Often when customized eLearning programs are initiated, the corporate stakeholders focus on the business and learning objectives, the corporate branding and tone, and the diversity and attributes of the audience. Rarely, is there a concrete discussion of the approach and whether humor or plain fun can be incorporated for a more compelling, memorable experience. And, if there is a discussion, it usually falls by the wayside as the other criteria are deemed more important.  There is an assumption that eLearning should not be fun or humorous because it may compromise the other objectives. This simply does not have to be the case. Consider using some of these techniques for customer service skills training or other online soft skills training. Work closely with your elearning content developer to create learning that is fun, compelling and effective.

• Use real-life narratives and scenarios. Add some humorous dialogue that can apply across cultures, regions and ethnicities or make it easily editable for the specific regional audiences.
• Create a thematic approach to a single module or series of modules. Get your audience ensnared in the storyline, eager for more.
• Create compelling custom illustrations or use clever photographic images that reflect the real-world experience but in a lighter, more memorable way. 
• Don't underestimate your audience. Humor and fun can be included with an adult flair. Think of all those email jokes and YouTube clips that fill your inbox. Do you open them? Why do you find them so irresistable?
• Make gentle fun of key managers, create caricatures in language or illustration. For example, for one of our clients we created a super hero figure based on the Director of the target audience. The Director loved contributing to the design of his character ( and, even went further with the humorous elements than would have been done without his input!) and the audience found it hysterical.
• Add unique interactivities that engage the learner yet convey the learning points.

  To see some outstanding examples of innovative custom eLearning solutions, contact Margie Herron at mherron@kmionline.com for a demonstration. In the appropriate context with the appropriate content, eLearning can and should be fun and effective.

   

• reduced the cost of delivery
• promoted training consistency across geographies and divisions
• reduced time to market
• delivered simultaneaously to all audience members, when they need it and on-demand

it has also allowed the client to truly deliver content developed precisely for them. This means that their audience is learning about their specific culture, their specific use of software/hardware, including any customizations and the foundation for and application of any behaviors and concepts specific to their organization.

The result: outstanding success in uptake, acceptance and desired behavior change.

Let KMi assist you in achieving equally successful custom eLearning solutions. Please visit our website at www.kmionline.com or contact Margie Herron at mherron@kmionline.com.

There continues to be an ongoing dialog about the effectiveness  of online training, eLearning, computer-based training  ( or whatever nomenclature serves you)versus classroom training. Most people say online learning will never be as good, as engaging, as successful.  Inevitably the conversation evolves into a discussion of how custom content is developed. Most people continue to believe that many companies simply take their classroom training and convert it to “eLearning”. And, therefore, they are getting ineffective eLearning. I wish I could say that this is not true. However, in just the past 2 weeks I have spoken to at least 3 companies new to custom eLearning development and all three said they wanted to  take existing classroom materials and use rapid eLearning tools to convert that content to eLearning.  Even after extensive discussions around using instructional design methodology and appropriate technology to approach the content in a new, more effective way, they all held firm. No, they wanted the eLearning quickly. They did not want to spend time thinking creatively about the best use of eLearning technology and instructional design. And, they wanted the most cost effective authoring tools used. Let’s face it : they wanted it cheap and fast. They wanted to say they had an eLearning program. They wanted to click a box for completed.

 Is that approach ever going to provide memorable learning? I say, emphatically,  no, it isn’t! The instructional design approach, creative style, learning activities and, obviously, the technology used for eLearning curricula development should be and is vastly different from that used for classroom training. The companies  ( and there are, indeed, many )who have developed successful, effective, engaging online training programs have recognized the need for a cultural shift. They have identified executive corporate champions. They have developed marketing campaigns and excitement around the programs. They have gotten their stakeholders involved in the process. And, yes, they have spent money where it matters.  They understand their content and when it is important to use the best resources, most creative thinking and best technology to create those courses that will resonate with learners and achieve corporate, business and learning goals. And, then they reap the benefits of programs that are not only memorable but are scalable, easily modifiable and fast to market. That is where the real ROI is achieved.

Don’t you want to be part of that group of companies. Sure, we provide rapid  custom eLearning development, but, we do encourage that our clients explore stepping up the production value. They, and you, will be surprised how the value/quality ratio explodes when you apply the most appropriate custom content development  processes using  creativity, appropriate instructional design and best in class technology to your next project. 

So whether you need communications skills training, sales skills and behavior training, online soft skills training or any other content area, KMi is prepared to assist you in your custom content development. We'll help you determine the best production value for your content and identify how best to achieve your business and learning objectives. Contact Margie Herron at mherron@kmionline for more information and visit our website at www.kmionline.com to review our course examples and download our eLearning Whitepaper.

• Understanding SCORM
• Online Application Training (including advanced ad-hoc reporting)
• LMS Management
• General keys to improved communication