E-learning is increasingly used by organizations as online courses are effective, affordable and can be accessed anytime, anywhere. But, many organizations are not able to realize these benefits offered by the online training medium due to a serious problem - high dropout rates. How can you overcome this problem? What can you do to see that your learners participate in your online training programs enthusiastically and complete them successfully? Well, to improve levels of learner retention, it is essential to understand the reasons why people quit e-learning courses. Let us see what they are. Hope you find these tips useful. Do share your views. Related Posts4 Effective Ways of Presenting Scenarios in E-learning Courses6 Phases of an Effective Instructional Design Process [Infographic]Connecting With Learners in Online Learning

Articulate Storyline comes with a rich media player which can be used to run audio and videos, very effectively. However, player controls such as audio volume, play/pause, progress bar and replay ‘pertain’ to the entire slide. For instance, when you click replay, the whole slide will be played again. One of our clients wanted to embed videos into the slide and enable his learners to control individual media elements with a unique player design. The client also wanted to allow his learners to watch videos in the full screen mode and provide an audio timer. He also wanted to enable his learners to adjust the sound volume of the videos. By default, the video player in Articulate Storyline comes only with a play/pause button and a progress bar with timer. We met this complex requirement using an HTML tag. Let us now see the process of adding an HTML5 tag to create a custom video player to the slides of an e-learning course, step-by-step.  Step1: Create a video folder and an HTML file in it. Copy the below video tag and paste it in the HTML file. Also, place the video file in the same folder. Shown below are the references. Step2: To embed the video into the slide, go to the Insert tab and select Insert Web Object and browse the created HTML file Video-sample.html.  Srep3: Adjust the position of the Web Object on the screen. Shown below are the references. Step4: Now, we are done with the ‘video part’. Publish the same and preview it. As this player is HTML5-supported, its look and feel depends on the browser or the device you use. This is how we can create a custom video player using an HTML tag. If you want to have a different design, there are many templates/resources available on the Internet.  There are a few things you need to keep in mind.  Make sure the video file is located in the same folder. You can’t insert a media element link as a web object into Articulate Storyline directly. If the Web object is located on the Internet or an intranet, you need a security permission to access it. Web objects can’t be seen or previewed. To view a web object, open publish "html" in a browser compatible with HTML5 and "publish for CD". Or, you need to publish the course output to FTP/a server.  Creating our own custom video player with an HTML5 tag is easy. By using HTML5 tag, you can control the look and feel of the player. Hope you find this blog useful. Please feel free to share your views. Related PostsHow to Combine Your Adobe Captivate Projects Into Single Course?Rapid E-learning through Storyline Tool: 5 Infographics Sharing Key FeaturesHow to Customize the Storyline Player?

We all know the e-learning industry is full of acronyms. Even the word e-learning itself is the shorthand for electronic learning. As an e-learning professional, it is important to be familiar with various acronyms used in the field of e-learning. Here, I would like to share some acronyms that are commonly used in e-learning. LMS (Learning Management System): It is a web-based technology platform that helps integrate the various parts of training including assigning, managing, administering, and monitoring both online and classroom sessions. An in-built reporting system, which maintains statistics about the courses available and the enrollment of learners to various courses, is present in most LMSs. LCMS (Learning Content Management System): It is a web-based technology and used to create, manage, and maintain the learning content. It also has the capability to store the content and retrieve older versions of it, whenever required. It can also be used to store and retrieve learning objects which can be reused. SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model): It is a technical standard given by the Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) for web-based training. SCORM is a combination of specifications and standards for e-learning. It interacts with LMSs and courses to support tracking of courses. AICC (Aviation Industry Computer-based Training Committee): It is an international association of technology-based training professionals and was founded to serve the aviation industry. It is a team, which develops guidelines for course development, course delivery and evaluation of computer and web based training technologies. ISD (Instructional Systems Design): It is a practice of designing effective training programs and independent of delivery format. Usually, the ISD process follows a process to achieve training goals that are effective and engaging by analyzing learning needs and developing a systematic curriculum. LRS (Learning Record Store): It is a place where learning records can be stored and acts a repository of learning records. An LRS can be accessed by a reporting tool or an LMS. RLO (Reusable Learning Object): A unit of learning content that is independent and stand-alone. An RLO can be used in multiple instructional contexts. RLOs help avoid the development of redundant learning materials. This saves time and results in optimal use of financial, technical, and human resources. GUI (Graphical User Interface): It is a way to present the training programs content, functions, and features using visual elements (such as icons, menus, controls and many more). It helps learners navigate through the course easily, and they can have a complete picture of the course. CMS (Content Management System): It is a software application that manages the process of designing, testing, approving, storing, and publishing e-learning content. ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation): It is a classic instructional development process with 5 phases, and these can be modified according to the type and requirements of the organization. It provides a means for sound decision making in order to determine the questions (such as who, what, when, where, why and how) of a learning program. I hope you find this blog useful. I will share some more e-learning acronyms in my next blog. Please stay tuned. Related PostsDr. APJ Abdul Kalam: Homage to a Great TeacherCreative Ways to Present Click on Tab Interactivity in E-learning Courses - An InfographicWhat Is eLearning and What It Is Not - Part 1

