Edition Two

Subject: The MOST Valuable eLearning Management Tips

In this edition:

ToolBox Tidings
Welcome back to MOST, My SkillSource Online Support Toolbox. You've recently launched My SkillSource, your new eLearning initiative, and you're beginning to see site activity. Your awareness and promotional efforts are starting to pay off. Well done! 
 

How Can eLearning Work With My ILC 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 your 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:

• 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.


eLearning Management 101
Program management should be a simple and informative process, not a drain on your time and resources. My SkillSource is here to help.

As you discovered during orientation, you can easily tap into training administration site functions to access detailed usage reports, post announcements, set up groups, add and remove students and so much more.

Let's Create Your First Student Activity Report:

1. Type in http://www.myskillsource.com/
    

2. On the left side of the screen, halfway down, click on Administration Site.
    

3. At next screen, click on Administration Site again.
    

4. Enter your username and password, and click on the orange Log-in button.
    

5. Click on the View Reports tab along the top of the page.
    

6. Select Site Activity from the View Reports drop down box.
    

7. The page is titled Display Site Activity Data for Students.
    

8. Select ALL students and click Next Step.
    

9. You are now on the Site Activity Report Options page. Select the Online Detail Report to show you actual lesson information.
    

10. Next, select a Report Orientation, choosing Contract.
     

11. Finally, click on the orange Create Report button on the right side of the screen.
     

12. The report clearly indicates who has activated their subscription, and the number of times they have logged on to My SkillSource.
     

13. Congratulations...you've created your first My SkillSource Site Activity Report.

We hope that these few clicks have opened your eyes to the ease and power of the Learning Management System. When you have more time, explore the different report options and those that will be most meaningful for you and for your company.

Need additional assistance? If you have questions about interpreting your report, contact Michael Venuti at 888-887-8244 x12.


In Closing
eLearning programs take time to ramp up, so maintain enthusiasm and keep your sights on the horizon. A successful program is the result of a well thought-out implementation plan, featuring periodic updates and reinforcements.

Introducing: Marketing Tips
Promoting the availability and benefits of eLearning is an ongoing process. To help you continue to spread the word, a new marketing tip will accompany each edition of MOST.

This edition's tip: Create incentives. Offer movie tickets or a similar premium to the first five people who complete a course or get colleagues to activate their subscriptions.