Learning Management System: eLeaP eLearning, Training Platform for Easy ELearning,Training Tool

a learning management system web 2.0 elearning platform, learning & content management system, LMS/LCMS

E-learning success is not guaranteed.

Find out what prevents success in the creation and implementation of an e-learning system.

From eLeaP Learning Management Systems

We are debuting the eLeaP Learning Channel on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/eleapdon

What prevents success in the creation and implementation of an e-learning system?  While there are numerous obstacles preventing the success of any endeavor, the e-learning systems, because they are relatively new and somewhat unknown, certainly create their share of pitfalls, and then some.  Obstacles can often be found in every aspect of e-learning…from content development through delivery to effectiveness.

Let’s examine the issue, then, as a body of mistakes:

1. Wrong approach to content development:  Although desired outcomes are the same for traditional training and e-learning, instructional design methods often fail to account for this. In simple terms, to be effective, e-learning must find new ways to involve the student in the learning process. The material will be ineffective if delivered simply as a textbook. It must become totally interactive so that we can replace (to some extent) the classroom instructor with increased student involvement. This means relying more heavily on exercises, quizzes, simulations and assignments than we would in a traditional environment; we need to duplicate to the extent possible the “see, do” method of training, allowing the student an opportunity to practice the new learning. And we need to do this frequently throughout the course.
2. Wrong authoring tools: The tools you use to create e-learning must align with your training objectives. Authoring tools enable instructors or designers to build courses and supporting materials such as quizzes and simulations. Consider: Do you really want to propose training your current instructors in the use of Captivate? How about Flash?

   Remember, too, that today virtually all software packages that are used to create
   e-learning courseware require licensing. A relatively simple program that converts PowerPoint to a SCORM compliant Flash package, such as Articulate Presenter, can cost upward of $1,400. And that’s  per seat!  This feature is built into the eLeaP system and is free.

Authoring programs that are platform specific (e.g., Windows XP) will require maintenance in order to keep them current with new technology. This, of course, is generally not free; unless, that is, you are using a hosted e-learning platform that is essentially “rented” (such as eLeaP), and includes upgrades and maintenance. Programs such as these are often known today as Software as a Service, or SAAS (and sometimes simply SAS).

However, there are going to be occasions where you may require specialized training tools, for example if you are training students in the use of a particular software package. In this case, you can use programs such as Captivate or Camtasia that simulate the actual working environment and allow users to develop skills without affecting “live” data. If you lack the resources in house for doing this, a third party contractor might be a good choice. Or even better, if you are using a system such as eLeaP, you can find specific expertise through its customization capabilities.

1. Wrong system employed for training: The systems you use for courseware development, delivery, learning management and assessment must integrate with one another. Think of them as tools. But remember, to a hammer, everything is a nail.

You must, therefore, choose a Learning Management System with the flexibility to host a variety of courseware types…from interactive simulations to Flash video to real-time problem solving. For example, have a look at eLeaP’s Learning Management System (www.eleapsoftware.com). It has the flexibility to host virtually any type of courseware that is SCORM compliant. A lack of this flexibility will severely limit the materials that can be delivered to the student.

You must also consider the system’s ease of use. As with the eLeaP system, students must be able to gain easy access and find an intuitive interface that requires little or no training. The system must work on virtually all platforms using any standard web browser. It must operate flawlessly so that, from the learners’ perspective, the fact that the content is being delivered electronically is secondary to the learning process.

1. Wrong level of investment: There are many systems available today that require virtually no startup funding and that can be deployed in practically no time at all, e.g., the eLeaP LCMS. Why, then, would you want to consider a system that costs upward of $250,000 to start and requires a significant amount of resources to implement?  After all, these are not full-blown ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems that must integrate all organizational functions.

Avoid the heavy sales pitch that uses the scare tactics of systems integration capabilities. Generally speaking, a simple Application Programming Interface (API) can be developed at minimal cost to integrate any LMS into the organization’s Learning and Development recording system. Also keep in mind that many of these complex Learning Management Systems  require a good deal of expensive, specialized technical support and training just to create courseware that is compatible with the delivery system. Again, the fact is that systems such as eLeaP require no programming or startup costs at all, deployment support is free, implementation and online training is free and 24/7 customer support is free.

To download free valuable e-learning white papers, go to http://www.eleapsoftware.com/free-training-resources/. Contact eLeaP LMS & Training software for e-learning and business training questions.

You can now easily create beautiful and professional certificates in your eLeaP LMS account. Simply use the [Custom Certificate Builder] to add certificates.

See a short video tutorial on how to create your own professional certificate.

As usual eLeaP is continuing to innovate and you benefit.

Most learning organizations establish a strategic plan, often yearly, that addresses the objectives to support the organization in achieving its goals over the plan’s period.  Training is a Learning and Development function that supports the organization’s strategic objectives by filling the gaps in skills and knowledge required to achieve those objectives.  In order to do this effectively, we must first identify those gaps and then establish an operational strategy that aligns with the organization’s overall strategy.  Let’s examine some of the steps common to this process.