Final quiz is the last part for an e-learning course and a good learning strategy. Learners should attempt the quiz in order to complete the training program successfully. And, feedback should be given for individual questions in the quiz to reinforce learning. Consider a scenario in which the options for the question and feedback for the options have heavy content and learner cannot see the question and selected choices while viewing the feedback. As we cannot chunk the content of the options and feedback, we should make the pop-up ‘dragable’ so that learners can drag it aside and read it. Is there a solution to the above problem? Yes. We have used the solution to meet the requirements of one of our clients. The solution is to add a movable feedback pop-up, which learners can move (by dragging) to any position within the screen, so that they can see any part of the slide. Described below are the steps to add movable feedback pop-ups to your online course. Step 1: Develop the final quiz questions along with feedback pop-ups and design them as you want. Step 2: Go to the Correct or Incorrect layer. Group all the objects available in these layers. Step 3: Click the Insert tab. Step 4: Select an object and insert the object into the slide. I have selected a Rectangle here. Step 5: Change the dimensions of the rectangle and make them equal to the dimensions of GUI. I have renamed the rectangle as Background (just for identification). Make sure this object should be at the bottom of the timeline. Step 6: Set Transparency of the object to 100% and remove its outline. Step 7: Now, add a trigger as shown in the screenshot below. Step 8: Right click the rectangle and select the Drag and Drop option, and then, select Free from the available options. This ensures the pop-up moves freely on the screen. Now, publish the course and check the output. These are the steps to add movable pop-ups for your quiz questions. However, you are not restricted to use this trick only for quiz as this works perfect for any popup. Hope you find this post useful. Please do share your views on the same. Related PostsRapid E-learning through Storyline Tool: 5 Infographics Sharing Key FeaturesHow to Combine Your Adobe Captivate Projects Into Single Course?How to Change the Background Color of Lightbox for iPad Course Using Articulate Storyline

It is common knowledge that good assessments play a key role in the making of an effective online course. They not only help evaluate the learner’s comprehension of the subject-matter, but also reinforce the learning effectively. Quizzes are very commonly used in e-learning courses to evaluate the knowledge gained by the online learner. But, how can you develop quizzes that help assess your learners efficiently? What are the aspects you need to consider to frame effective questions for quizzes in e-learning assessments? Well, here is an info-graphic that lists 5 proven tips. Hope you find this post interesting. How do you frame questions for the quizzes in your e-learning assessments? We’d love to know. Related PostsCreating Effective Assessments in E-learning: 5 Tips - An InfographicA Handy Checklist for Creating Effective E-learning Assessment Questions [infographic]4 Effective Ways of Presenting Scenarios in E-learning Courses

