© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC© 2006-14 BlueStreak Learning, LLC

Elements of a Successful E-Learning Strategy

By Jennifer De Vries, CPT

© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC

About Jennifer De Vries

• Jennifer De Vries, MA, CPT, President and Chief Solutions Architect for BlueStreak Learning

• Over 25 years of experience in the e-learning industry

• Managed e-learning programs for Joint Commission, IBM, Motorola, Galileo International and Thomson/NETg

• Researcher, writer and speaker at major training industry events

© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC

BlueStreak Learning Overview

• BlueStreak Learning is a boutique, but full-service eLearning firm located in Central Florida and the Chicago area.

• We offer three primary services– eLearning strategy consulting– eLearning technology selection

• LMS• LCMS• Authoring tools

– Custom eLearning course development

© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC

Agenda• Will last about 45 minutes• Topics covered:

– Why Have an E-Learning Strategy– E-Learning Critical Success Factors– Choosing an E-Learning Technology Vendor– Q&A

© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC

Why E-Learning Strategy

• Define and Meet Business Goals• Establish a Cohesive Learning Solution• Foundation for Sustainable Growth• Rationale for Organizational Development• Improved ROI

© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC

“Helpful Associations”

• Wanted to offer e-learning courses to their 3000 members

• Decided to resell library of off-the-shelf courses on topics like compliance and computer skills.

• Courses available to members within a month

• First year sales were about 10% of plan

© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC

“Open Door University”• Local university wanted to

expand their market by offering distance learning

• Purchased high-end video technology solution with grant funding

• Developed courses for the distance learning program

• Found that most potential students did not meet the minimum platform requirements to access courses

© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC© 2006-14 BlueStreak Learning, LLC

Discussion Question #1

What do you think is the primary reason that these e-learning

programs didn’t meet their goal?

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The Standard Rationales

These standard rationales are mostly FALSE …– Our audience doesn’t want e-learning– The general public thinks e-learning should be

free– E-Learning isn’t the right solution for our

organization

© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC

The REAL Reason

In each of these cases …

Managers never considered one or more critical elements of a successful e-learning strategy

© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC

Six Elements of an E-Learning Strategy

E-LearningProgram

Goals

Technology

FinancialAnalysis

Administration& Support

MarCom Audiences & Content

© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC© 2006-14 BlueStreak Learning, LLC

Discussion Question #2

Has your organization

established an e-learning

strategy?

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E-Learning Strategy Survey Data

89% of respondents stated that having an e-learning strategy was either critical or very important to their professional success.

Only 31% of respondents have an organizational e-learning strategy in place.

© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC© 2006-14 BlueStreak Learning, LLC

Discussion Question #3

Which of these

elements are included

in your strategy?

Elements are:

• Organizational Goals

• Audiences & Content

• Technology

• Financial Analysis

• Support & Administration

• Marketing/Communication

© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC

More Survey Data

Strategic Element Percent Completed

Technology 90%

Audiences & Content 75%

Organizational Goals 65%

Support and Administration 60%

Financial Analysis 50%

Communication 45%

© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC

Set Goals, then Consider Other Elements

E-LearningProgram

Goals

TechnologyFinancialAnalysis

Administration& Support

MarCom

Audiences & Content

© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC

Research Before Goal Setting

• Research data is foundational• Conduct an audience needs assessment• Review team readiness

– Educate existing team members– Hire consultants to fill gaps

• Obtain executive direction and buy-in

© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC© 2006-14 BlueStreak Learning, LLC

Discussion Question #4

How does an eLearning Needs Assessment differ from a Training

Needs Assessment?

© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC

Defining the Goals

Goals describe how the e-learning program will …– Meet the needs of your learners

(customers)• Lower their educational cost• Improve their productivity or profitability

– Ultimately help your organization (in business terms)

• Save costs• Generate additional revenue• Improve customer satisfaction or loyalty

© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC

LMS(Learning Management System)

Synchronous(Scheduled)

Blended• Sync/Async

• Face to FaceClassroom

*Note: Capabilities can vary by product

Asynchronous(Self-Paced)

AICC SCORM Experience API Proprietary

CollaborativeLearn from each other

Learning Technologies for Delivery

© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC© 2006-14 BlueStreak Learning, LLC

Discussion Question #5

What type of eLearning do you offer or want to offer?

© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC

Sourcing Content

BuySelection considerations

– Interactivity level– Quality level– Bandwidth and platform

requirements

Build• Reformat or develop from

scratch?• Development processes

and resources– High level process– Authoring software– Roles and responsibilities– Skills needed

Course evaluation and revision?

© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC

Content Example: Supercharging PowerPoint with Articulate

© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC

Content Example: Recorded Session Conversion

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Content Example: Scenario-based eLearning with Articulate Storyline

© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC

Discussion Question #6

• What topics would you like to offer in an e-learning format?

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Financial Analysis

• Three important calculations– Profit & Loss per year– Break-Even Analysis– ROI over 3 to 5 years

• Consult with your finance department for assistance

© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC

The Need for Administration and Support

E-Learning is a technology business– User-ids and passwords– Minimum platform

requirements– Browsers and plug-ins– Firewalls– Bandwidth– Upgrades and enhancements

© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC© 2006-14 BlueStreak Learning, LLC

Discussion Question #7

Who will answer the phone calls and emails from learners?

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If you build it, will they complete it?

Marketing Communication– Get the word out– Focus on benefits to learners– Address resistance points– Offer timely incentives– Demos/Trials– Partner with marketing, PR and/or employee relations

© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC

Before you build an eLearning program …

• Go out on the Internet and find some courses of interest• Notice how they are marketed to the target audience• Take a few courses• Talk to your target audience about eLearning

© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC

Criteria for Choosing Technology Vendors

• End user device/OS• Target environment IT requirements• Learner requirements• Business process requirements• Supports your course format(s)• Content development processes• Cost• Implementation timeframe• Vendor training and support

© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC04/10/2023

eLearning RFPs

RFP form is for LMS vendor.

© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC© 2006-14 BlueStreak Learning, LLC

Questions??

© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC

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© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC© 2006-14 BlueStreak Learning, LLC

Contact

jennifer@bluestreaklearning.com

630-842-1865