Compliant & Accessible

Sometimes the content and the functionality of the eLearning aren’t reviewed to ensure that it is accessible; however, we have found that this is an important factor in choosing a supplier. For example, are written words on the screen large enough and in a suitable font, does the eLearning have a transcript, voice over and volume control? Does anyone in the organisation use accessibility software, for example a screen reader or magnification software? As part of the pilot, test the eLearning with the accessibility products that you are using or new software that you are reviewing.

If you aren’t aware of your Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliance status it is worthwhile checking. Perhaps it is necessary to provide software or sign language to aid the training.

Non PC Trainees

Perhaps not everyone in the organisation has access to a pc or knows how to use a pc. What solutions could be put in place so that the eLearning can be rolled across the organisation?

A traditional workshop is very costly to run however the eLearning could be used as the training material enabling someone other than a trained trainer to facilitate the session. Perhaps a team leader could get their team in a meeting room to watch the eLearning with a laptop, projector and screen. Naturally some types of eLearning are more suitable to watch than others.

In addition a voting system can be used; the trainees can watch the eLearning and then using zappers (remote controls) they can choose the answer to the question. The voting system software collects the answers for each individual. A cost effective and portable solution that is fun and suitable for large groups of people.

Using a dedicated drop-in training or computer room is a useful way to get groups of people booked in at a specific time to do the eLearning. Perhaps someone can help people who aren’t that comfortable using a computer log in, get set and help with any technical queries so that they can complete the training.

Out of Hours or Off-Line

If an employee has a computer at home but not in the office perhaps they can do the training at home or out of hours. A good quality eLearning solution should track the time spent and the test results in a learning management system. Therefore, it may be possible to offer the trainee time in lieu.

The time spent doing the eLearning and test results will not automatically be recorded in a Learning Management System (LMS) unless the eLearning is hosted in a LMS either web based or on the network. The eLearning could be hosted in-house on the network or intranet, one of the downsides to this is that it may not be possible to track the test results or who has completed the eLearning. Not having a tracking or recording system in place could reduce the data collected for reports, impact assessments, appraisals or training records.

To overcome the issue of tracking the IT department or solution provider may be able to create a tracking process. For example, tracking who has logged into the eLearning by using the trainee’s system log in or password, or by creating a registration page. The test results could then be recorded into a database on the network or emailed to a designated person.

If neither of these options is technically feasible, becomes too costly or changes the scope of the project too much; a simple but more manual solution would be to provide hard copy tests and evaluations that can be filled by the trainee and simply given, posted or faxed back.

In a similar way if there isn’t an internet or network then perhaps a CD or DVD can be used for people to watch the eLearning and then use the manual method for a test and evaluation.

Next Time………. Keeping the Success of the Training Alive.

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