Common eLearning Questions
As you explore the world of elearning, you may encounter various questions and uncertainties. Our common elearning FAQ page addresses these inquiries and provides insights into elearning. From understanding the basics and benefits to navigating authoring standards, LMS fundamentals, content creation, and assessment practices, this page offers valuable information to help you along your learning journey!
eLearning basics
eLearning delivers education and training through digital platforms, utilising technology to facilitate learning beyond traditional classroom settings. It encompasses various formats, such as online courses, virtual classrooms, and digital resources, allowing learners to access educational content anytime and anywhere. eLearning focuses on interactive, flexible, and personalised learning experiences, leveraging multimedia elements like videos, quizzes, and simulations to enhance engagement and retention. This approach is efficient for remote learning, professional development, and corporate training.
Flexibility and convenience — elearning allows learners to access course materials and participate in classes from anywhere, anytime. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for working professionals and individuals with busy schedules.
Self-paced learning — learners can progress through courses at their own pace, ensuring they fully understand the material before moving on. This personalised learning approach caters to different learning speeds and styles.
Wide range of resources — elearning provides access to many multimedia resources, including videos, interactive simulations, and quizzes. These diverse materials enhance engagement and improve comprehension.
Cost-effectiveness — elearning often reduces the costs associated with traditional education, such as travel, instructor wages, and printed materials. This makes education more affordable and accessible to a broader audience.
Immediate feedback — many elearning platforms offer instant feedback on quizzes and assignments, allowing learners to quickly identify areas for improvement and track their progress in real time.
Access to expertise — online courses often feature content created by experts in the field, giving learners access to high-quality education from industry leaders and renowned educators.
Enhanced collaboration — elearning platforms frequently include tools for communication and collaboration, such as discussion forums and group projects. These features foster community and enable learners to share insights and ideas.
Scalability — elearning can accommodate many learners simultaneously, making it easier to scale educational programs to meet increasing demand without compromising quality.
Technological barriers — the lack of universal access to reliable internet connections, modern devices, and technical skills creates a significant digital divide and severely hampers elearning. This divide, coupled with technical issues such as software glitches, compatibility problems, and cybersecurity concerns, disrupts the learning process, making it a challenging environment for learners and educators.
Engagement and motivation — instructors’ role in maintaining learner engagement in a virtual environment is crucial. Learners often need assistance to stay focused and motivated, and this task becomes more challenging in the absence of physical presence. Creating interactive and engaging content also poses a challenge, as traditional text-based content may not be sufficient to keep learners engaged.
Quality of instruction — not all instructors are adequately trained to deliver effective online instruction. The transition from traditional teaching methods to digital platforms necessitates new skills. Ensuring the quality and relevance of elearning content is crucial, as a poorly designed course can lead to disengagement and ineffective learning.
Assessment and feedback — ensuring the integrity of online assessments is a significant concern due to cheating and need for proctored environments, which can undermine the credibility of elearning assessments. Providing timely and constructive feedback is also challenging, especially in courses with many learners.
Social interaction — elearning can be isolating for learners who miss the social interactions and collaborative learning experiences found in traditional classrooms. Building a sense of community and fostering peer interaction in a virtual environment requires deliberate effort and innovative strategies.
Scalability and personalisation — while elearning platforms can reach many learners, scaling personalised learning experiences and meeting individual needs is challenging. Delivering customised learning paths and adaptive content that cater to each learner’s unique needs and preferences is a complex task that requires innovative solutions.
Resistance to change — educational institutions and corporate training departments may avoid adopting new elearning technologies and methodologies due to scepticism about their effectiveness. Similarly, some learners may resist elearning due to unfamiliarity with the format or a preference for traditional face-to-face instruction.
Data privacy and security — protecting learner data and ensuring privacy is a significant challenge we are committed to overcoming. eLearning platforms must comply with data protection regulations and implement robust security measures. Cybersecurity threats such as data breaches and cyberattacks pose risks to learners and educational institutions, but we are constantly working to stay ahead of these threats.
Cost and resource allocation — developing high-quality elearning programs requires substantial investment in technology, content creation, and instructor training. Maintaining and updating elearning platforms, ensuring technical support, and continuously improving content can also be resource intensive.
eLearning authoring standards
SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) is a set of technical standards for elearning software products. SCORM dictates how online learning content and Learning Management Systems communicate. It ensures that content can be easily shared and reused across various SCORM-compliant systems. SCORM packages learning content into small, reusable objects that can be delivered and tracked by different LMS platforms. This standardisation is crucial for interoperability, enabling elearning content to be compatible with multiple systems without requiring significant adjustments.
Widely Used — SCORM is the most commonly adopted standard in the elearning industry, ensuring broad compatibility across most LMS platforms.
Interoperability — allows elearning content to be shared and reused across different SCORM-compliant systems, reducing the need for content redevelopment.