There were a few letters marked "Never sent. Never signed" that were discovered in Abraham Lincoln’s desk after his death. When he was upset with someone he would write a letter expressing his anger but would refrain from sending it to the intended person. This practice allowed him to vent his anger, yet not allow needless or unpleasant consequences. One of the famous unsent letters was to Gen. George G Meade, who was blamed for letting Robert E Lee escape after Gettysburg. Unfortunately, in today’s age of social media, people have "lost the art of the unsent angry letter" - an expression used in a NY times article by Maria Konnikova. Much damage is caused to organizations due to improper opinions or information shared by employees in the social media. People, in such frustrating circumstances, would refrain from expressing in a similar manner in front of a group of people in the physical world. However, somehow such inhibitions are shed when it comes to the virtual world. Unfortunately, the virtual world and the physical world are linked and that’s where the problem arises. Organizations could face potential damage due to the erring behavior of an employee on social media. However, about 59% of companies who were surveyed admitted that they do not perform any social media risk assessment (Source: Grant Thornton). It also means that 41% of those surveyed do have some form of risk assessment in place. So, what are the risk factors that they need to consider? Here are some of the common risk factors that need to be considered when drafting a social media policy and when training employees about using social media responsibly. Risk to Company’s Reputation: There have been instances of employees posting offensive content that damages a company’s reputation. Irate employees having a bad day vent their feelings on Facebook assuming they are sharing with only close friends and family members but they do not realize that anything online is very rarely private. The infamous video posted by Dominos Pizza employees costed them their jobs but most importantly the organization had to go an extra mile to curtail the damage done to its reputation. A quick search online will bring many such instances to the forefront. Leaking of Sensitive Information: Seemingly innocent information shared online could actually reveal a lot more than that is obvious to those who are scouting for such information. For example, if a senior executive of an organization updates his location indicating presence in a particular city, competitors could guess about an important meeting or a deal that is going to be struck. Also, employees share pictures, audio and video files and sometimes unwittingly reveal more than they should if they are not careful. Legal or Compliance Violations: While employees are well-versed with standard and acceptable rules of interaction and engagement ‘in person’, they do not perceive the need to extend the same for their online presence. Most of the time, employees are not even aware that their seemingly naive remarks in social media forums could actually be a breach of their duty, for which they could be legally liable.  We no longer express through physical letters that give us the time to cool down and exercise our discretion before forwarding to the intended recipient. In the days of WhatsApp and instant messaging systems, we first send and then think. We therefore do not have the option of an unsent angry letter. Therefore, it is of paramount importance for organizations to sensitize and train their employees on what is acceptable and what is NOT acceptable as they share their views in public through social media…and may be create a virtual alternative to the "unsent angry letter". Related PostsCreative Ways to Present Click on Tab Interactivity in E-learning Courses - An InfographicDr. APJ Abdul Kalam: Homage to a Great TeacherSocial Media Learning: A New Strategy to Enrich Product Training

As a college student, I had an opportunity to read Wings of Fire, the autobiography of the former Indian president, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. The story of the "missile man" who rose to great heights from humble beginnings is truly inspiring. The sudden demise of this eminent scientist is a great loss to the country and has saddened millions. The life of Dr. Kalam is a testimony to the fact that determination and hard work can overcome the shackles of financial and other constraints. He was a strong supporter of the use of technology for educational purposes, and even set up a mini studio to interact with students through EDUSAT, a satellite dedicated to meet the needs of distance learners. Dr. Kalam believed that education had the potential to transform society and teachers play a key role in shaping the future of his country. He was passionate about teaching, and it is well-known that he served as the chancellor of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology and a visiting professor at various prestigious institutions of higher learning. Today, I would like to share 7 inspiring quotes of this great man. A teacher should have a creative mind. The bird is powered by its own life and by its motivation. All of us do not have equal talent. But, all of us have equal opportunity to develop our talents. One of the very important characteristics of a student is to question. Let the students ask questions. Without your involvement you can’t succeed. With your involvement you can’t fail. God, our Creator, has stored within our minds and personalities, great potential strength and ability. Prayer helps us tap and develop these powers. Excellence is a continuous process and not an accident. I salute this towering personality, who was a teacher at heart. May his soul rest in peace. Related PostsHave You Heard of Flipped Classroom in Corporate Training?Creative Ways to Present Click on Tab Interactivity in E-learning Courses - An InfographicHurdles to Effective Learning in Organizations

