how to convert a self paced course into training hours

by Izabella Cronin I 8 min read

How long does it take to convert training to self-paced eLearning?

Converting training to self-paced elearning cuts the time in half . Example 1: If the classroom version was 2 hours, assume the online version will be about 1 hour. Example 2: If the classroom version was 5 days long, assume 6 hours of instruction per day of training (subtracting breaks, intros, etc.).

Should training managers switch from instructor-led training to self-paced learning?

As training managers, if you haven’t already joined the eLearning bandwagon, there is every chance that you are considering making the switch from Instructor-Led Training (ILT) to self-paced learning.

What makes a good online course conversion exercise?

The easiest thing to do in a conversion exercise is to repeat existing content verbatim, and put it on a server for consumption. Good instructional design practices, however, don’t support that approach. Simplify text to the extent that it doesn’t overwhelm the reader. A crowded screen is a good way to disengage online learners quickly!

What are the benefits of converting instructor-led training to eLearning?

As the first step toward implementing eLearning, many companies convert their instructor-led training (ILT) materials into online learning resources. Various benefits such as reduction in training expenditure and the flexibility to provide learning anytime, anywhere, on any device to learners are the main drivers behind the conversion.

How long does it take to develop 1 hour of training?

Below is a summary of the findings: According to this data, for one hour of instructor-led training, it takes on average 43 hours of development time (approximately 5 days). Based on these figures, if you needed a day's training course for your employees, you could be looking at around 30 days of resource time.

How do you convert ILT to eLearning?

7 Interactivities Converted from ILT to eLearningBreak the Ice and Grab Learners' Attention. ... Show them the Demo with an Engaging Video. ... Let Learners Practice through Simulations. ... Encourage Role Plays with Scenarios. ... Transform the Instructor's Questions to Assessments. ... Discuss with Instructors and Peers.More items...•

Is an online class the same as a self-paced class?

Online Courses (Asynchronous) Online courses are delivered asynchronously where students learn on their own schedule (self-paced learning) without any real time instructor.

What does self-paced training mean?

Self-paced learning is defined as a specific learning method in which the learner is able to control the amount of material they consume as well as the duration of time they need to learn the new information properly.

What are the disadvantages of self-paced learning?

Here are some of the key problems with self-directed learning:Not knowing what to learn. If you are new to a subject it is often very challenging to decide what to begin learning. ... Lack of time. ... Self-motivation and interest. ... Too much choice. ... The easy way out.

How do you implement self-paced learning?

How can you self-pace within the constraints of school and district expectations?Self-Pace Within Each Unit of Study. ... Classify Your Lessons. ... Public Pacing Trackers. ... Individual Pacing Trackers. ... Classroom Learning Spaces. ... Collaborative Tasks and Activities. ... Whole-Group Discussions and Activities. ... Progress-Based Groupings.More items...•

What is the difference between instructor-led and self-paced?

While self-paced classes teach straightforward topics, instructor-led courses focus on subjects that need collaboration and face-to-face discussion with the instructor.

What is an example of a self-paced skill?

Self-paced skills (internal) are controlled by the performer. The performer decides on when to execute the skill, such as in athletics, when throwing the javelin, or in gymnastics when vaulting. These skills tend to be more towards the closed end of the environmental continuum.

How do I set up an online self-paced course?

How To Create A Self-Paced eLearning CourseCreate Personalized eLearning Plans. ... Cultivate A Supportive Online Community. ... Focus On Accessibility. ... Incorporate Social Collaboration Activities. ... Create eLearning Content That Is Easily Digestible. ... Assess Online Learner Progress Periodically.More items...•

Are self-paced courses good?

Self-paced learning is a fantastic way for learners to study on their terms and at their own pace. Self-paced learning allows people to access course materials at their speed, meaning that they can focus on things that they find challenging and breeze past things that they already know.

Commit to Taking the Course

If you’re going to sign up for a course really ask yourself if you have the time or capacity to take it. Ask yourself if it’s really something you want to make time for. Be real with yourself. If it’s not, don’t sign up.

Block Out Time

Now it’s time to look at your current schedule. When do you have time to sit and watch an online course. Remember everything is mobile now, you can watch a course on your phone or tablet, so you don’t have to be at home. Does the course require you to watch a video? If not, can you listen to it during your morning commute?

Create a Schedule

Now that you know what times every week you have open it’s time to create a schedule for specific courses.

Be Mobile

Is your home life too hectic to really commit to 30 minutes to an hour of learning? Go to a coffee shop, library, or your favorite museum with your phone/tablet and earpiece and take the course.

Give Yourself a Reward

Oh, how we love rewards. Tell yourself you can’t have something (i.e., your favorite latte) until you complete that course you’ve been meaning to do. Once you finish it treat yourself.

1. Determine What Works And What Does Not

Perform a holistic assessment of the ILT program and list which part of the training can be converted to a self-paced program and what cannot.

