Rapid e-learning is said to vary in definition, with some of its common attributes being the following:
- Developed in 2 to 3 weeks time.
- Rapid e-learning content authoring tools used typically can help facilitate input of source content in PowerPoint format type. Some examples of the same include Articulate Studio’13, Articulate Studio’09, Adapt, Claro and Snap! By Lectora. But traditional eLearning authoring tools such as Lectora Inspire, Articulate Storyline and Adobe Captivate may be adapted for its development.
- Such programs are led by SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) directly having authored the source content.
- It is possible to create courses through standard template library based authoring tool. It will have basic interaction level and simple evaluations.
- No technical expertise will be required by rapid authoring tools to create courses/contents. Besides this, such tools do facilitate easy and quick publishing of courses in desired standards such as AICC, SCORM 2004 and standalone (Offline/CD version).
Know the benefits offered by rapid e-learning and development tools
Quicker turnaround time is attributed to its main reason for achieving success. The subject matter experts can easily handle this development tool without much effort, thereby reducing need for other expensive resources like programmers, visual designers and instructional designers. Some of the major benefits offered are as follows:
- Quicker and effective turnaround time (some courses can also go live in 2 to 3 weeks time)
- Reduced development costs
- Opportunities provided to organizations to help get leverage on the talents of the subject matter experts. This way, their expertise, and experience can be used more meaningfully and efficiently.
- On-time design training which can dynamically respond to organizational needs.
- Excellent control over course enhancements or on-going updates.
Where can rapid eLearning development achieve success?
According to the industry experts, rapid eLearning development can fit perfectly in the given below situations:
- Projects requiring extensive subject matter data input: It is well known those subject matter experts in the case of traditional eLearning projects pass on raw contents to the instructional designers. The latter create storyboards, which is then managed by programmers and visual designers to come up with an eventual project. The fact is professionals not having much knowledge or experience about content tend to control the majority of the eLearning development process. Hence, projects benefitting from the presence of subject matter expert’s continuous and direct engagement can be a better fit for this type of development. Working closely along with the instructional designers can help ensure proper implementation.
- Limited budget projects or organizations with limited training budgets: Rapid eLearning developments in both the situations are a logical choice.
- Projects requiring to go live quickly: Projects that is to go live within real short time, probably 3 weeks or so will find this developmental process to be a perfect fit. Traditional eLearning developmental process will not meet this goal.
Prior to selecting rapid eLearning development, it will be necessary to evaluate properly and correctly to check which particular category will fit perfectly the business needs.