Training and e-Learning

Example 1: e-Learning Strategic Plan

Larson Slade's team of instructional designers worked with a leading telecommunications firm to assess whether the firm's technical systems and employees were candidates for an enterprise-wide e-Learning initiative. We performed three distinct analysis tasks:

• Corporate IT infrastructure analysis - Designed and delivered an online questionnaire that surveyed and documented technical infrastructure features (network availability, capability, capacity, service, etc.). Interviewed engineering and operations personnel to collect performance and trends data, then compiled data and developed findings. Also conducted a network performance test by loading CDROM training onto the network, then monitoring network performance during peak usage of this training. This exercise mitigated some concerns about network traffic issues that were expressed by the company's IT department.
• Training needs assessment - Worked with the corporate training council, which included representatives from HR, sales, marketing, customer care, order fulfillment, IT operations, corporate back-end, and technical vendors, to identify e-Learning user groups and their training needs and issues. Developed online and print surveys, interviewed training managers, and conducted user focus groups. This task revealed strong resistance to e-Learning from some managers and trainers, as well as strong enthusiasm from those who hate the time and expense required for classroom instruction. It also revealed the important presence of channel partners and other e-Learning customers outside the corporation's walls.
• e-Learning technology analysis - Assessed learning technology to identify candidates to meet training needs and interface with the IT infrastructure. Reviewed methodologies (computer-based, Web-delivered, and satellite-delivered training) and invited 12 e-Learning vendors to demonstrate capabilities. Facilitated demonstrations and maintained vendor data; solicited preliminary cost estimates.
• Cost analysis - Using the company's proposed budgets for the coming fiscal year, we compared the estimated cost of rolling out selected e-Learning initiatives to the cost of delivering training via traditional classroom mechanisms. This analysis also revealed the limitations to classroom numbers and size.

After compiling all the data from these analyses, we published an e-Learning implementation plan, which we also delivered to executive officials via a PowerPoint presentation. It included:

• Recommendation for an e-Learning vendor
• Estimated costs
• Proposed milestone schedule
• Recommendations for e-Learning training topics

Since the plan's delivery, the company migrated to a new technical environment, which eliminated many concerns about bandwidth and access. The company is negotiating with three major e-Learning vendors to deliver selected corporate-wide training to its 10,000 personnel.

Example 2: e-Learning Development

Larson Slade has helped several large and small organizations implement e-Learning initiatives for varied goals. We are experts in the Instructional Systems Design (ISD) methodology and frequently employ it for training development.

• Using ISD, and working with an LMS (Learning Management System) strategic partner, developed a pilot e-Learning course on performance management for a 30,000-employee corporation. The pilot serves two roles: test employee response to the e-Learning environment, and support the company's enterprise-wide performance management initiative, which includes creation of core competencies, goals-related compensation and employee development. Our instructional designers performed a user needs assessment, developed learning objectives, designed the learning methodology and treatment, and developed storyboards. They also worked with the LMS vendor to author the course, which is being pilot-tested.
• Using ISD, we helped two e-Learning "universities" develop their first e-Learning modules. The topics included project management, risk management, goals and objectives development, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions attorneys and accountants. Drawing on previous experience, we advised these companies on selection of authoring software, storyboard development, and SME (Subject Matter Expert) facilitation, as well as performed content development.
• For a federal agency, developed e-Learning modules on computer security awareness. Our team of instructional designers and Authorware developers created multimedia, interactive modules that include pre- and post-tests, practice exercises and case studies, and links to resource information.
  

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