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The SaaS trend applied to distance training
December 20, 2011 | Leave a comment
Behind the “SaaS” (Software as a service) acronym is a new way of using software: software as hosted services. Customers no longer purchase a permanent licence. They access the service via the Internet. A process that combines flexibility, speed and minimum commitment: this formula is winning over increasing numbers of companies who have no hesitation in migrating to SaaS.
SaaS Mode and LMS: what is the principle?
SaaS mode for distance training is based on two basic principles:
• It contrasts with the usual pattern of deployment of a distribution platform on the customer’s site in the form of a licence, purchased as a product. With SaaS, the LMS is now priced as a subscription. The invoice amount depends on the number of users of the LMS platform, hence the concept of a personalised service.
• It involves benefiting from a flexible standard solution, i.e. one able to be modified for each organisation via the settings made.
The strengths of SaaS applications
Like an ASP (Application Service Provider), SaaS frees up its users from the constraints linked to hosting and application maintenance by outsourcing these tasks. In addition, SaaS applied to e-learning has been hugely successful with training departments. They appreciate the “on demand” aspect of this model which enables them to purchase only what they use and thus optimise costs.
In addition, customers appreciate the reliability offered by an SaaS solution since it is adapted to their requirement through settings only and not by specific developments. Everyone then benefits from the same core using the same computer code.
Rapid Learning: advantages and drawbacks
October 12, 2011 | Leave a comment
At a time of “everything straightaway”, rapid learning tools have carved out their place in the last few years in the distance training world. A direct evolution from e-learning content production softwares, the so-called authoring tools, rapid learning tools allow you to create simply and in record times, distance training modules.
What is rapid learning?
Rapid learning is based on a simple principle. It involves mixing the scenario and production stages and replacing them with a single final design phase which is a great advantage for the training manager. A ppt slideshow initially planned as classroom material can thus be used to create an e-learning resource. Rapid learning tools, such as elearning animgallery, enable short transmissive training modules to be produced, (preferably 15-20 minutes), that deal with topics that are often general and routinely updated. The speed of the training modules created by rapid learning is thus contained both in their design and the learning they offer.
What are the advantages and drawbacks of rapid learning ?
| Advantages |
Drawbacks |
| Simple user-friendly tools to produce rapid learning |
Limited educational possibilities |
| Mass production of distance training modules using existing materials |
Risks linked to over-rapid production: quality of the scenarios and learning sometimes overlooked |
| Reduction in production costs |
Often nearer to information than training |
| Reduction in production times |
Often over-transmissive approach |
| Affordable prices for small organisations with limited training departments |
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| A response to occasional needs |
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| Ability to create serious games with rapid learning tools |
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| Compliance with SCORM and AICC standards by many softwares |
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| In-house production of distance training modules |
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| Autonomy of the training department |
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| Quick training in using these tools to become fully independent |
The serious game. What learning concept?
October 12, 2011 | Leave a comment
The serious game and more particularly the learning game are anchored in the large learning-through-play family. But what educational value lies behind this concept?
E-learning solutions: learning through play ?
The basic principle of learning through play is to create in the learner the feeling that they are undergoing a particular experience. It is known that mnemonics and assimilating knowledge, expertise or a particular behaviour are encouraged by the environment in which the learning situation takes place. This is the very principle of the learning game which, to achieve a particular learning goal, uses the affect and emotions. Learning through play allows transfer situations to be worked on directly, even though the latter are all too often the wishful thinking of educators. It is obvious that although learning through play is another weapon in the training manager’s armoury, it is not an end in itself and cannot meet all training goals.
Serious games, I love them !
Although learning through play can be attractive, it can also make a large group of learners unhappy who more than anything are looking for efficiency. Indeed, as part of learning-through-play, the learner is only slightly or not at all aware of the learning goal. Sometimes and even worse, the proposed game worries the learner in respect of the completeness of their training course (have I covered everything?).
Finally, serious games often bring with them an additional cognitive burden for the learner, that of game play. This cognitive burden often reflected in overly-complicated game rules can demotivate the learner after just a few minutes of training.
England: World of Learning Exhibition 2011
September 19, 2011 | Leave a comment
Would you like to discover the last innovations in the training sector? The last launched products? The new suppliers? In the “World of Learning Exhibition” will be present all British training market professionals: blended-learning, e-learning, serious game, custom-made training, etc. See you on next 27 and 28 September in Birmingham (United
More informations ? http://www.learnevents.com/why-visit.php
England: eLearning 2.0
June 22, 2011 | Leave a comment
The third eLearning 2.0 conference will focus on learning mutations in the Web 2.0 age and social media, such as Twitter, Facebook, blogs, wikis, etc. Various topics will be discussed : evolving pedagogies for Web 2.0, social networking, creativity and Web 2.0, e-learning 2.0 and invalid people, etc. In order to discuss these topics, we’ll see you in London on the 6th and 7th of July.
