Sunday 23 March 2014

The Top 6 Errors Organizations Make When Utilizing Online IT Courses

By Mike Davis


Using elearning courses is a way for organizations to maximize time, money and other valuable resources. This kind of training is typically convenient for the people who participate in it, and many individuals prefer it as a learning method. However, as with any other type of practice, a variety of issues may arise. It is not unusual for associations to make certain mistakes while implementing online training, and some mistakes are more common than others.

Mistake 1: Hands-off approach

One of the most common errors that an organization might make is to have the expectation that people will enroll in a course, simply because it is available. In fact, there is a variety of reasons why some online IT training do not experience success after their initial implementation. Unless a course is made a requirement, there could be many factors that keep individuals from taking it and remaining committed to it.

Mistake 2: Unlimited time

Another common mistake is to allow participants an indefinite amount of time to complete a course. When a person knows that a course may be completed at any time, it becomes less of a priority than it might otherwise be. If an individual knows that a course is not only required, but that it must be finished by a particular date, a sense of urgency is then created. Some organizations have found that providing courses in segments, and implementing deadlines for each segment, is a highly effective way to improve overall completion and success rates.

Mistake 3: Software issues

Issues with software and other technology are not uncommon online, and many organizations fail to correct such problems in a timely manner. If the people who take a course are not able to move past a certain segment because of software issues, they may become frustrated. This can lead to a general loss of interest in the course.

Mistake 4: Irrelevant content

Along with technical problems, countless organizations forget to eradicate irrelevant content. This could be especially important in the IT field. If participants see too much material that is obsolete, the entire program might lose credibility. It is critical to be certain that the material within a course remains useful to participants.

Mistake 5: Complex issues

An easy error to make is to think that an online course alone is enough to inform individuals about a complex subject. While some very basic courses might be completed easily, most require the guidance of an instructor. An online classroom format can be structured so that an instructor might explain various aspects of the course.

Mistake 6: Communication

Forgetting to communicate could be the top mistake an association might make, when offering such online courses. If a deadline changes, it is in the best interest of the organization to inform those enrolled about the change as soon as possible. Before a course is implemented, if there are any major objectives or requirements expected of participants, such things should be communicated to them.

Elearning has become an important tool for countless associations. It is important for people to learn from the mistakes that others have made. When common errors are avoided, an organization can maximize resources instead of wasting them unnecessarily. Using a qualified online IT training provider is another way to ensure that valuable resources are used appropriately.




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