E-Learning Is Most Reliable & High Quality Training Method for Software Trainings

When an organization gets new software, its productivity and efficiency would generate great results.  However, this happens if the staff is well-trained about the new software and they know its application. If they are not trained, the benefits of the money invested in the software cannot be earned. Therefore, the software systems training are very essential for the employees every time when new software is added, or new features are added to the existing software.

Organizations need to adopt best training methods to train the IT staff, so that the employees are up-to-date with the new workflow and new features, while working at their peak efficiency. Investing in e-Learning is the most beneficial way to make the software systems training effective.

Given below are the reasons for using e-Learning for IT staff trainings:

1) Increased Scalability: It is usual that employees resist using the new software, as they feel that working on it would be cumbersome and might not benefit their performance. So software is useless if it is not adopted by the employees. It demands huge investments when you take your employees for trainings and engage experts to conduct these training sessions. Thus, e-Learning is beneficial as it is self-paced and available for the employee right at their desks on demand anytime. It can also be delivered to any number of people without spending any additional cost. Organizations can conduct software systems training at quick pace and with efficiency, whenever required.

2) Easy updating: The latest versions of the software are released quite often; thus, the trainings need to be kept in pace with the evolving software to update the employees and ensure that they fully employ the benefits of the new versions. E-Learning course can be changed and updated very quickly, without spending much and can be rolled out again after adding the new features. The staff immediately gets the updated content.

3) Increased Consistency: Trainers are not always consistent. They have a different approach and direction towards the training sessions. They might get sick at some occasions, or make errors depending on the circumstances or some personal reasons. However, e-Learning delivers consistent, standardized, and reliable training all the time. The same e-Learning course can train an entire global company. All the learners can be reached with the same content, regardless of their locations. This makes training reliably high quality and consistent.

4) Increased ROI: Lot of money is invested on software purchases and trainings through e-Learning to ensure the best return on investments as employees area able to acquire the required knowledge completely for utilizing the software at its best.  E-learning helps in implementing new software with effectiveness and confirms that the right people get the right training at the right time.

E-Learning is the most effective way to deliver reliable and high quality training when it comes to IT staff training's on the new software systems, as it can engage the learners through videos, visuals, and etcetera; and can be delivered anytime and anywhere without any additional costs or hampering the daily work schedule of the employees.

Track Your Learning Experiences with Tin Can API

Tin-Can API is the next advancement of the clumpy and rigid SCORM that allows eLearning to use the current technologies in an interoperable way. Those functions that were not possible in SCORM are easy to do with Tin-Can API, such as launching the course outside the LMS, controlling the content delivery and user experience, enhanced security, accessing the course even when disconnected, and many more.

Large number of organizations and learners have adopted Tin-Can API in the recent years to ensure the effectiveness of their training endeavors. All the organizations expect greater ROI on their training investments, which is why it is important to track the training and learning experiences for any organization.

Tin-Can API is a powerful platform for measuring and tracking the learning endeavors that offer the following benefits:

1. Tracking learning Scenarios: Tin-Can API is the modern version of SCORM and is great for tracking the learning activities, such as mobile learning, serious games, simulations, informal learning, and etcetera. It has a feature called Learning Record Store, or LRS, which records and tracks the learning efforts even when the learners are not logged into LMS. Tin-Can also allow the tracking of data collected from off-line learning, adaptive learning, blended learning, and team based learning.
2. Recording any activity: The structure of statements used by Tin-Can API allows the tracking and recording of all the activity of a user. It records each and every click of the mouse, every answer to a test question, turning to homework, each book read, writing blog post, and others. There are tons of things that learners do every day and Tin-Can can track and record everything. It can form a complete picture of the learning experiences of a learner.
3. Higher Portability due to free data: Since Tin-Can is able to function even when disconnected from the LMS, the data of the learner is stored within the Learning Record Store, allowing the learners to access the data anytime, and go mobile with eLearning. API allows both writing the data to and reading the data from Learning Record Store. Data can be shared with reporting tools, analytics tools, and with other LRSs as well. The most interesting thing is that it has the capability to store the personal information of the learner and their learning experience in a ‘personal data locker’ apart from tracking it for the employer.
4. Correlating Job Performance with training: Tin-Can API has a special specification known as ‘Activity Streams’, which enables capturing the activities on social networks. Activity streams aggregated across an enterprise, or across an industry, can identify the training paths that lead to successful outcomes. This helps in determining the effectiveness of training endeavors and measuring ROI.