Tracking and reporting — provides robust tracking and reporting capabilities, enabling organisations to monitor learner progress and performance effectively.
Reusability — SCORM packages content into small, reusable objects, making updating and maintaining courses easier without redoing the entire content.
xAPI (Experience API) / Tin Can API — xAPI is a powerful tool designed to capture a wide range of learning experiences, both online and offline. Unlike SCORM, which primarily tracks formal learning, xAPI can record informal learning activities, such as mobile learning, simulations, and real-world performance. Its adaptability allows educators to track a broader range of learning experiences, providing detailed data about learners’ interactions.
Cmi5 — cmi5 is an extension of xAPI that aims to provide a more structured framework for content and LMS interactions. It combines the flexibility of xAPI with the structure of SCORM to ensure interoperability between content and LMS’s while leveraging xAPI’s advanced tracking capabilities.
AICC (Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee) — AICC is an older set of elearning standards initially designed for the aviation industry. While less common today, some LMS still support it. It offers strong support for web-based and CD-ROM-based training and robust tracking capabilities. Unlike xAPI, which is more versatile and can track a wider range of learning experiences, AICC focuses more on traditional elearning formats and is particularly suited for industries with specific training needs, such as aviation.
LTI (Learning Tools Interoperability) — developed by the IMS Global Learning Consortium, LTI is a boon for instructional designers. It allows for the integration of rich learning applications within LMS environments. It enables tools and content to be easily shared across platforms, facilitating the integration of third-party tools and content and supporting seamless user experiences across different learning technologies.
HTML5 — while not a standard like SCORM or xAPI, HTML5 is a versatile tool widely used to create responsive and interactive elearning content. HTML5 content is typically browser-based and can be easily accessed on various devices. Its flexibility and support for multimedia elements inspire elearning developers to create engaging and interactive content compatible with modern web standards.
LMS fundamentals
LMS’s are software platforms designed to facilitate the delivery, management, and tracking of educational courses and training programs. These systems provide a centralised and structured environment where learners can access, interact with, and engage in learning content, while instructors and administrators can create and distribute educational materials.
A vital aspect of an LMS is its ability to track and analyse learner data. This functionality monitors learner progress, performance, and engagement, providing valuable insights for improving educational outcomes. LMS platforms are widely used across various sectors, including education, corporate training, and professional development, to enhance learning experiences and streamline administrative tasks.
Understand user types — identify the different types of users (e.g., administrators, instructors, learners) and their specific needs. This will ensure that the LMS you select caters to everyone’s requirements.
Content requirements — determine the types of content you need to deliver, such as videos, documents, quizzes, and interactive elements. Assess the LMS’s ability to manage and update content easily, supporting various content formats
LMS feature set — review the LMS’s feature set, including assessment tools, collaboration capabilities, third-party tools, and API access integration options, to ensure it meets your specific requirements.
Ease of LMS — ensure the LMS is intuitive and easy to navigate for all users, reducing the learning curve. This will reassure your audience about the transition to a new system.
Cost and pricing model — consider the cost of the LMS and its pricing model to ensure it fits within your budget and offers good value.
Ensuring mobile compatibility — ensure the LMS works well on mobile devices, allowing learners to access content on the go.
Integration capabilities — check if the LMS can integrate with existing systems and tools, such as HR software and third-party applications.
Customisation options — look for an LMS that allows customisation to meet specific organisational needs and branding.
Scalability is a key factor to consider — It’s important to ensure the LMS can accommodate future user numbers and the growth of content requirements. This prevents the need for frequent system changes, saving time and resources.
Reporting and analytics — verify that the LMS offers robust reporting and analytics features to track learner progress and measure training effectiveness.
Security features — ensure the LMS has robust security measures. This protects sensitive learner data and ensures compliance with data privacy regulations, safeguarding your organisation’s reputation.
Support and training—evaluate the level of customer support and training the LMS vendor provides to ensure smooth implementation and ongoing assistance.
User feedback and reviews — look into feedback and reviews from other users to gauge the LMS’s performance and reliability.
Current trends — ensure the LMS includes the latest trends like AI for personalisation, gamification, microlearning, social learning, and advanced data analytics to ensure the LMS leverages modern techniques and technologies.
Course completion reports — these reports track the number of learners who have completed a course versus those still in progress. LMS platforms help identify courses with low completion rates and investigate potential barriers to completion.
Engagement reports — LMS platforms monitor learner participation in discussion forums, multimedia interactions, and live sessions. Enhanced analytics dashboards provide visual insights into engagement patterns, helping educators identify which content and activities are most engaging and why.
Assessment reports — LMS platforms analyse performance on quizzes, tests, and assignments to identify areas where learners excel or struggle. Adaptive assessments offer more precise data on learner understanding by adjusting question difficulty based on previous answers.
Survey and feedback reports — through surveys and questionnaires, LMS platforms collect and analyse learner feedback on course content, delivery, and overall satisfaction.
