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California Designated Representative Certification Course

By SkillsPlus International

Not All E-learning is the Same

Everybody wants to offer e-learning solutions for their staff training and development needs. But not all e-learning is the same. E-learning should go beyond reading a book on a computer screen. Honestly, if I am going to read the words on page I would rather be under a fluffy blanket, curled up on the couch with a pot of hot tea and some butter cookies. E-learning should make full use of the technology of the computer. I want the instructor to talk to me, preferably, on the screen. Add some pictures, or better yet, add some live action video and animation. Provide some interaction to keep me fully engaged and challenged. Provide a handout to go along with the course so I can use that as a memory jogger after I have completed the course. E-learning developers, challenge yourself to go beyond republishing the text book on the computer screen. E-learning purchasers, demand more from your providers. Watch for tomorrow’s post for an e-learning black box warning.

An E-learning Black Box Warning: Caution This Course May Be Hazardous to Your Sanity

I have taken many e-learning courses over many years. Recently I purchased an e-learning course that really needed to carry a black box warning: Caution this course may be…  After purchasing the class I signed in and after some struggling I finally found the first lesson. I clicked the link that said “start”. Well it did, sort of. A PowerPoint Slide popped up. Now like PowerPoint if done well. However, this slide was full of text so small that I could not read it except by switching to my large screen monitor. There were two paragraphs of text. Now I must admit that I am getting a little older and perhaps the eye glasses need an update. So I waited for something to happen. I waited and waited, until I realized this was it. Read the text baby. So read I did, Clicked continued and finally got to the quiz. While taking the quiz I wanted to review some content. No, that was not allowed. I responded to the questions the best that I could. If I missed the answer the only feedback I got was, Incorrect. After one lesson I decided that there had to be a better way to learn. I found someone who offered the course in a true e-learning environment. Watch tomorrow’s blog to learn how to choose an e-learning provider.

Selecting e-learning that is Pure, Safe and Effective

Selecting an e-learning course is really rather simple.

1.  Identify the course you really need. An Internet search is a great way to learn what is offered.
2. If they boast about being the least expensive, remember that you get what you pay form. The best business advice I ever got from one of my accountants was, never purchase cheap.
3.  Compare the objectives of each course versus your requirements.
4.  Call the vendor and ask if there is a handout. If not, begin to wonder if the vendor is afraid that the lesson content may not be accurate and not stand up to a critical review.
5.  Ask to see a preview of the course. If they do not offer a free preview question what they are hiding. Be concerned that you will be paying a lot of money to read a book on your computer screen. Demand more!