There is no doubt whatsoever that Tin-Can has opened up new possibilities in the eLearning, and has changed the way of learning experiences in a significant way. It has removed the constraints and drawbacks that the user experienced while using SCROM.

LMS Scalability: The Topmost Requirement to Select an LMS

LMS software market is constantly growing due to the increasing acceptance of digital learning among corporate organizations, growing usage of eLearning devices, and the ever evolving technologies such as Gamification, video based learning, among others.

Nowadays, the use of Learning Management Software is not only confined to learning and learner management but organizations are looking for complete corporate learning suits to keep a track of the learner’s usage of training materials, manage the course access of the learner, create customized reports, manage assessments, manage course properties, and for various other tasks. Since a considerable amount of training budget is invested in the LMS software, organizations expect better return on the investments made on talent development and employee trainings. Here, the significance of LMS scalability comes into picture.

Scalability refers to the ability of Learning Management Software, to handle the growing amount of work in a proficient manner. A scalable LMS is the requirement of almost all the companies because LMS accommodates with the growth saving time, effort, and resources of the company that it would require to set up a new LMS.

4 Things that aids to LMS Scalability are:

1. Supporting large amount of data: LMS should be able to accommodate large number of courses for the learners to consume. If new employees join the system, then new content can be uploaded in the LMS as per the needs of the learner, so that new learners can consume the relevant content, and the existing learners can reap the benefits of new learning material. It is also possible to add new learners keeping in mind the learner base of the organizations which grows over a period of time.
   
2. Accessibility by large number of users at the same time: Good Learning Management Software should be able to tolerate large number of users accessing the LMS at the same time, as it is the need of every organization to provide course access to large number of learners; and the learners need to get the flexibility to consume the content at any time they wish to.
   
3. Connectivity from all across the world: Uploading varied content in different formats also benefits in scalability, as the LMS can now be used by a global audience and is not just restricted for the consumption in local offices.
   
4. Interactivity: LMS software should also have features that are utilized by the learners and helps them in their skill development such as social interactions through different collaborative tools, which allows the learners to connect with their peers, allows them to share their progress reports etc.

Most of the organizations that tend to expand and grow across the globe, choose a platform which is capable of adapting to its growing training needs while keeping up the good quality, usability and flexibility.

Key Reasons For Increasing Popularity Of Game Based Learning

Gaming industry has attained huge popularity and success in recent years and now games are being used for formal and informal learning. 

In Corporate circles too game based learning is fast gaining popularity for training and learning purposes. Due to further advancement in video game technology experts are forced into in-depth research on the design and efficacy of game based learning. They explore the instructional designing strategies for designing innovative game based learning to make them popular and successful in the training industry.

Few reasons why Game based learning is gaining popularity in the corporate sector:

• Highly Engaging- By creating game-based learning environment, motivation and learner’s engagement can be influenced positively. Learners work toward a goal, choose actions and experience the consequences of those actions while playing game. They get a chance to make mistakes in a risk-free scenario, and this substitute different skills acquisition as well. Learners get engaged as they practice behaviors and thought processes while transferring from simulated environment to real life.
• Development- Games play important role in personal development and improvement in learner’s self-esteem. Games are very helpful in breaking social and cultural boundaries. They also have some hidden interactive elements which learners can explore. The level of complexity of interactions should depend on the learner group.
• Evaluation- Games can provide a close link between action and immediate feedback. Learners get a chance to scrutinize their activities and judge their own performance. Then, they can evaluate themselves and take necessary course of actions to perform better.
• Explanatory- Games are explanatory in the sense that games have illustrations for the learners to do self-assessment and find out their weak and strong areas. This is how they can work hard in the areas of concern. Games also provide suitable background to explain where he/she has done well and where improvement is needed.
• Elaborative- Game based learning provides a resource unit with comprehensive documents or audio-visuals, that provide useful information on the subject a learner is going through. This helps the learner to score better and enhance knowledge.