1. Assess what level of performance will be required to assist the organization in achieving its goals.  What skills or enhancement will we need to implement the organization’s strategic plan? For example, if the strategic plan calls for a reduction in the cost of the products we manufacture to better compete in the market, we would want to determine if our supply management team has the necessary ability to negotiate better pricing with existing suppliers or find new ones. An assessment would be our first objective.
2. Determine where gaps currently exist between the existing performance and the required performance.  Here we want to assess the skills and performance that we currently have against what we have established as required to accomplish the levels of performance needed by the organization. Benchmarking and determining best practices would be our second objective.
3. Establish a strategy to meet current and future needs. The challenge, then, is to determine how we are going to go from where we are currently to where we need to be at some future point. There are several possible strategies to consider:
   1. i.      Provide in-house, specialized training to the supply management group by hiring instructors who are experts in the subject matter. This training will be tailored to our precise needs. Since the training will be conducted at the organization’s facilities, no travel is required. Very little cross-pollination of ideas will take place considering all the trainees will be from the same organization.
   2. ii.      Locate educational resources with existing training programs in the subjects.  This training will address the common needs of the mixed group. Staff can attend at several specific times during a period but will likely have to travel.
   3. iii.      Develop an eLearning program for both self-study and instructor-led online training (blended learning). This training, too, can be tailored to our exact needs; however, it is delivered through a Learning Management System that can be accessed by the trainee at any time. (To better  understand the capabilities of this method, browse through the eLeaP website at www.eleapsoftware.com)

Download the complete white paper and get access to free training resources including: White Papers, Reports, & articles at http://www.eleapsoftware.com/free-training-resources/

Training can be defined as the process of teaching or learning a skill. That’s the textbook definition. But in reality, the concept of training has many more aspects than just learning a skill. To many organizations, training is a means of meeting regulatory or legal requirements. Common to this purpose, for example, is training employees in the rules of sexual harassment in the workplace. There are other examples, as well: Safety Training for employees working with industrial equipment to meet insurance requirements or training in the organization’s policy and procedures. There is management training, too. One of the programs we see quite frequently is Training for New Supervisors.

There’s no argument that compliance or certification training is very important…to the organization, to the individual, or both. But the questions that we hear again and again is this: “How does training add value to my organization? “Why should training and professional development be a part of our strategy?” “Where, exactly, is the return on the investment?”

Telania | eLeaP presents this free research white paper on “The Strategic Value of Workplace Training and Development”.  In this white paper, we examine the intended purpose of training including productivity, quality, empowerment, alignment, teamwork and, importantly, professional development.  We also examine how training supports reductions in liability and risk, and can be used to communicate business conduct and social responsibility requirements for the organization.

We then moved the discussion to ways of calculating value and increasing value through eLearning.  We followed this with a detailed look at developing strategies for training and development, along with some additional considerations in the development of training strategy.  We conclude this in-depth analysis with a section on how training can be used to empower employees.

Here’s what you’ll find covered in this White Paper:

* How does Training add Value to your Organization?

* Why should Training and Professional Development be part of your Strategy?

* Where, exactly, is the Return on your Investment and how do you Measure it?

* How to Increase Value Through eLearning

* How to Develop Strategies for Training and Development

To download this valuable research White Paper, go to http://www.eleapsoftware.com/free-training-resources/strategic-value-workplace-training.htm

I have been asked many times. So what makes eLeaP different? Why did our customers choose us and why should you choose eLeaP LMS?

I thought about several business type responses like: We provide positive return on your e-learning investment, we are scalable and secure and completely easy to use. eLeaP is one of a few LMS to combine course creation with comprehensive user management, tracking and documentation and so on.

But I had an experience with a contact I have been trying to bring in. What became poignantly clear is this:

Most organizations and training companies simply need an assist getting their training and e-learning programs started. They are looking for reliable, professional staff to help them set up their LMS account (hopefully without having to pay through the nose), and then some help uploading their existing content or new content to begin their training program.

Sounds simple right? Not quite. Not all LMS or e-learning software companies are created equal. You see with Telania | eLeaP, we don’t just throw you into the deep end and say “good luck”.

We don’t rest till you are set up and your program is humming along just fine.

We don’t rest when you CALL us (yes CALL us) for free and request help with a feature or something you want to achieve in the system.

We don’t rest when your students, employees, users or staff contact us via phone, fax, email, or live support.

And we gladly and passionately provide the answers to your questions and your requests.

We do this without requiring you to pay anything.

We do this because we love talking and helping our customers. I know its sounds cliche but even though we are a technology company, we are pretty old fashioned when it comes to our customers.

Why do I write all these things for you to see. Because I am sick and tired of other companies giving us all a bad name – I am sick of having to apologize for the awful behavior of some tech and e-learning companies.

We are supposed to be in the business of education. Well lets help our customers educate and quit looking at only sales quotas and quarterly reports!

I welcome your opinion.

Contact me directly:

Don Weobong
President
Telania, Inc | eLeaP
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* The key challenges preventing e-learning success
* How e-learning benefits organizations (hint: your compensation might depend on it)
* What not to do when it comes to choosing a vendor – cost does not equal quality.
* Simple strategies for implementing eLearning in your organization

Download now, click here.

Do you wish you can simply download all your tracking and completion reports for your users’ activities? We know how difficult this can be. That is why eLeaP has introduced the one step, easy download process for all your tracking information.

3 Simple Steps to Document Your training and e-learning program:

1. Create/Log into your eLeaP LMS account

2. Click on your [USERS] tab (top menu bar)

3. Click [User Activity]

That is it. Need more help of information, take a free quick tour or get live help anytime at http://support.eleapsoftware.com

LOUISVILLE, KY 06/02/2009. eLeaP LMS’ newest web interface upgrade went live at 0600 hours on 06-02-2009. We are excited about this latest upgrade and look forward to continuing to service your e-learning and business training needs with the best LMS system and outstanding customer service.

Sincerely,
Don Weobong
President, Telania | eLeaP