Rapid e-learning: it’s all part of the service

The biggest buzzword of 2006 in the e-learning world has to be ‘rapid’. Add to that some other words, say ‘Breeze’ or ‘Articulate’ (just two of the so called ‘rapid tools’ family) and you have a ‘90% plus’ monopoly on all that’s been written so far.

The term ‘rapid e-learning’ is one that’s rife with personal interpretation, and in many ways plays on what one personally wants it to be. Here at Epic recently, a discussion on the topic opened up a whole variety of possibilities. One train of thought focused on empowering subject matter experts (SMEs): options ranging from training them in instructional design and ‘leaving them to it’, to sending in a small e-learning team to work onsite with them. Another strand focused on tools and ‘rapid development’.

Epic’s experiences, which are also supported by recent research by the eLearning Guild, suggest that the most likely areas to cause delays in traditional e-learning development are content issues (scope, approval and the creation process), client time and availability (testing and review, approval cycles), and technology issues (often integration and late changes). Key to rapid e-learning is eliminating these issues where possible, so it wasn’t a surprise to have suggestions focusing on SMEs and technology.

The most interesting ‘definition’ emerged when the discussion focused on client time and availability, together with a ‘bigger picture’ perspective of the SME and technology. The idea of rapid e-learning as a service emerged: one that ensured that the client would be ‘given the capability’ by Epic to create effective e-learning in a matter of weeks, this offering being different for different client needs.

This last option feels to be a good way of looking at the solution to our ‘what is it?’ problem. But what services to provide client ‘capability’ are we looking at? Well, there appears to be a small number of elements that characterises client readiness and a need for ‘rapid e-learning’ in the first place. This list could be a good basis to start:

1. Required in a matter of weeks
2. An available and empowered SME
3. Few, if any, additional client resources available
4. Characteristic subject matter:
   o Informational: awareness and recall
   o Systems: simple applications
   o Assessment: compliance
   o Simple behavioural: question-based approach
   o Volatile: requiring regular updates
   o Pre work: before a face-to-face event to leverage more value

Now you would start to add the service requirements according to your needs:

1. A simple, interoperable ‘fill in the blanks’ tool of choice
There are many tools out there, and Epic has experience in most of them. But what if you haven’t yet chosen one – which is right for you, if any? We can work with you in choosing, and ensure you’ll gain the most from it.

2. Final content in a form that works for you – e.g. Flash
Your content has to reach its final audience. For example, Epic’s own tool delivers Flash and accessible HTML as standard.

3. The capability to ensure simple and effective learning content
This is crucial to success. This could be the provision of workshops and training for SMEs, coaching, and continual mentoring for long term approaches; for a one-off project, a more ‘hands-on’ approach.

In addition, content graphics to enhance learning may be required, together with a ‘branded’ look and feel.

For bigger pieces, project management of resources, especially SMEs, may be required.

4. Fixed templates based on sound learning / interactive principles
To make your job as easy as possible, and to ensure that the resultant learning is as effective and as usable as possible.

5. Options for assessment and tracking ‘built in’
To fulfil your organisation’s needs, you may need to track usage or confirm success via an assessment, possibly through your organisation’s LMS. Your tool of choice should be capable of this.

For more information about Epic's services please contact us on 01273 728686 or by email on marketing@epic.co.uk