© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC© 2006-14 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
Elements of a Successful
E-Learning Strategy
By Jennifer De Vries, CPT
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
About Jennifer De Vries
• Jennifer De Vries, MA, CPT,
President and Chief Solutions
Architect for BlueStreak Learning
• Over 25 years of experience in the
e-learning industry
• Managed e-learning programs for
Joint Commission, IBM, Motorola,
Galileo International and
Thomson/NETg
• Researcher, writer and speaker at
major training industry events
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
BlueStreak Learning Overview
• BlueStreak Learning is a boutique, but full-
service eLearning firm located in Central Florida
and the Chicago area.
• We offer three primary services
– eLearning strategy consulting
– eLearning technology selection
• LMS
• LCMS
• Authoring tools
– Custom eLearning course development
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
Agenda
• Will last about 45 minutes
• Topics covered:
– Why Have an E-Learning Strategy
– E-Learning Critical Success Factors
– Choosing an E-Learning Technology Vendor
– Q&A
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
Why E-Learning Strategy
• Define and Meet Business Goals
• Establish a Cohesive Learning Solution
• Foundation for Sustainable Growth
• Rationale for Organizational Development
• Improved ROI
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
“Helpful Associations”
• Wanted to offer
e-learning courses to their
3000 members
• Decided to resell library of off-
the-shelf courses on topics like
compliance and computer
skills.
• Courses available to members
within a month
• First year sales were about
10% of plan
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
“Open Door University”
• Local university wanted to
expand their market by offering
distance learning
• Purchased high-end video
technology solution with grant
funding
• Developed courses for the
distance learning program
• Found that most potential
students did not meet the
minimum platform requirements
to access courses
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC© 2006-14 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
Discussion Question #1
What do you think is the primary
reason that these e-learning
programs didn’t meet their goal?
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
The Standard Rationales
These standard rationales are mostly
FALSE …
– Our audience doesn’t want e-learning
– The general public thinks e-learning should be
free
– E-Learning isn’t the right solution for our
organization
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
The REAL Reason
In each of these cases …
Managers never considered one or more
critical elements of a successful e-learning
strategy
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
Six Elements of an E-Learning Strategy
E-Learning
Program
Goals
Technology
Financial
Analysis
Administration
& Support
MarCom Audiences &
Content
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC© 2006-14 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
Discussion Question #2
Has your organization
established an e-learning
strategy?
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
E-Learning Strategy Survey Data
 89% of respondents stated that
having an e-learning strategy was
either critical or very important to
their professional success.
 Only 31% of respondents have an
organizational e-learning strategy
in place.
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC© 2006-14 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
Discussion Question #3
Which of these
elements are included
in your strategy?
Elements are:
• Organizational Goals
• Audiences & Content
• Technology
• Financial Analysis
• Support & Administration
• Marketing/Communication
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
More Survey Data
Strategic Element Percent Completed
Technology 90%
Audiences & Content 75%
Organizational Goals 65%
Support and Administration 60%
Financial Analysis 50%
Communication 45%
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
Set Goals, then Consider Other
Elements
E-Learning
Program
Goals
Technology
Financial
Analysis
Administration
& Support
MarCom
Audiences &
Content
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
Research Before Goal Setting
• Research data is foundational
• Conduct an audience needs assessment
• Review team readiness
– Educate existing team members
– Hire consultants to fill gaps
• Obtain executive direction and buy-in
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC© 2006-14 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
Discussion Question #4
How does an eLearning Needs
Assessment differ from a Training
Needs Assessment?
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
Defining the Goals
Goals describe how the e-learning program
will …
– Meet the needs of your learners
(customers)
• Lower their educational cost
• Improve their productivity or profitability
– Ultimately help your organization
(in business terms)
• Save costs
• Generate additional revenue
• Improve customer satisfaction or loyalty
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
LMS
(Learning Management System)
Synchronous
(Scheduled)
Blended
• Sync/Async
• Face to Face
Classroom
*Note: Capabilities can vary by product
Asynchronous
(Self-Paced)
AICC
Collaborative
Learn from
each other
Learning Technologies for Delivery
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC© 2006-14 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
Discussion Question #5
What type of eLearning do you
offer or want to offer?
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
Sourcing Content
Buy
Selection considerations
– Interactivity level
– Quality level
– Bandwidth and platform
requirements
Build
• Reformat or develop from
scratch?
