assistance they need, when they need it, at no additional cost. Include all of the links to your social media pages in the eLearning course design so that online learners can find them quickly.
3. Offer A Promotional Tie-In
Who doesn’t like free information? A promotional tie-in can be anything from a free add-on module to a free eLearning eBook that offers tips and tricks. Online learners who have already enrolled in your eLearning course will appreciate the added bonus, while new online learners are more likely to join if they find the eLearning resource helpful. You can also use the promotional product as a mailing list opt-in incentive. For example, website visitors who provide their email will gain access to your free eLearning video. This is a great way to build your database so that you can send out periodic reminders and launch announcements.
4. Host A Virtual eLearning Event
One of the major pitfalls of eLearning, especially in asynchronous eLearning, is that it lacks a social component. There is no "face" that online learners can associate with the eLearning course, no human element, and this may prevent them from signing up in the first place. This is particularly true for more extroverted online learners or those who need a motivation boost. You should host at least one virtual eLearning event after deploying eLearning courses so that online learners can interact with peers and facilitators. For instance, a webinar offers them the opportunity to share ideas, provide feedback, and get answers to their most pressing questions. It also increases online learner engagement and motivation, thanks to the fact that they must actively participate in the eLearning experience in order to receive the full benefit.
5. Analyze Online Learner Feedback And Analytics
Take a closer look at all your eLearning survey, focus group, and interview findings to identify patterns and trends. Are online learners happy with the overall eLearning experience? Are there aspects of the eLearning course they feel that they need to be improved? What is their favorite thing about the eLearning course? You should also evaluate your Learning Management Systems and website analytics that you've already collected. Determine if there are any aspects of the eLearning course design that may be too challenging or not challenging enough. Are online learners passing eLearning assessments with flying colors, or are they struggling? How long are they taking to complete each eLearning lesson? As an added bonus, satisfied online learners can write testimonials that attract other online learners. Offer them an incentive, such as free enrollment in your next webinar or eLearning course.
6. Plan For The Future
In some cases, the data and eLearning feedback you've gathered may not be useful for your current eLearning course. However, it can help you with upcoming eLearning projects. It's important to plan for the future and start thinking about your next eLearning course design. Once your online learners complete this round of eLearning they are probably going to be hungry for more information. You want to make sure that you can keep up with demand and give them the knowledge they need. This doesn't mean that you should abandon your current eLearning course and stop offering support or promoting it. Simply set aside some time each day to brainstorm new ideas and meet with your eLearning team to plot a course of action. Fortunately, you now have a better idea of what your online learners are looking for and how you can help them achieve their goals.
Your eLearning course has a lot to offer your audience, but only if they can find it. Promoting your eLearning course is of the upmost importance, as is using the eLearning feedback you already have to make it even more marketable. Use these 6 tips and techniques to ensure that your eLearning course gets off to a successful start.
Besides these 6 things you should always do AFTER launching your eLearning course, there are also 6 key questions that you should be asking BEFORE you launch your new eLearning course. Read the article Litmus Test In eLearning: Would You Enroll In Your Own eLearning Course? to discover what your online learners would probably ask themselves before enrolling in your eLearning course.