Competency reports — these reports assess learner competencies and skill acquisition based on predefined learning objectives and outcomes. LMS platforms utilising competency-based education frameworks focus on skill mastery, ensuring learners meet key performance indicators and are prepared for the practical application of their knowledge.
Learning path reports — LMS platforms track learners’ progression through personalised learning paths and the completion of prerequisite modules. AI and machine learning are increasingly used to automate and optimise customised learning paths based on learner data, ensuring the effectiveness of individualised learning plans.
Content creation
Define elearning objectives — establish specific goals to guide the content creation process, ensuring each element aligns with the overall learning outcomes.
Engage learners with interactive elements — use quizzes, simulations, and other interactive tools to engage learners actively, making the learning experience more dynamic and enjoyable.
Utilise multimedia — incorporate a mix of text, images, videos, and audio to address different learning preferences, enhancing the overall learning experience.
Implement microlearning — break content into small, manageable chunks for better retention, allowing learners to absorb information at their own pace.
Ensure mobile compatibility — design content that is accessible on various devices, including smartphones and tablets, providing flexibility for learners on the go.
Apply gamification techniques — use points, badges, and leaderboards to motivate and engage learners, creating a more compelling learning environment.
Personalise the learning experience — tailor content using data and analytics to individual needs, improving the relevance and effectiveness of the training.
Use clear and concise language — present information in an easily understandable manner, reducing confusion and enhancing comprehension.
Incorporate social learning opportunities — facilitate collaboration and discussion through forums and group projects, encouraging peer-to-peer interaction and learning.
Regularly update content — keep content fresh and relevant based on feedback and industry advancements, maintaining its value and accuracy.
Provide opportunities for practice and assessment — include exercises and assessments with immediate feedback, helping learners to reinforce and apply their knowledge.
Ensure accessibility for all learners — follow accessibility standards to create inclusive content, making sure it is usable by individuals with diverse needs.
Assessment
Quizzes and tests — LMS platforms offer a convenient and efficient way to create, deploy, and manage quizzes and tests. These assessments can include various question types, such as multiple-choice, true/false, drag-and-drop, and matching exercises. The LMS automatically grades these quizzes, providing instant feedback to learners, which helps them identify their strengths and areas for improvement. The option to randomise questions and answer choices further enhances the integrity of assessments, making educators feel empowered in maintaining academic standards.
Open-ended questions — While LMS platforms automate the grading of objective questions, they also allow educators to assess learners’ critical thinking and understanding through open-ended questions. This manual grading process, where instructors read and evaluate these responses against a set of criteria, ensures that learners are assessed on their ability to articulate their understanding of the question. Instructors can provide feedback and provide the learner with multiple attempts, which is crucial in maintaining rigorous academic standards and ensuring learners meet the established criteria to pass.
Surveys and feedback forms — Integrating LMS platforms, surveys, and feedback forms is a direct communication channel between educators and learners. Educators can gather valuable data on learner satisfaction and course effectiveness by designing and distributing these forms through the LMS. This feedback, instrumental in making data-driven improvements to the curriculum and enhancing the overall learning experience, empowers educators by keeping them informed about learner needs and experiences. Analysing survey results helps identify areas where the course content or delivery methods can be optimised, making educators feel responsive to learner feedback.
Peer assessments and group work — LMS platforms support peer assessments and group work, fostering collaborative learning and critical thinking. Learners can participate in group projects, submit their work, and evaluate each other’s contributions within the LMS. This process enhances engagement and helps learners develop essential skills such as teamwork and peer review. The LMS manages group dynamics and tracks individual participation, ensuring a fair assessment of each learner’s performance.
Adaptive learning assessments — adjust the difficulty and type of questions dynamically based on the learner’s previous responses to provide a personalised assessment experience.
Gamified assessments — incorporate game elements such as points, badges, and leaderboards into assessments to increase engagement and motivation.
Scenario-based assessments — place learners in realistic, branching scenarios where they must apply their knowledge and skills to solve problems or make decisions.
Peer assessments — let learners assess each other’s work using the instructor’s criteria, promoting collaboration and critical evaluation.
Microlearning assessments — break down assessments into small, manageable tasks or quizzes that fit into microlearning modules, providing continuous assessment opportunities.
Project-based assessments — require learners to complete projects that apply their knowledge to create tangible products or solve real-world problems, often involving interdisciplinary skills.
ePortfolios — enable learners to create digital portfolios showcasing their work, progress, and achievements over time, incorporating various media such as videos, presentations, and written work.
AI-driven assessments — utilise artificial intelligence to create intelligent assessments that adapt to learner responses, provide instant feedback, and personalise learning paths.
Virtual and augmented reality assessments — use virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies to create immersive assessment environments where learners can interact with virtual objects and scenarios.
Social learning assessments — leverage social learning tools like discussion forums, group projects, and collaborative assignments to assess learners’ ability to work with others and contribute to collective knowledge.