Choosing an eLearning Provider
There are many eLearning providers to choose from. In an on-going set of FAQs, your decision-making process should include:
Q - How does the eLearning solutions company approach course design?
A - As in all forms of education, the most effective Web-based courses are learner-focused.
Ensure that the company you select utilizes professional instructional designers. Look for memberships in ISPI, ASTD and STC as well as quizzing them thoroughly as to their process and background. This is now a recognized profession, so it is wise to ensure that the background of the IDs is in adult education and not in chemistry or engineering. You are looking for someone who can take your content and create viable learning - you are not looking for a subject matter expert (SME).
Instructional designers gain the best results by customizing course work based on the learning needs of a target user group. This is done via a needs analysis. True customization allows for the highest quality of graphics, animation, audio, and collaborative learning features, all geared toward successful learning and retention. It takes learning expertise to design a multimedia module that will achieve both short-term corporate objectives and long-term success and ROI. Production of a first class course also requires technological expertise and experience that integrates the most effective learning enhancement features available.
In general, your content development team should consist of an instructional designer, graphic designer and editor. Ensure that the editor is a native speaker of the language you intend to deliver the content in as dialectic nuances and simplicity of speech are important.
