Wednesday, April 16, 2014

The 6 Most Common Errors Organizations Make When Implementing Online IT Courses

By Patrick Richards


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 top mistakes that a company can make is assuming that individuals will participate in a course that is available. In fact, there may be various reasons why certain online IT courses are not effective after being implemented. Unless training is required, there could be a wide range of factors that inhibit people from enrolling in it and staying committed to it.

Mistake 2: Unlimited time

Another top mistake is to allow those who enroll in a course as much time as they want to finish it. When an individual is aware that a course might be taken or finished at any time, it may not be a high priority to that person. If the prospective participant knows that the course is required, and that it must be completed by a certain date, finishing the course is likely to seem more urgent. Some companies have learned that offering courses in segments, as well as creating deadlines for every segment, is an effective way to improve enrollment and completion rates.

Mistake 3: Technical 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

In addition to software issues, innumerable associations forget that dealing with content issues is important. This can be especially essential in the IT field. If there is too much irrelevant material in a program, the course can lose its credibility. It is critical to monitor course material, so that it remains helpful to participants every day that they are taking a course.

Mistake 5: Complex issues

One easy mistake to make is to assume that an online course by itself is enough to educate people about a complex topic. Although some basic courses can be easily completed, most programs should be complemented by an instructor. A classroom format online can be designed in such a way that an instructor can answer questions about the course.

Mistake 6: Lack of 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 is becoming an increasingly useful learning method for countless organizations. It is important that companies learn from the errors of others. When common mistakes are avoided, a company can use its resources efficiently. Utilizing a competent online IT training provider is also a good way to be certain that company resources are not wasted unnecessarily.




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