An In-Class Orientation for E-learners? Really?
One of the key challenges to overcome when implementing an e-learning curriculum is what is known as the “if you build it they will come” philosophy (remember the 1989 movie Field of Dreams starring Kevin Costner?). Just because your organization has invested in an e-learning option, doesn’t mean that it will succeed. A few posters here and there, perhaps a brief online tutorial, will not automatically make it a resounding success; learning, whether in-school or in-corporation, is about connecting with the learner.
An in-class orientation, where possible, should be the preferred method of preparing new e-learners for success. While it may seem counter-intuitive to roll out online e-learning by first having an in-class orientation workshop, such an undertaking will allow for e-learners of similar backgrounds (i.e., familiarity and comfort with computers and the online world) to work with the organization’s e-learning Champion to approach e-learning positively and with a plan for success. If the organization has administered a survey or undertaken one-on-one interviews with prospective e-learners, and if an e-learning Champion or Champions have been identified, the in-class orientation should be an integral step in preparing for organizational and learner success.
Armed with data about who is at what level when it comes to using computers … believe it or not, there are still many people that know how to use the software required for work, and no more … bring people together with similar computer backgrounds for your e-learning in-class orientation. Walk them through the why’s and wherefore’s of the e-learning program, and then help them to actually log-in and complete a short one module e-learning offering. Be patient, answer questions, and be supportive. The objective is to work with users to set goals and objectives that are achievable and will allow all e-learners to feel successful. Success will breed success and excitement; discouragement will breed failure and discontent, resulting in resources being wasted needlessly.
This is post 4 of 7 of the E-learning Success Model … view the others by following these links:
- A Model for E-learning Success
- Understand the E-learner
- Onsite E-learning Champions
- In-Class Orientation for E-learners
- Support from the E-learner’s Manager
- Provided time to E-learners during Work Hours
- Let E-learners Have a Role in Choosing their E-learning Courses
Develop On Site E-learning Champions
Do you remember the first time that you baked a cake (or drove a car, built a deck, installed a piece of software, etc.)? Were you on your own or was there someone there to show you, assist you, help and support you, encourage you? If that example doesn’t resonate with you, think of a time when you were doing something for the first time and you weren’t sure what to do. How about the time you purchased that print server for your home office, invested four hours trying to get it working, another two hours on the phone waiting for a technician, and then after connecting with someone, having it up and running in just ten more minutes. Do you recall your feeling of frustration, and then finally relief when you had someone to turn to?
With E-learning it’s not a whole lot different. If you’ve taken the time to understand who your e-learners are, and if you have identified those individuals that may be a risk as a result of their lack of experience with computers and online environments (lots of people still don’t have Facebook pages), having a go-to person available for them to turn to can make the difference between a frustrating experience that will discourage them from trying again, to a good experience that will have them excited about exploring all the e-learning options available to them.
Even the best designed e-learning programs cannot compensate for a helping hand that is responsive and capable of assisting new learners when needed. Having an in-house E-learning Champion lets learners feel that their company supports their online e-learning efforts and helps to develop the confidence necessary to be successful with e-learning courses in the future.
E-learning Champions can come in all stripes. They can be a dedicated resource or other e-learning users that have volunteered to take the lead and assist others. The important thing is to ensure that some process is in place to support new e-learners. In addition to be being a point of contact for e-learners, E-learning Champion(s) can also make their presence known through the marketing and promotion of e-learning programs to goal-setting with learners and encouraging learner strategies for success.
This is post 3 of 7 of the E-learning Success Model … view the others by following these links:
- A Model for E-learning Success
- Understand the E-learner
- Onsite E-learning Champions
- In-Class Orientation for E-learners
- Support from the E-learner’s Manager
- Provided time to E-learners during Work Hours
- Let E-learners Have a Role in Choosing their E-learning Courses
