Over the past few years, instructor-led training (ILT) has been done virtually (VILT), using tools such as Zoom or WebEx. However, either training program can be challenging to maintain, so going from VILT/ILT to e-learning can be a real business benefit.
In this post, we discuss everything that you need to go from VILT/ILT to e-learning. For starters, you’ll need an e-learning authoring tool and a learning management system (LMS).
A Change in Mindset
But before we discuss the tools needed to go from VILT/ILT to e-learning, be aware that the process requires a changed mind. What does that mean to you, as a training provider? For one thing, e-learning is not supposed to be duplicative of your VILT/ILT. You must come to terms with the idea that e-learning doesn’t have to be thirty- to -sixty-minute modules. Once your mind is ready, you can take the first steps to go from VILT/ILT to e-learning.
The first thing you need to do is to review your training content and decide what can be changed. When determining what can be translated over, remember that the objective of your training content needs to be translated to e-learning. For example, if your goal is for learners to practice, how can that practice be done in your e-learning course? Perhaps it can’t be done at all. When that happens, look at the overall purpose of the content, and create a new objective that works better in e-learning.
E-learning Authoring Tools
Also, many authoring tools are available to create e-learning, or asynchronous learning. The right one can enable you to create smaller modules that can help you reach the overall objective.
Now you need to select the tool that best serves the content. For example, if your VILT session calls for breakout rooms or fishbowl scenarios, the chosen authoring tool must easily translate that experience into either branching or gamified scenarios. Though it might seem difficult at first, with the right tool, it’s simple to create these types of interactive learning experiences. There are many great authoring tools available, so be sure to do your research before choosing one to invest your time and money into.
Learning Management System
After you have reviewed your lessons, figured out what can be converted to e-learning, updated your objectives, and selected an authoring tool, the next thing you need to go from VILT/ILT to e-learning is an LMS.
As a training provider, you might find that most of your clients have their own LMS. However, your clients can still use theirs and connect to yours. Having an LMS that is designed for training professionals such as yourself will enable you to keep control of your training content and protect your intellectual property. The right LMS can also enable you to work with clients that don’t have an LMS.
Complete the Transition
When going from VILT/ILT to e-learning, certain things will make the transition go smoothly. First, do an in-depth review of your content. Determine what can be transitioned over. E-learning is not supposed to be duplicative of your VILT/ILT session, so check your learning objectives and update them as needed, so they translate properly to e-learning. The next step is to select an authoring tool that best serves your content. This means the chosen tool should assist you in transitioning your content. For example, if you want to create branching scenarios or gamified lessons, the authoring tool should make it easy to do so.
Finally, make sure you have access to an LMS. Selecting the right LMS is the same as selecting the right authoring tool. It should make it easy for you to distribute your learning in a way that aligns with your business goals and objectives. It will also enable you to work with various clients, those with an LMS and those without one. Once all these things are in place, you are ready to convert from VILT/ILT to e-learning.
If you are interested in moving your training business from ILT to e-learning, check out the following resources:
- Five Things to Test before Launching an Online Training Course
- The Training Provider’s Guide for Mastering the E-learning Landscape
- 4 Things to Know about Instructional Design for E-learning
Here at Firmwater, we don’t just sell an LMS for training providers. We partner with them, giving them the tools and insights that they need to implement the best practices in e-learning course development, business growth, and delivery. When they need help, we don’t let them wade through forums and chatbots.
Ready to use an LMS that’s designed for the way YOU work, with a team dedicated to YOUR needs? Book a no-obligation consultation directly with our team today!