2. Cut Out Extra Content

The Subject Matter Expert (SME) involved in your training program wants a 100-slide PowerPoint presentation converted "as is" to a self-paced learning program; this is usually not possible. What is a clear slide for an ILT program may be confusing in an online training program?

3. Pay Attention To Content Presentation

Consider the prior knowledge of your audience. While in an ILT it seems fine to devote some time to basic information, making learners complete a module that has the information they already know, is a futile effort in self-paced learning. Instead, you could try presenting this content as a pre-assessment.

What is eLearning training?

eLearning is a training delivery format that is being adopted by an increasing number of organizations across the world. The growth in the demand for eLearning is primarily fueled by its cost-effectiveness, scalability, and ease of use. As the first step toward implementing eLearning, many companies convert their instructor-led training (ILT) ...

How much of the ILT content is actually taught?

Most ILT resources contain only 50% of what is actually taught to the learners, the rest is conveyed by the knowledge and effectiveness of the trainer in the form of examples, stories, and elaborations. So, you must arrange to cover the remaining 50%, to give a logical flow to the content, before publishing the resources online.

Why do organizations adopt eLearning?

Organizations adopt eLearning to offset the limitations of classroom training. Converting existing classroom training material to online courses is a good place to start implementing eLearning. Read this article for tips that’ll ensure a smooth conversion process.

Do ILT courses have assessments?

Add assessments to the ILT materials. In most cases, classroom learning resources do not contain assessments. This is because trainers ask questions orally during ILT sessions. So, when you convert an instructor-led learning material into an online course, you must ensure that assessments are added to the eLearning course.

Can ILT materials be published online?

One of the biggest misconceptions about converting ILT materials to eLearning courses is that these materials can be published online, as they are. However, this could result in online learning of poor quality. You need to perform the following tasks before you publish classroom materials online.

Is it advisable to combine classroom and online training?

Many organizations make the mistake of converting all their classroom training materials into online courses. It’s advisable to blend eLearning with classroom training. A good blend of classroom and web-based learning helps you leverage the benefits of both learning formats and get the best ROI on your training dollar.

What is the easiest thing to do in a conversion exercise?

The easiest thing to do in a conversion exercise is to repeat existing content verbatim, and put it on a server for consumption. Good instructional design practices, however, don’t support that approach.

Why is conversion important in eLearning?

Conversion is an excellent opportunity to rethink the purpose of all of your existing content. You might be pleasantly surprised at how much opportunity there is to reconfigure existing content to make it more user-friendly and better adaptable to eLearning.

What is instructor lead training?

1) Prepare a detailed inventory of what you have: Instructor Lead Training (ILT) usually comprises of projected slides (either transparency-based or digital media like PowerPoint), hand-outs, workbooks, course notes, audio and video files, and worksheets. There may be other auxiliary materials too, like answer sheets, student guides, ...

Is ILT self-driven?

While ILT is trainer-driven, most eLearning courses are self-driven. As a result, you need to put more control into the hands of the learner. Restructure your course content to be served on-demand. Allow specific segments of the course to be skipped, depending on a student’s choice and their “maturity level.”.

Why treat a project as a new course?

Treating the project as a new course can help you to have the right mindset and keep focus on analyzing and reading the course content before jumping into development. The time required to analyze content will be minimal compared to starting a new course, because all your source content is already in one logical package, which is in the form of a complete course.

Why are notes important in training?

In addition, the notes are also helpful for instructors to ramp up on the training. This is important because a typical instructor teaches multiple classes. So, detailed notes help them to recall the key topics before teaching in a live session.

Why do you need a recording for e-learning?

A recording makes excellent raw material because you can hear the instructor’s comments, examples, and student questions.

Can ILT be used for online learning?

The structure and format of ILT is not the best design for online learning. You can’t just load the slides into your LMS and be done with it. You have to review the content and transform it into a more engaging and interactive e-learning experience.

Is It A Training Problem?

Gather Information

  • First, review all the materials from the existing classroom training: slides, instructor guides, participant guides, videos, evaluations, discussion questions, quizzes, etc. Second, ask questions. You can ask these questions of the trainers, SMEs, and other stakeholders.
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Format

  • Determine the format of the course (self-paced elearning, blended, virtual training, etc.). This will often come from the stakeholder request and needs to take the budget and audience into consideration. The drive to move to online is often based on the need to scale up; the trainers just can’t reach everyone needed in person.
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Duration

  • Determine how long the course will be. This partly depends on the format. Realistically, you may have to adjust this for the budget and other logistical concerns.
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Additional Resources

  • Jane Bozarth’s From Classroom to Online: Think Transform, not Transferprovides both a process for converting content and an example of how it’s done. My process overlaps with hers; some of the analysis questions above (e.g., what’s working and what’s not) are based on what I learned from Jane’s process. My post on Time Estimates for eLearning Developmentexplains how to us…
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