e-Learning FAQ Reference Glossary
What is elearning?
eLearning is the form of receiving learning experience in an electronic form. eLearning may be delivered via the Internet or an intranet, CD or DVD. There are several forms of eLearning: online training or Web-Based Training (WBT), Computer-Based Training (CBT), simulations or learning games. There are two main types of eLearning - asynchronous, meaning that it is a self-directed learning event that learners can use whenever it is convenient for them, and synchronous, meaning that it must be taken at a particular time with an instructor and/or other learners.
What are the main advantages of e-learning?
Both synchronous and asynchronous e-learning offer the following privileges:
Scalability – e-learning helps different companies to carry out training courses for all the employees quickly and easily
Accessibility – it gives the possibility to learn at geographically large distance from your personal instructor. It enables more users to participate in the training program
Reduced Travel Costs – users can learn wherever they want. The only thing they need is their desktop. It significantly reduces travel costs.
Simplified training documentation – e-learning provides with automatic administration of training activity
Asynchronous (self-directed) e-learning offers some extra advantages:
Less Disruptive to Workflow – users start the learning process when it is convenient for them, rather than when it is convenient for the instructor
Reduces Overall Training Time – according to statistics, asynchronous e-learning allows to reduce the time required to reach the stated goal by 50-80% in comparison with traditional classroom education
Personalization - users adhere to their individual learning pace that suits only them
Consistency – asynchronous e-learning provides consistent instruction
Frees Up Instructor Time – self-directed e-learning leaves spare time for instructors giving them possibility to concentrate their attention on tasks that demand face-to-face interaction
eLearning Glossary
Asynchronous eLearning - A self-directed e-learning event which permits users to take part in it according to their plan and to move from one exercise to another at their own pace.
Blended Learning - Blended learning means that two or more various training methods are used to provide users with a wide range of learning experiences. Blended learning most often refers to courses that include both self-directed e-learning and Instructor-Led Training but blended learning may also involve other forms of training such as synchronized e-learning, on-the-job training or e-tutoring.
Computer-Based Training (CBT) – eLearning that is provided via CD, DVD or specific workstations
Correspondence Course - A course fulfilled at a distance using written correspondence for cooperation and to submit assignments.
Distance Learning or Distance Education - This term is frequently used while speaking about higher education that is provided remotely via different services such as conference calls, video or satellite broadcasts, web-meetings, written correspondence, self-directed exercises and nowadays e-learning.
Distributed Learning – A form of Distance Learning that highlights the preference of the use of technology over traditional written correspondence.
eTutoring – it enables students learning remotely via email, conference calls or web-meetings.
Immersive Learning Simulations (ILS) - Immersive Learning Simulations or ILS are simulators that are used to assist learners to figure out some complex concepts and processes. Immersive Learning Simulations may also be referred to both learning and serious games.
Instructor-Led Training (ILT) - A learning event organized by an instructor. It is usually referred to training held at a particular location but may also be applied to make description of synchronous e-learning events.
Job Aid – Job Aid is reference information that gives learners critical data that can not be easily remembered. Job aids give users the opportunity to access quickly to information such as procedures, specifications, product codes.
Learning Games - Learning games are entertaining tools that are applied to assist users to understand better complex processes and ideas. Learning games are sometimes referred to serious games or Immersive Learning Simulations (ILS).
Learning Management System (LMS) - A special system that makes automatic great variety of tasks such as organization, delivery, documentation and tracking training. LMS may be applied to administer employee training as well as training of external stakeholders such as clients, members, suppliers or other business partners.
Online Training - eLearning provided via the Internet. It may also be referred to Web-Based Training (WBT).
Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) – A number of specifications that resulted from the Department of Defense's Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) initiative. SCORM is a special form of packaging and marking e-learning elements in a way that they can connect with Learning Management Systems and be used as building blocks in a vast number of courses.
Subject Matter Expert (SME) - An expert in the specific topic of the course.
Synchronous Learning – An e-learning event where cooperation happens at the same time in real-time. It demands that users attend the event at particular time.
Web-Based Training (WBT) - eLearning is provided via the Internet. It may also be considered as online training.
eLearning Development FAQs
Q - Is e-learning as efficient as Instructor-Led Training?
A – Many scientific studies have been made to compare the efficiency of e-learning and Instructor-Led Training. The results show that in the majority of cases e-learning, when it is properly developed, is as effective as Instructor-Led Training.
Q - Is this custom e-learning expensive?
A – If we take into consideration all the factors such as trainer’s time, learners’ time, lost productivity and any travel expenses, we will find out that e-learning reduces about 50% of costs in comparison with Instructor-Led Training. Anyway the crucial matter here is to achieve the goals set earlier rather than simple cost reduction.
Q - How much time can e-learning save?
A – According to the made researches, e-learning can save professor’s time by 50% or more. eLearning also help to save your travel time (80% or more).
Q - How much time does it take to create a standard one hour e-learning course?
A - It takes usually 6-10 weeks to create a standard one hour e-learning course. The time spent on the development process varies greatly. Everything depends on the content, the degree of interactivity required and the response time of your subject matter expert.
Q - How much time does it take for a subject matter expert to create a one hour e-learning course?
A - If some material, information already exists (for example, in a form of PowerPoint presentation), the subject matter professionals usually spend 12 – 20 hours cooperating with LeanForward’s instructional design team to transform their existing information into a one hour e-learning course.
Learning Management FAQs
Q - Can ILTG Learning System™ keep records of the results of instructor-led and on-the-job training?
A - Yes, ILTG Learning System™ can follow the outcomes of instructor-led and on-the-job training.
Q- Does ILTG Learning System™ follow the results of courses, exams, quizzes?
A - Yes, ILTG Learning System™ automatically keeps the record of the results of all these activities.
Q - Does ILTG Learning System™ maintain the SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) standards?
A - Yes, ILTG Learning System™ maintains the SCORM 1.2 and 1.3 (2004) standards.
Q – Can we launch ILTG Learning System™ locally?
A – Yes, ILTG Learning System™ can be launched locally or can be provided as a hosted solution.
