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E-learning readiness assessment
Training & Organizational Development
E-learning readiness assessment
A forum for exchanging ideas about skills training, leadership training, management training, compliance training, e-learning, as well as organizational development and effectiveness.
Hi! We're preparing to introduce e-learning into our organization and before we propose something to our executive group, we'd like to conduct an e-learning readiness assessment. Anyone have experienc
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E-learning readiness assessment

posted at 10/2/2003 3:00 AM EDT
Posts: 7
First: 1/29/2002
Last: 6/29/2004
Hi! We're preparing to introduce e-learning into our organization and before we propose something to our executive group, we'd like to conduct an e-learning readiness assessment. Anyone have experience with this and willing to share surveys, tips, suggestions, etc???

Thanks for your help!

Joy

E-learning readiness assessment

posted at 10/3/2003 8:08 AM EDT
Posts: 175
First: 8/27/2002
Last: 5/4/2007
Being concerned about the readiness of your organization to accept and successfully utilize web based training is right on target. While the head of training for a major unit of GE, we found that there were aspects of our culture that hindered web based training implementation. I would be happy to share some "horror" stories with you. Three years ago I started my own organizational effectiveness consulting company an one of our areas of focus is organizational culture. Within that context, we have developed a cultural assessment tool for web based training implementation. I would be happy to discuss with you. Feel free to contact via my email. Good luck. David - The DJC Group

E-learning readiness assessment

posted at 10/7/2003 3:52 AM EDT
Posts: 1
First: 10/7/2003
Last: 10/7/2003
I came across an e-Learning Readiness Survey tool by Samantha Chapnick that has potential I believe but to the best of my knowledge it may not be validated in any empirical way. I have a PDF file of her tool which unfortunately I cannot attach to this message. Email me if you are interested and I can send it to you.

There appears to be little research done in this area but a lot of anecdotal information. Maybe it's time to invest in some serious research!

Doug Knight, PhD
Knight Research Ltd
dknight@telusplanet.net

E-learning readiness assessment

posted at 10/7/2003 4:02 AM EDT
Posts: 7
First: 5/20/2003
Last: 1/29/2004
One of the biggest challenges in implementing a successful eLearning strategy is employee engagement. Far too often companies implement eLearning strategies that nothing more than eReading. In these scenarios, offerings consist solely of online information that participants read. Then the participants answer a few questions. This is not exactly a stimulating learning experience, which is reflected by completion rates of less than 30%.

Creating an eLearning strategy that ensures high participant engagement requires a higher level of commitment from executive management. The best eLearning strategies include live, online, instructor-led content, live online Q&A, and an online community where participants can engage in online threaded discussions and chat sessions. This type of strategy has been proven to produce completion rates in excess of 90%.

If you would like to see a sample of this type of program, you can view an automated presentation for a program called The Accelerated Leadership Development Management Certificate Program on the website of a company named Knowledge Capital Alliance (KCA). Their URL is www.kca-inc.com. KCA also provides consulting to help companies develop the most appropriate eLearning infrastructure, plus ensure that their eLearning approach is aligned with key corporate strategic initiatives.

Good luck with your program!

E-learning readiness assessment

posted at 10/7/2003 4:03 AM EDT
Posts: 5
First: 10/7/2003
Last: 4/19/2005
I just had the opportunity to hear Dr. David Foot (Boom, Bust Echo fame) speak on the aging workforce in North America and there were significant implications for technology and, of course, e-learning strategies, for the aging boomers. (That would be all of us over the age of about 45!) Most of us hate being 'statistics' but he reminds us once again to be sure to analyze our target markets when introducing new products or solutions. Good luck with your initiative.

Mary Ann Lesperance, CHRP, MSc
Marshall & Company Inc.

E-learning readiness assessment

posted at 10/7/2003 4:27 AM EDT
Posts: 1
First: 10/7/2003
Last: 10/7/2003
Hi Joy,

Allow me to quickly express my thoughts on conducting an e-learning readiness survey. First and foremost, there are lots of resources on the web that can help you understand the issues to look for should you decide to take on the task yourself. I think the crucial step however is translating the results and knowing how to mitigate certain issues. My suggestion is to outsource the work to a company who specializes in learning and who does not have any particular interest in selling you e-learning. Most companies offering a canned e-learning readiness survey simply pull the same resources you find yourself off the web and offer little value in translating results. Look for vendors who are in the business of educational consulting with no special interest in product sales.

Good luck,
Reuben Tozman

E-learning readiness assessment

posted at 10/7/2003 4:44 AM EDT
Posts: 2
First: 10/7/2003
Last: 10/7/2003
One suggestion for e-learning design is to not offer any links to outside sites. Employees typically don't return back to the in-house site or get waylaid by e-tailers and others who may hijack the user to a link. Keep links in-house and your employees will stay focused.

E-learning readiness assessment

posted at 10/7/2003 8:17 AM EDT
Posts: 4
First: 10/7/2003
Last: 6/8/2007
Just be careful not to go too heavy on eLearning. Some skills are best learned in an open and supportive instructor led environment. And some skills, like time management just don't translate well to eLearning (if users can't manage your time well, how will they manage to take and complete an online course on the subject.) Also, be smart about how you reinforce the learning. Help managers and employees to directly link the learning back through an applicable activity or it immediately loses value.

E-learning readiness assessment

posted at 10/7/2003 8:23 AM EDT
Posts: 1
First: 10/7/2003
Last: 10/7/2003
Readiness assessment is key to success, so just by being aware of that you are ahead of the game. Here are some key items that you may want to consider:
1. What are the business challenges that your e-learning initiative needs to be aligned to? It is important to identity what you are trying to accomplish before creating a strategy.

2. What do your learners need? A gap assessment is as critical for e-learning as for any other training initiative.

3. Given your target audience and their needs, what is their technical readiness? (i.e. PCs, internet connectivity, technical saavy etc.)

4. What is your cultural readiness? E-learning should be considered a change initiatve, as it require a different approach to learning. How will you address the change in your culture?

If you'd like to discuss further, please feel free to email me directly.

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