• Development processes
and resources
– High level process
– Authoring software
– Roles and responsibilities
– Skills needed
Course evaluation and revision?
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
Content Example: Supercharging
PowerPoint with Articulate
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
Content Example: Recorded Session
Conversion
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
Content Example: Scenario-based
eLearning with Articulate Storyline
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
Discussion Question #6
• What topics would you like to offer
in an e-learning format?
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
Financial Analysis
• Three important calculations
– Profit & Loss per year
– Break-Even Analysis
– ROI over 3 to 5 years
• Consult with your finance department for
assistance
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
The Need for
Administration and Support
E-Learning is a technology
business
– User-ids and passwords
– Minimum platform
requirements
– Browsers and plug-ins
– Firewalls
– Bandwidth
– Upgrades and enhancements
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC© 2006-14 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
Discussion Question #7
Who will answer the phone calls
and emails from learners?
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
If you build it, will they complete it?
Marketing Communication
– Get the word out
– Focus on benefits to learners
– Address resistance points
– Offer timely incentives
– Demos/Trials
– Partner with marketing, PR and/or employee relations
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
Before you build an eLearning program …
• Go out on the Internet and find some courses of interest
• Notice how they are marketed to the target audience
• Take a few courses
• Talk to your target audience about eLearning
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
Criteria for Choosing Technology
Vendors
• End user device/OS
• Target environment IT requirements
• Learner requirements
• Business process requirements
• Supports your course format(s)
• Content development processes
• Cost
• Implementation timeframe
• Vendor training and support
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
eLearning RFPs
8/15/2014
RFP form is
for LMS
vendor.
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC© 2006-14 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
Questions??
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
 We value your feedback. Please complete the
Breakout Session Evaluation form before you
leave.
 If this is the last session you plan to attend, turn
over the form and rate the entire event.
 Return the form to the room monitor once you are
finished.
Session Evaluation Form
© 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC© 2006-14 BlueStreak Learning, LLC
Contact
jennifer@bluestreaklearning.com
630-842-1865

Cets 2014 devries elearning strategy session

  • 1.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC© 2006-14 BlueStreak Learning, LLC Elements of a Successful E-Learning Strategy By Jennifer De Vries, CPT
  • 2.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC About Jennifer De Vries • Jennifer De Vries, MA, CPT, President and Chief Solutions Architect for BlueStreak Learning • Over 25 years of experience in the e-learning industry • Managed e-learning programs for Joint Commission, IBM, Motorola, Galileo International and Thomson/NETg • Researcher, writer and speaker at major training industry events
  • 3.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC BlueStreak Learning Overview • BlueStreak Learning is a boutique, but full- service eLearning firm located in Central Florida and the Chicago area. • We offer three primary services – eLearning strategy consulting – eLearning technology selection • LMS • LCMS • Authoring tools – Custom eLearning course development
  • 4.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC Agenda • Will last about 45 minutes • Topics covered: – Why Have an E-Learning Strategy – E-Learning Critical Success Factors – Choosing an E-Learning Technology Vendor – Q&A
  • 5.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC Why E-Learning Strategy • Define and Meet Business Goals • Establish a Cohesive Learning Solution • Foundation for Sustainable Growth • Rationale for Organizational Development • Improved ROI
  • 6.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC “Helpful Associations” • Wanted to offer e-learning courses to their 3000 members • Decided to resell library of off- the-shelf courses on topics like compliance and computer skills. • Courses available to members within a month • First year sales were about 10% of plan
  • 7.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC “Open Door University” • Local university wanted to expand their market by offering distance learning • Purchased high-end video technology solution with grant funding • Developed courses for the distance learning program • Found that most potential students did not meet the minimum platform requirements to access courses
  • 8.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC© 2006-14 BlueStreak Learning, LLC Discussion Question #1 What do you think is the primary reason that these e-learning programs didn’t meet their goal?
  • 9.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC The Standard Rationales These standard rationales are mostly FALSE … – Our audience doesn’t want e-learning – The general public thinks e-learning should be free – E-Learning isn’t the right solution for our organization
  • 10.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC The REAL Reason In each of these cases … Managers never considered one or more critical elements of a successful e-learning strategy
  • 11.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC Six Elements of an E-Learning Strategy E-Learning Program Goals Technology Financial Analysis Administration & Support MarCom Audiences & Content
  • 12.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC© 2006-14 BlueStreak Learning, LLC Discussion Question #2 Has your organization established an e-learning strategy?
