Successfully Converting Instructor-Led Training (ILT) To eLearning

Converting Instructor-Led Training (ILT) To eLearning
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Summary: With the advent of the World Wide Web came a massive change in how people learn, teach, and exchange information. The internet has made it possible to reconfigure what education means to us and invent faster and better ways of learning. Enter eLearning and self-education, two terms that did not exist prior to the online era.

How To Convert ILT To eLearning

eLearning is a relatively new way of educating employees and the public at large. It relies heavily on technology and can be described as a perpetual motion machine. eLearning is adaptive, flexible, and never sleeps. Hundreds of eLearning platforms have been popping up over the last decade and employers are beginning to see the huge benefits of switching from Instructor-Led Training, or ILT, to eLearning.

Self-learning is precipitated by this educational technology we call eLearning. Students can access information instantly, learn at their own pace, and choose the platform they are most proficient and comfortable with. When you convert your ILT to eLearning, you are essentially expediting employee self-learning. This is a huge plus for your company and employees because you're pretty much laying the tools for their advancement at their feet or, their fingertips, in this case.

Reasons For Switching From ILT To eLearning

The reasons for switching from ILT to eLearning can be specific to each organization. Still, when you boil it down to basics, here are 4 good reasons why you should consider this change to your employee training methods:

1. eLearning Is Highly Adaptable

With eLearning, you create your course, test-run it, analyze the results, and implement changes. Then you run it again with new and improved features based on the feedback you receive from learners. If you set the right ground rules, you can modify the structure, content, and delivery method until you perfect the training program.

2. 24/7 Access To Learning

eLearning can mean online learning, computer-based learning, or mobile learning. Whichever venue of course delivery you choose, learners have the great benefit of being able to access the content when they need it and from any location. Furthermore, employees can go through the learning material as many times as they need to understand key concepts and acquire the desired skills.

3. Online Training Is Cost-Efficient

After the initial investment, eLearning is easy to manage and costs considerably less than re-running a classroom-based course. You're removing costs for classroom locations, materials, trainer fees, etc. while eliminating employee travel time as well. It's a win-win for employers and employees!

4. eLearning Has A Reduced Carbon-Footprint

No more paper manuals, print-outs, and worksheets! eLearning runs on your preferred platform and doesn't require the use of paper. You also help reduce your company's carbon footprint since employees and trainers do not need to travel, which leads to fossil fuel emissions.

Converting Instructor-Led Training To Web-Based Training

Now that we've explained the added benefits of using eLearning in employee training programs, let's see what the steps towards an efficient conversion are.

Use ADDIE

ADDIE stands for Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation. This is the basic cycle you'll be going through while converting your existing ILT into an eLearning training program. You'll need to analyze your audience and figure out what training level they are at, what gaps in knowledge and skill they possess, as well as what their proficiency with various platforms might be. Then, you'll have to take into consideration the company's business goals and the desired learning outcomes. This will prepare you and your instructional design team to set the base for a well-structured training course.

Do Your Homework

Take a hard look at your existing Instructor-Led Training course and figure out what's working, what's not working, and what can be improved upon. Doing this will give you a blueprint for a successful eLearning course as well as help you avoid possible gaps that ILT didn't cover.

Start The Conversion Process

1. Revamp The Classroom Learning Outcomes To Fit The Online Environment

Your online training content will change, which means your desired learning outcomes must adapt as well. Since eLearning comes with different learning mechanics, various delivery methods, and a plethora of design elements that in-class courses cannot offer, it's important to make sure that your learning objectives match this new environment your employees are going to learn in.

2. Assess The Conversion Requirements

Next, you'll want to choose the learning platform that best matches the company and employee needs. You might conclude that a transfer to PowerPoint is all you need or your ILT training program might gain huge benefits from running in VR. Whatever delivery method you choose, pay attention to the course requirements and objectives so that you can choose the best platform and the right program to run your conversion on.

3. Hire An SME

A Subject Matter Expert will make your designer's life much easier. They'll be able to fill in the gaps where needed and instruct the designer toward creating an efficient eLearning course.

4. Restructure The Content

More often than not, the ILT course will not translate directly into an awesome eLearning experience. This is because an eLearning course can be as simple or as heavy as you need it to be. The content you need to get across pertains to key concepts. With eLearning, you'll discover new and engaging ways of teaching employees what they need to learn.

5. Transform In-Class Activities Into eLearning Interactive Modules

This step is self-explanatory. You'll need to figure out ways of transferring in-class activities into fun, engaging, and skill-gaining interactive components.

6. Include Microlearning

Microlearning is so efficient, it can toot its own horn and not sound patronizing. Delivering bite-size chunks of information is super efficient in helping your employees understand and deepen their knowledge and skills.

7. Allow For Learning Path Personalization

If there's one other thing you can do, aside from using microlearning, it is implementing personalized learning paths into learner experiences. Allowing employees to take the reign over their own educational experience will empower, motivate, and make them feel seen.

8. Test Your Baby!

Last but not least, run the program on your preferred platform. This is the point where you'll be paying attention to the gathered data. This feedback from the training course and your employees is essential to working out the kinks in the program.

Conclusion

These are the basic steps for converting ILT to eLearning. Now, get into the flow of things and build an amazing eLearning experience by contacting Designing Digitally today. Your employees will thank you!

Originally published at www.designingdigitally.com.