More informations ? http://elearning2pt0.blogspot.com/p/about.html
e-learning platform: what does an LMS require to be efficient?
June 13, 2011 | Leave a comment
e-learning training platforms are becoming increasingly comprehensive tools, though some tend towards bloatware. When choosing an LMS, it is therefore necessary to consider what its intended purpose is before selecting a publisher.
What are the key features of an e-learning platform?
It is always a good thing to go back to the fundamentals and consequently to consider the factors that gave rise to remote training platforms. The purpose of an LMS can be summarised in three points:
- distribute e-learning content while managing access rights
- track trainees via SCORM or AICC standards
- allow the organisation of asynchronous or synchronous tutoring
The efficiency of an LMS is thus focused on these three aspects. These will be systematically implemented in your LMS.
The go-to HR software
Certain LMSs are first and foremost components of an HRIS with a much broader functional scope, including recruitment management, payroll, skill management, etc. It is therefore important to determine whether you are looking for a one-stop product, or if you wish to dissociate your HRIS from your e-learning portal. Both of these solutions have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Integrated solutions, however, are not really up to standards with respect to certain expected features. Demands are necessarily higher for a specialist than for a generalist.
e-learning: advantages and disadvantages
June 13, 2011 | Leave a comment
Time and money savings, mass training, each day, e-learning attracts new companies for their professional training needs, thanks to persuasive arguments. This is illustrated by the market’s turnover of 144 million euros in 2010, a 25% increase over the previous year (source: Féfaur). A considerable progression underpinning the success of remote training and predicting a great future for this learning method.
Though the e-learning system possesses many assets, it also has its limits. In particular, e-learning is faced with the reticence of certain companies and employees faced with an innovative and unfamiliar learning method. The following table lists the advantages and disadvantages of e-learning from the point of view of the 3 parties involved in e-learning: the learner, the company and the trainer.
From the learner’s point of view
|
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
Learner actively involved in his/her e-learning |
Command of computer tools, reticence in face of new technologies |
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Interactivity and attractiveness of e-learning content |
Autonomous self-management as no imposed training framework |
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Flexibility and adaptability according to availability (time, location) |
Management of motivation and involvement in e-learning, concentration effort |
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Training at own pace, independently of other learners |
No direct contacts with trainer (except in the case of blended learning) |
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Self-assessment during and at end of course |
|
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Personal progress monitoring during e-learning course and appraisal of results obtained thanks to tracking |
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From the company’s point of view
|
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
“Mass” training (unlimited number of learners) |
Companies sometimes ill-informed and hesitant with respect to new technologies |
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Savings relative to classroom-based training indirect costs (travel, accommodation, etc.) |
No control over motivation, involvement and course management by learners |
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Flexibility and adaptability according to learner availability (time, location) |
Investment in computer hardware and software |
|
Customization and adjustment of training courses to predefined skills and teaching goals |
e-learning content occasionally difficult to design for training in highly specific fields (to be checked) |
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Low logistical constraints (no room booking, employee travel, accommodation, etc.) |
Change management to implement within the training department |
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Precise course reporting and automated results analysis thanks to tracking |
|
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Durable and updatable teaching materials |
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From the trainer’s point of view
|
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
Prerequisites for assessing learner levels |
No direct contacts with learner (except in the case of blended learning) |
|
Training performed on interactive and attractive tools for both trainer and learners |
Transformation of the “knowing” role into that of “conductor” |
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Flexibility and adaptability according to availability (time, location) |
Transition of predominantly oral to written communication |
|
Learner monitoring from the platform (tracking) |
|
Colombia: EXPOELEARNING America Latina
May 30, 2011 | Leave a comment
The International Congress EXPOELEARNING America Latina will occur in Bogotá on the 7th and 8th of July 2011. Many companies and universities will be present coming from Colombia, Chile, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Spain as well. The objective of this event is to assess the growth capacity of e-learning in South America and to promote better trade relationship between Europe and South America.
More informations ? http://www.expoelearning.com/
Mexico: E-Learning in Action
May 30, 2011 | Leave a comment
The 7th edition of “E-Learning in Action” will take place during the international event “Virtual Educa México 2011″ in Monterrey, on the 23rd of June 2011. Many private and public organizations will share their experience of implementing e-learning training projects and present a few case studies. The event will be broadcasted online for free on the official website.
More informations ? http://www.elearningenaccion.com/
USA: eLearning DevCon
May 30, 2011 | Leave a comment
ELearning Developers Conference will take place from the 15th to the 17th of June 2011 in the Utah University campus, Salt Lake City. This event will offer to participants practical sessions about e-learning development: rapid authoring, mobile learning, standards, tools and technologies, etc.
More informations ? http://elearningdevcon.com/
