Segment 4: Making the MOST of Training Constituents


How Can eLearning Work With My Instructor-led Program?

These days, few training professionals doubt the power of the one-two punch of instructor-led classes (ILC) combined with eLearning resources. Each has its place in the education process. Adult learners require training to be relevant to their interests or job activity, with the opportunity for reference and reinforcement.

Some traditional classroom instructors, however, object to eLearning and perceive it as a threat to their job function. At the risk of simplifying this complex issue, they may also feel so strongly about the human touch that, for them, eLearning holds little value. Alternatively, they may have been exposed to poorly produced eLearning materials and disregard its potential.
The key is to help instructors understand the balance between eLearning and ILC. eLearning is simply a tool; it can never replace the value that instructors bring to a class of students. eLearning is an alternative means of information delivery and training that, when used in tandem with ILC, heightens the effectiveness of the overall program and enables you to expand your training reach very cost-effectively. One form of training supports the other.

Professional carpenters carry around a tool kit filled with a hammer and nails along with tweezers, steel wool and other items you might not expect. While eLearning may not be one of the things traditionally found in a trainer's toolkit, it offers a myriad of possibilities:

     • Integrate certain course into management & leadership development programs

     • A prerequisite to ILC. Imagine beginning a class with each student having already reviewed the "basics" (or at
     • least a higher level of understanding!)

     • Integrate into classes and seminars. eLearning can be used to add texture, and is great for covering particular
     • subject areas or commands

     • A homework or project assignment

     • An after-class reference and reinforcement tool. Students are always excited to hear that they will have back-up
     • support to turn to after classes end.


Here's how eLearning can work in concert with ILC programs:

     • Free-up ILC resources. Explore how eLearning courses can be used to fulfill basic, common training requirements allowing you to free up other valuable resources so you can: spend ILC hours on proprietary topics, offer advanced training, or add a new class

     • Reach more students. Use eLearning to reach users at remote offices where it's difficult or impossible to conduct ILC

     • Train-the-trainer with advanced level eLearning classes

     • Efficient training and quick reference to support desk personnel

     • Sustain user learning and productivity in-between formal learning events

A seismic shift in your training culture will not occur instantly. Spend time educating the educators. Include them in brainstorming sessions concerning where and how the eLearning can fit in and work for them.

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How To Get Trainers and Training Liaisons to Actively Support eLearning
The success of an eLearning program may hinge on the degree to which trainers and support staff accept and embrace it as a tool. Trainers and liaisons that understand the reasons behind change are more likely to accept and embrace it. Here's how to turn a potential threat into a great asset.

We strongly encourage you to include trainers in the eLearning implementation process from the start. Announce the program to them prior to employees at large. This will build trust and their ultimate buy-in. Having all departments well-versed in eLearning will enable them to provide students with eLearning orientation sessions in instructor-led classes.
Consider your training staff/department and liaisons, and ask yourself, “Who’s likely to be an advocate? Who’s likely to resist?” Meet one-on-one with your advocates; recruit their active support both in meetings and behind the scenes. Also meet with those likely to resist the program and address their concerns head on.

Hold special meetings with your trainers/liaisons to discuss the role of eLearning within the organization (this may require multiple sessions over time). Be sure to equip your training staff with copies of the student packs so that they can convey eLearning benefits, information and how-to's to interested employees.

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In Closing
If training liaisons and staff understand the benefits and leverage that eLearning offers your department and the organization, you will have assembled a team of eLearning champions that will be among your most valuable proponents!


Marketing Tip
Introduce eLearning as toll that can be used to fulfill employee development plans and succession related training requirements

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