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"Simple and effective tips to make eLearning successful lessons learned from various industries // Final Version Contribution

n for NCeL 12th Seminar e-Learning Practices: Factors for Successful Performance Al Jouf University, Sakaka Al Jouf, April 2-3, 2014 Dr. Daniel Stoller-Schai1
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Head of LerNetz for Enterprises Solutions Member of the board

-LerNetz AG - Netzwerk fr elektronische Lernmedien Kornhausplatz 14, 3011 Bern, Switzerland http://www.lernetz.ch | daniel.stoller-schai@lernetz.ch

This abstract is a working paper and points out, that successful eLearning has more to offer than just web based trainings with tests which are hosted on complex Learning management systems (LMS). Successful e-Learning integrated into a rich Blended Learning Scenario has the potential to revolutionize learning and work environments.

Table of contents 1! What is eLearning today? A short overview. ............................................... 2! 2! What is successful eLearning? ....................................................................... 2! 2.1! The Learner perspective .......................................................................... 2! 2.2! The Manager / Dean perspective ............................................................ 2! 2.3! The Learning Designer / Producer perspective ........................................ 2! 2.4! The Trainer / Moderator perspective....................................................... 2! 2.5! The IT Department perspective............................................................... 3! 2.6! Summary ................................................................................................ 3! 3! The Framework: LerNetz Learning-House ................................................... 3! 4! Summary ...................................................................................................... 4! 5! References .................................................................................................... 4! 6! About the author .......................................................................................... 5!

Abstract_1 Dr. Daniel Stoller-Schai | NCeL 12th Seminar e-Learning Practices: Factors for Successful Performance | Al Jouf University, Skaka Al Jouf, April 2-3, 2014 p.1

1 What is eLearning today? A short overview.


In a couple of companies, employees consider eLearning often a as a boring duty to achieve certain compliance points. They have to go through web based training (WBT) modules, which are simple page turners with a test at the end. In many cases these web based trainings are hosted on a complex Learning Management System (LMS), which the employee neither understand nor like. Actually eLearning is much more than this. Modern web based learning is realized in a variety of online and offline learning formats. Online learning formats can be accessed from any networked device, be it a computer, a tablet or a smartphone. Modern web based learning is no longer focused on the self-paced learner but more on communities of learners who interact with each other.

2 What is successful eLearning?


The success of eLearning depends on the perspective of the observer. In the presentation we differentiate between five perspectives: 2.1 The Learner perspective The perspective of the learner is focused on a learning experience, which generates an added value and sustainable learning results. Based on Dr. Michaels work, eLearning programs should try to achieve three goals in order to be considered as successful (Source: Dr. Michael Allen, www.alleni.com) : Enhance the learners motivation to learn Focus learners on behavior-enhancing tasks Create meaningful and memorable experiences 2.2 The Manager / Dean perspective Form the perspective of the Dean of a University or the Manager of a company who is responsible for training and development more financial and strategic parameters decide about the success of an eLearning program. Those are e.g.: Is the budget under control? Are the top-level learning goals achieved? Does the learning program contribute to the Learning Vision realized (if there is any) 2.3 The Learning Designer / Producer perspective Form the perspective of a Learning Designer and Producer the success of eLearning is based on the following aspects: Possibility to design interesting state-of-the-art learning processes. Availability of powerful authoring tools and learning platforms, eLearning productions which go beyond the production of boring web based trainings 2.4 The Trainer / Moderator perspective Form the perspective of a Trainer and Moderator the success of eLearning is very much focused on the concrete execution of a Learning program. The success factors are: Few dropouts in my courses Excellent results at the end of a training program Transfer of knowledge into practice Active participation of learners in learning communities.
Abstract Dr. Daniel Stoller-Schai | NCeL 12th Seminar e-Learning Practices: Factors for Successful Performance | Al Jouf University, Skaka Al Jouf, April 2-3, 2014 p.2

2.5 The IT Department perspective Finally, the success of eLearning defined by the IT-Department is focused more on the smooth operations and a slim maintenance and support process: No server, network and software issues, Few support cases, Easy updates and maintenance 2.6 Summary To summarize, what we mean by successful eLearning depends very much on the perspective of the beholder (Image 1). However, among those five groups, the learner should be the main reference for all decisions related to the design of new learning programs. If the learners consider a learning program as failure, then all other success factors are discredited.

Manager/Dean

What is successful eLearning?

Learning Designer/ Producer

Trainer/Moderator

It depends on the perspective!!