One of our clients, a leader in the healthcare industry, had an e-learning course which was developed using Flash components and JavaScript. Most of the client’s employees could not complete the course as per schedule and faced accessibility issues, as the duration of the course was very long. After analyzing the client inputs, we suggested that the course be divided into smaller micro-modules. A micro-module is a small part of the course which is easily digestible by the learner. Also, we advised the client to develop the course in Articulate Storyline. This tool can be used to make your e-learning courses interactive and HTML5-compatible in quick time. You can access the courses on iPads. We followed the steps given below to develop micro-modules. We divided the course into five smaller micro-modules by framing learning objectives for each module. The duration of each module is 10-15 minutes. We created an outline for each micro-module. We chunked the content to facilitate easy understanding of the topics. We divided resources based on topics dealt in the micro-modules and added them in resource section of each module. We divided the questions in the final assessment based on the topics covered in the micro-modules. Here are some benefits of micro-modules to the learner: Quick Learning: As micro-courses are short, the learner can easily understand the information. Easy Access: You can access courses easily, anytime, anywhere. As the courses are ‘small’, there are no loading issues. One Go: The learner can complete the module in one go, easily, as its duration does not exceed 15 minutes. Tracking: It is easier to track the learner progress for each module, when compared to the entire course. The client was very impressed after seeing the output. Now, their employees are able complete the training in a short time as the duration of the modules isonly 10-15 minutes. Also, they are able to access courses on iPads and complete the training even while travelling. Hope you find this post interesting. Do share your views. Related PostsAssessment Strategy for M-learningBest Practices for Developing M-learning Courses - An InfographicGreat News for Mobile Learning

E-learning and m-learning are powerful learning methods; both are dynamic and effective ways to teach people. So then, what are the differences between and e-learning and m-learning methods? E-learning involves a series of modules with in-depth subject-matter while m-learning involves smaller chunks of information which can be accessed anywhere, anytime. Modules are designed differently, depending on the kind of format used to learn. M-learning breaks the barriers of time and place and provides easy access to courses. E-learning also enables learners to access information anytime, anywhere through a laptop, and a stable environment is needed for the learner to take training. E-learning delivers content in a detailed manner, while m-learning delivers the same in a precise manner. M-learning courses are usually shorter then e-learning courses. M-learning is ideal to provide just-in-time information at the point of need. Check out the differences listed in the info-graphic, and if you find anything more, do share in the comments box below….. Related PostsBest Practices for Developing M-learning Courses - An InfographicAssessment Strategy for M-learning11 Tips to Use Animations and Videos in Mobile Learning Courses [Infographic]

In my last post, I explained how to calculate the monthly savings of an employee using Articulate Storyline. In this blog, we will see how to calculate simple interest (SI) using the rapid authoring tool. Earlier, we created a course for a financial organization to train its new employees on the process of calculating the monthly savings of an employee. The course was a major success, and so, we were asked to develop a course on the calculation of SI. Let us now see how we can compute SI using Storyline. Step 1: Create a new slide and insert three Numeric Entry fields to input the values of Principal amount, Rate of interest and Time period with respect to the text fields. The principal amount entered should be in rupees. The rate of interest should be calculated as a percentage of the principal, on a monthly basis. The time period corresponds to the number of months for which the interest is calculated. Step 2: Three Numeric Entry Variables are created automatically for the above three Numeric Entry fields. Rename those Numeric Entry variables (Numeric Entry, Numeric Entry 1, and Numeric Entry 2) as Principal, Interest rate and Time period. Step 3: Create a numeric variable SI with initial value as zero, and display the value of variable using "%" Symbol. Step 4: Insert a button Calculate from the insert menu. The formula to calculate the simple interest is: SI = (Principal * Interest rate * Time period) / 100 To perform the above calculation, add the below triggers in the specified order. Trigger 1: Assign the value of Principal to SI variable. Trigger 2: Multiply the value of Time period with SI value. Trigger 3: Multiply the value of Interest rate with SI value. Trigger 4: Divide SI value by 100. The net value of the SI variable is the simple interest, calculated on the principal amount. Now, preview or publish the course and check the output. This way, we can perform different calculations using Storyline’s triggers. Hope this blog isinformative. Please share your thoughts. Related PostsRapid E-learning through Storyline Tool: 5 Infographics Sharing Key FeaturesHow to Combine Your Adobe Captivate Projects Into Single Course?Performing Simple Financial Calculations Using Articulate Storyline