Will Thalheimer did an informal poll of learning professionals asking how the highest level of assessment they did (based on Kirkpatrick's Four Levels).  He found:

• 11% said they did NO evaluation
• 26% said they did Level 1 smile sheets
• 48% said they measured Level 2 learning
• 15% said they measured Level 3 on-the-job performance
• 0% said they measured Level 4 business results

Why?  In my experience we've found it hard to move beyond Level 1 smile sheets.  There are methodology issues, of course, but frequently we've been prevented from moving past Level 1 assessments because of political and even legal issues.  In our e ... Read More »

Paul T. Walliker from Caterpillar University has an interesting article on Learning Circuits blog about the relative cost of instructor-led vs. e-learning.  Caterpillar University has constructed a mathematical model based on key cost components:

• Course Development costs:  Caterpillar uses a 3:1 ratio between instructor-led training and e-learning development time. 
• Salaries
• Time Required to Prepare for and Conclude each class
• The cost of Instructional Material
• Allocated cost of classroom
• Learner Opportunity Cost:  E-Learning covers the same material in half the time.
• Read More »

We've just added an audio interview with Debby Kalk on Instructional Design to the MicroAssist website.  Debby covers a variety of topics including:

• What is instructional design?
• When do you need an instructional designer?
• When to use e-learning vs. using classroom led training.
• The advantages of custom curriculum
• Training for Knowledge vs. training for skill.

Click to Listen

We learn by example and by direct experience because there are
real limits to the adequacy of verbal instruction.”
~ Malcolm Gladwell, Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking, 2005

The results of a flash poll by Elliott Masie ("Development Time & Speed Satisfaction ) indicate that a majority of training directors are dissatisfied with how long course development takes. 

What is the average time in your organization to develop an e-Learning course?

• 1 to 2 Days 26%
• 3 to 6 Days 5%
• 1 to 2 Weeks 4%
• 3 to 6 weeks 25%
• 7 to 12 Weeks 20%
• 13 to 18 Weeks 9%
• > 18 Weeks 11%

Satisfaction with your organization's time to develop an e-Learning course?

Every month Bersin & Associates publishes sample industry analysis articles from our their ongoing, research about learning management systems (LMS), rapid instructional design, rapid e-Learning, what works in e-Learning, industry predictions, blended learning and more. Click here for these articles and tips.

The National Center on Disability and Access to Education has fact sheets on a number of commonly used E-learning tools. Read More »

The General Services Administration has developed an electronic guide to help agencies comply with Section 508 requirements to make electronic data accessible to federal employees and members of the public with disabilities.

Agencies must follow the Federal Acquisition Regulation for Section 508, including adhering to standards for accessibility by persons with disabilities when purchasing electronic and IT products and services.

GSA’s wizard, available at www.buyaccessible.gov, can determine if Section 508 applies to an acquisition, identify which standards apply, develop wording for a procurement solicitation and document the compliance.

Learning Circuits article on the five Cs of successful e-learning programs: culture, content, capability, cost and clients. Read More »