Learner

IT Departement

Image 1 Success is a question of the beholder

3 The Framework: LerNetz Learning-House


In order to tackle systematically the different aspects and roles in the successful development, design, production and rollout of a an eLearning program, LerNetz developed a framework called the LerNetz Learning-House (Image 2) with the Learning Vision and Strategy as the roof, the different learning format as the different levels (floors) of the house, the competencies a the main pillar who assists the different levels and the technology systems, platforms and the authoring tools who build the fundament of the house.

Manager/Dean

Learning Vision / -Strategy! Self directed Learning!

Learning Designer/ Producer

Collaborative Learning! Competencies! Social Learning!

Trainer/Moderator

Testing / Assessments! Technology Systems / Platforms / Authoring Tools!

IT Departement

LerNetz Learning-House!

Image 2 The LerNetz Learning-House


Abstract Dr. Daniel Stoller-Schai | NCeL 12th Seminar e-Learning Practices: Factors for Successful Performance | Al Jouf University, Skaka Al Jouf, April 2-3, 2014 p.3

In the presentation this model will be illustrated with a broad variety of examples from various industries. The goal of this approach is to take into account the different stakeholder roles as well as the different aspect regarding learning formats, competencies and technology when designing a sustainable eLearning process.

4 Summary
Finally, the main success factors for each stakeholder role are being summarized in Image 3 to Image 6. These factors are based on many projects with companies, universities and schools. To follow them, helps to create more successful eLearning programs. The two main factors are clear goals (What do we want to achieve with eLearning?) and communication across hierarchical levels and between different departments (Who is doing what? How can we achieve the goals together?).

Manager/Dean

Successful eLearning !
Manager / Dean! ! What is the Learning vision?! ! What are the goals for eLearning?! ! How do you measure it?! ! Create a clear strategy and concrete tasks for your eLearning team! ! Explore the new learning formats yourself!

Manager/Dean

Successful eLearning !
Learning Designer / Producer! ! Explore the new learning formats yourself... and get familiar with the authoring tools! ! Design blended learning scenarios, help to change face-to-face training! ! Create learning events, not just courses!

Learning Designer /Producer

Learning Designer /Producer

Trainer / Moderator

Trainer / Moderator

IT Departement

IT Department

Image 3 Manager / Dean

Image 4 Learning Designer / Producer

Manager/Dean

Successful eLearning !
Trainer / Moderator! ! Explore the new learning formats yourself... And get familiar with moderation techniques! ! Activate your participants on a community platform with tasks. ! ! Share best practices and successes. It is about storytelling!!

Manager/Dean

Successful eLearning !
IT Department! ! Explore the new learning formats yourself... and get familiar with the backend systems! ! Be a partner of the eLearning Team! ! Help to make eLearning processes available on mobile devices! ! Deliver great service and support!

Learning Designer /Producer

Learning Designer /Producer

Trainer / Moderator

Trainer / Moderator

IT Department

IT Department

Image 5 Trainer / Moderator

Image 6 IT Department

5 References
[How08] Howe, Jeff: Crowdsourcing: Why the power of the crowd is driving the future of business. Crown Business 2008. [Kim00] Kim, A. J.: Community Building on the Web: Secret Strategies for Successful Online Communities (On the Web), Amsterdam 2000. [PaP07] Palloff, R. M.; Pratt, K.: Building Online Learning Communities: Effective Strategies for the Virtual Classroom, Hoboken 2007. [PaP99] Palloff, R. M.; Pratt, K.: Building Learning Communities in Cyberspace: Effective Strategies for the Online Classroom, Hoboken 1999.

Abstract Dr. Daniel Stoller-Schai | NCeL 12th Seminar e-Learning Practices: Factors for Successful Performance | Al Jouf University, Skaka Al Jouf, April 2-3, 2014 p.4

[Wei00] Weinberger, D. et al.: The Cluetrain Manifesto, Cambridge (MA) 2000.

6 About the author


Dr. Daniel Stoller-Schai is an Education Design Expert with special expertise in Organizational Learning, eLearning, Knowledge Management, Social Media and Learning Architectures. He holds a master in Pedagogy and Computer Science from the University of Zrich as well as a PhD in Information Systems from the University of St. Gallen. Dr. Daniel Stoller-Schai worked as Director and Manager of Education Design for various companies in different industries. In addition, he is also the co-organizer of the Swiss eLearning Conference SeLC. In his current position he works for LerNetz AG in Bern as Head of LerNetz for Enterprises Solutions and Member of the board.

Abstract Dr. Daniel Stoller-Schai | NCeL 12th Seminar e-Learning Practices: Factors for Successful Performance | Al Jouf University, Skaka Al Jouf, April 2-3, 2014 p.5

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