This document summarizes a presentation on eLearning. It discusses common myths about eLearning, such as that it is too expensive or impersonal. The presentation defines eLearning as instruction delivered electronically and explores its history and growth. Barriers to eLearning like access and technology issues are addressed. The presentation provides examples of free and inexpensive eLearning tools and encourages attendees to start small with eLearning and not be discouraged by cost or technical skills.

1. “ eLearning Made Easy” ASTD Maryland Conference October 2, 2007 Dr. Greg Williams

2. What Do Want to Learn ? Your experiences with eLearning? Likes or dislikes? What don’t you understand? Personal barriers to using it? Organizational barriers?

3. Quiz “eLearning Myths” Takes a long time to develop Is expensive Requires lot of resources Puts trainers out of work Is impersonal

4. Quiz “eLearning Myths” Won’t be accepted One size fits all It’s too hard to learn Low quality

5. What is eLearning? Not really understood Instruction delivered electronically In part, or totally Has structure and purpose (objectives) Variety of delivery methods Learning tool (e.g. screwdriver)

6. eLearning History eLearning is not new Educational TV in 1960s Introduction of PC early 1980s Growth of Internet early 1990s Impact of September 11th

7. eLearning’s Recent Past Increased use of multi-media Mobile learning, iPod, cell phone, PDAs, digital cameras, video Growth of “personal broadcasting”

8. eLearning’s Future 100% growth in dollars spent ($11B) from 2001 to 2004 (ASTD) “ eLearning” to simply “Learning” New competencies for trainers Career opportunities

9. Why Is It Growing? Learn anytime, anywhere Incorporate multi-media Learner control On demand, just in time Can cost less Growth of digital culture, entertainment

10. Jump in the eLearning Pool? Ask why, before how Problem to be solved? eLearning is a tool Use right tool for right job

11. eLearning Benefits Ongoing communication Informal learning Learning communities More effective use of time Training feedback after course

12. eLearning Benefits Access to worldwide experts Richer learning experience with multimedia Feedback and follow-up Vehicle for coaching

13. eLearning Benefits (employer view) Increase access to learning Reduce time in classroom Reduce travel and hotel costs Consistent delivery & content

14. Is My Organization Ready for eLearning? Management support? Business case for it? Do users have access & skills? Have expertise, or buy it?

15. When to Use It When audience is spread out Good for repetitive training content Consistent instruction Better use of trainer’s & learner’s time To save money (potentially)

16. When to Use It Ongoing communication and feedback (process not an event) Access to learning resources & info Content that requires frequent changes Increase “informal learning ”

17. Barriers to eLearning Access Technology issues Cost Not equally effective for all content Learner motivation & initiative Learner preferences Doing it for wrong reasons (because we can)

18. What Does eLearning Look Like? “ I know it when I see it” Potter Stewart, Former Supreme Court Justice, describing pornography

19. What Does eLearning Look Like? That’s depends Goals, budget, expertise, resources, scale Compare to in-person course “ House” comparison

20. Delivery Formats Synchronous Asynchronous Blended or hybrid Instructor led, or no instructor

21. Delivery Vehicles Stand alone PC DVD, CD, VHS tapes Web-based, Internet or intranet Video, audio, satellite Video conferencing

22. Free & Inexpensive Tools Skype Blogger Audacity, audio software Webcams, video @ your PC

23. Free & Inexpensive Tools Moodle, LMS YouTube, video hosting Online surveys, Survey Monkey, Zoomerang

24. eLearning Demos Threaded Discussion (Blackboard) Audio (Audacity) PowerPoint with Audio (Walsh) PowerPoint to Flash (Articulate) Webcam (Logitech) YouTube

25. Group Exercise #1

26. Career Impact Impact for trainers? Trainer’s portfolios Problem or opportunity?

27. eLearning & Your Career It’s not for everyone It’s not going away Opportunities are increasing Career choices and options Too old?, Meet Jim Manion

28. Getting Started Ask why before how Don’t do it “because you can” Start small and slow Don’t spend a lot of money Test and experiment

29. How Can I Create eLearning? What are you trying to accomplish? Resources, expertise, audience? Instructional goals? What if I’m not technical? Don’t do just because you can

30. If I Can Do It… How I got started Not as hard as you think Technology get easier (really)

31. If I Can Do It… Try being a student first Add some eLearning to current training Try blended learning approach Be a team teacher Start slowly, experiment

32. Group Exercise #2

33. Closing Thoughts eLearning is not going away Embrace it as an opportunity It’s simpler than you think Don’t let cost or technology stop you You can do it! (if you want to)

34. Resources Websites Associations Handouts

35. UMBC Training Forum November 7 th 6:00 - 8:30pm “ How to Be a Training Consultant” UMBC Technology Center www.umbc.edu/isd

37. Questions & Discussion

38. Dr. Greg Williams Director & Clinical Assistant Professor UMBC, ISD Program 410-455-6773 [email_address] www.umbc.edu/isd