  • 13.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC E-Learning Strategy Survey Data  89% of respondents stated that having an e-learning strategy was either critical or very important to their professional success.  Only 31% of respondents have an organizational e-learning strategy in place.
  • 14.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC© 2006-14 BlueStreak Learning, LLC Discussion Question #3 Which of these elements are included in your strategy? Elements are: • Organizational Goals • Audiences & Content • Technology • Financial Analysis • Support & Administration • Marketing/Communication
  • 15.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC More Survey Data Strategic Element Percent Completed Technology 90% Audiences & Content 75% Organizational Goals 65% Support and Administration 60% Financial Analysis 50% Communication 45%
  • 16.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC Set Goals, then Consider Other Elements E-Learning Program Goals Technology Financial Analysis Administration & Support MarCom Audiences & Content
  • 17.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC Research Before Goal Setting • Research data is foundational • Conduct an audience needs assessment • Review team readiness – Educate existing team members – Hire consultants to fill gaps • Obtain executive direction and buy-in
  • 18.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC© 2006-14 BlueStreak Learning, LLC Discussion Question #4 How does an eLearning Needs Assessment differ from a Training Needs Assessment?
  • 19.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC Defining the Goals Goals describe how the e-learning program will … – Meet the needs of your learners (customers) • Lower their educational cost • Improve their productivity or profitability – Ultimately help your organization (in business terms) • Save costs • Generate additional revenue • Improve customer satisfaction or loyalty
  • 20.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC LMS (Learning Management System) Synchronous (Scheduled) Blended • Sync/Async • Face to Face Classroom *Note: Capabilities can vary by product Asynchronous (Self-Paced) AICC Collaborative Learn from each other Learning Technologies for Delivery
  • 21.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC© 2006-14 BlueStreak Learning, LLC Discussion Question #5 What type of eLearning do you offer or want to offer?
  • 22.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC Sourcing Content Buy Selection considerations – Interactivity level – Quality level – Bandwidth and platform requirements Build • Reformat or develop from scratch? • Development processes and resources – High level process – Authoring software – Roles and responsibilities – Skills needed Course evaluation and revision?
  • 23.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC Content Example: Supercharging PowerPoint with Articulate
  • 24.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC Content Example: Recorded Session Conversion
  • 25.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC Content Example: Scenario-based eLearning with Articulate Storyline
  • 26.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC Discussion Question #6 • What topics would you like to offer in an e-learning format?
  • 27.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC Financial Analysis • Three important calculations – Profit & Loss per year – Break-Even Analysis – ROI over 3 to 5 years • Consult with your finance department for assistance
  • 28.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC The Need for Administration and Support E-Learning is a technology business – User-ids and passwords – Minimum platform requirements – Browsers and plug-ins – Firewalls – Bandwidth – Upgrades and enhancements
  • 29.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC© 2006-14 BlueStreak Learning, LLC Discussion Question #7 Who will answer the phone calls and emails from learners?
  • 30.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC If you build it, will they complete it? Marketing Communication – Get the word out – Focus on benefits to learners – Address resistance points – Offer timely incentives – Demos/Trials – Partner with marketing, PR and/or employee relations
  • 31.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC Before you build an eLearning program … • Go out on the Internet and find some courses of interest • Notice how they are marketed to the target audience • Take a few courses • Talk to your target audience about eLearning
  • 32.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC Criteria for Choosing Technology Vendors • End user device/OS • Target environment IT requirements • Learner requirements • Business process requirements • Supports your course format(s) • Content development processes • Cost • Implementation timeframe • Vendor training and support
  • 33.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC eLearning RFPs 8/15/2014 RFP form is for LMS vendor.
  • 34.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC© 2006-14 BlueStreak Learning, LLC Questions??
  • 35.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC  We value your feedback. Please complete the Breakout Session Evaluation form before you leave.  If this is the last session you plan to attend, turn over the form and rate the entire event.  Return the form to the room monitor once you are finished. Session Evaluation Form
  • 36.
    © 2009 BlueStreakLearning, LLC© 2006-14 BlueStreak Learning, LLC Contact jennifer@bluestreaklearning.com 630-842-1865