Usually learning is hypothesized as a multidimensional paradigm of learning skills, intellectual learning outcomes such as practical, declarative, strategic knowledge and attitudes. Game based learning solutions are used in some areas of corporate trainings very effectively, specifically in FMCG, banking, pharmaceutical, business, physical, automobiles etc. In most of the cases serious games and simulations are applied to provide platform for learners’ to apply acquired knowledge, to experiment and get feedback in form of consequences adding to their experiences in the “risk free world”. 

Importance Of ELearning Consulting For Competitive Organizations

Organizations are increasingly adopting E-learning not only for grooming employees but also for simplifying the accomplishment of organizational goals. This has also increased the need for high quality eLearning course development and Competitive organizations are now looking to hire companies which offer complete eLearning consulting services  including learning need analysis, course ware development, cost effectiveness of learning solutions, competency etc.

E-Learning consulting bridges the gap between learning and performance by identifying the loopholes which are hampering the growth of employees as well as organizations. It actively involves mentoring sessions with senior frontrunners, in-house development of courses, innovative approach in problem solving, project based learning etc.

Increasing number of organizations are outsourcing the development of eLearning courses to keep up with the pace of demand and restrictive timelines.

G-Cube has worked with many companies providing them assistance in developing eLearning courses. Here is an example through a detailed case study of one of the client:

A UK based IT training company provides training to IT professionals from MNCs to increase their knowledge and competency in various new technologies and new platforms. They focus more on practical training aspect for which they wanted to have simulation based learning course-ware. The challenge was that: client had to face growing demand for course material as the IT sector is dynamic with constant training need resulting in delayed delivery of the course material. So, client had to stop taking new projects because existing projects were taking up all the efforts and time.

The Client approached G-Cube and outsourced the entire process of content development. G-Cube focused on assuring the authenticity and quality of course-ware.

While developing content, the knowledge extracted out of subject-matter experts was closely scrutinized for linguistic and structural precision. In addition, a logical and smooth flow of information was created by instructional designers and course was made linguistically sound by the editorial team.

There were a number of benefits derived from the solution. Smooth execution of all the projects as the project requirements were divided into layers and planned individually. Timely delivery of all the projects because of smooth transition of project layers focusing on quality. Timelines and high quality of the end product resulted in more business opportunities for the client. Thus third-party development of e-learning content was proved to be an excellent investment for the client.

E-Learning consulting is based on organizational structure, size, work culture, values and model of the company. Utilizing e-learning consulting services can successfully fill the knowledge gaps within the learning and development of any organization.

Responsive Learning A Fast-paced, High-Energy Learning Tool

Responsive learning has been gaining importance over the past few years and has become an essential aspect of e-Learning or online learning solutions.

Modern websites are ‘responsive’ which means that webpage content can be delivered as per the screen size and the device being used. 

When it comes to organizational trainings, responsive learning is a critical aspect that organizations are looking for before getting an e-learning content developed. This need has risen because today’s workforce is inclined towards multiple devices and is spending extra time on smartphones and tablets. Moreover, online learners have to access online learning solutions even when they are on a move, so, if eLearning course is responsive to multiple devices then it develops interest within the learners and becomes easy for them to learn anytime, through any device be it windows, android or Apple systems.

HTML supports responsive design to create online learning courses compatible for all the mobile devices with ease and the same visuals. Elements such as menus, footers, images etc. adjust themselves according to the devices they are being viewed on and it becomes easier for the learner to read and navigate through the course.

Here are few advantages of responsive learning with regards to E-Learning:

1. Ease of accessibility - Responsive design enables the learner to access the course and have same learning experience from multiple devices. Learner’s learning experience is irrespective of the device. Single version of the content can be accessed on all browsers, operating systems, mobile devices, tablets, PCs etc.
   
   
2. Cost Effectiveness - Instead of a complete suite of courses designed specifically for different platforms and different learners, responsive learning design can be developed reducing investment and time needed to design and distribute the course. Organizations save time, effort and money by developing responsive online learning solutions.
   
   
3. Ease of content alteration - If any changes needs to be done in the content then there is no need to change different versions of the content. A single code can be changed to update the content on all the devices.
   
   
4. Ease of Navigation - Learning platform’s pages can move fluidly between different screen sizes if it is a responsive design. The learner can navigate conveniently, without the need to scroll or pan-in or pan-out unnecessarily.
   
   
5. Single point of distribution - If a course is developed with responsive design then it can be distributed through LMS to a large audience.
   
   
6. Happy Learners - All the above benefits make learning a happy experience for the learners. 

With so many benefits that responsive learning brings in to eLearning, it has become an important consideration for any e-Learning course development. Responsive learning offers engaging and effective e-Learning experience to the learners on the entire range of platforms. So organizations should definitely ask e-Learning developers to use the latest HTML 5 or Flash. Flash does not work on iPhones and iPads and that should be kept in mind when creating mobile based learning solutions.

LMS - A Supporting Pillar For Different Business Functions

In recent years, many organizations have made switch to LMS as an e-learning software for their employee training programs.  But, the use of LMS can be extended far beyond the scope of just delivering learning. An learning management system with proper business capabilities and effective use can support different business functions and wrestle more challenges than one might think.

Here are few tips to scrutinize how a good LMS can support different business functions:

1. Use of LMS for enterprise-wide projects- Smart and innovative organizations are now thinking out of the box and using LMS to its full potential for their critical business projects like launching new products and services, new business process etc. Being a long term investment it has become necessary to implement learning management system strategically for big projects and not for the one’s associated with just learning and development. This can help companies save additional spend and improve their effectiveness.
   
2. Use of LMS for removing communication barrier- A good learning management system expedites communication across learning associates, the organization as a whole as well as clients, suppliers or channel partners.
   
   For any project to be a success, it is important to communicate with internal staff across the organization. LMS removes the administrative burden of keeping everyone up to date about the timelines and activities within the project and can create automated email and templates to be sent during the project. The built-in tracking and reporting functionality of an LMS helps the organization to track whether people have read their communications and provide tangible results to the board both during and at the end of the project. Features such as message board, chat rooms, blogs etc. can be used by the staff to express their views and opinions to the management which makes the communication two ways.
   
   Interactions with outside world can also be facilitated effectively with the help of same features like automated emails, tracking system etc. if you have good e-learning software.
   
3. Use of LMS for improved learning- learning management system can increase the access to learning and information if you have a good internet connection. Learners can have access to study resources and business information at any time and any place be it a home, workplace or any other spot. This flexibility helps the organization to cater to all the staff regardless of their job role and timings. There can be multiple learning resources like PDFs, videos, webinars or any other source which increases the quality of information you need to share with the learners.
   
4. Use of LMS for achieving organization’s goals and targets- learning management system can be used to add maximum value to the performance of an organization as a whole. learning management system built in competency tools can be used to analyze the key proficiencies of different job roles and targeting learning interventions for employees depending on their roles and skills. It can also perform competency based assessments and identify competency experts for knowledge sharing and mentoring. This enhances employee engagement and retention.

Organizations can use LMS in a creative and effective way to achieve their business goals because learning management system is not just a tool for learning but also an important asset to improve business performance as a whole.