Validating generic eLearning
London (UK), November 2013 - (by Bob Little) For the last 20 years or so there has been no shortage of generic eLearning materials. The challenge for those - in the HR or L&D functions - who buy them has been to determine which of these courses is worthwhile and, indeed, value for money. Of course, the definition of 'worthwhile' and 'value for money' is wide open to debate and individual interpretation. That's why generic eLearning courses which you and I would think unworthy and a complete waste of money continue to be bought - if not used - enthusiastically.
While other areas of the e-learning world have adopted standards – such as AICC and SCORM – the content side of eLearning has remained stubbornly independent and individualistic.
However, things are changing. Two UK-based organisations with lengthy experience in producing and sourcing generic eLearning courses – The Virtual College and Learning Light, a company which provides advice and help to organisations using eLearning and learning technologies to improve their business performance - have developed an eLearning content evaluation tool (ElCET) which aims to provide an objective assessment of the content in any piece of eLearning.
The tool comprises 18 metrics – or criteria – that can be applied to any piece of e-learning. Depending on the complexity of any piece of eLearning, it can be subjected to seven, 12 or 18 of these metrics – and this produces an objective evaluation of 'low', 'middle' and 'top' end eLearning materials.
David Patterson, a Director of Learning Light, explained: "ElCET provides a quality mark for eLearning content - so meeting the ElCET criteria provides an ‘accreditation’ for any piece of online-delivered learning material. It’s something that the corporate learning technologies sector has needed for many years."
Only ElCET accredited eLearning materials are now allowed in the 'courses' section of the recently re-launched website, The E-Learning Centre. The ELearning Centre is an information resource about eLearning and learning technologies for business education, not-for-profit or the public sector.
"Since all the eLearning materials in the Centre’s 'courses' section meet the ElCET quality criteria, anyone who’s looking for eLearning materials for themselves or their organisation can be confident of the quality of those available via the ELearning Centre website," said Patterson. "This tool has done all the hard validatory work for customers - who now have access to curated content that meets tough quality standards."
For over 20 years, Bob Little has specialised in writing about, and commentating on, corporate learning – especially eLearning – and technology-related subjects. His work has been published in the UK, Continental Europe, the USA and Australia. You can contact Bob via bob.little@boblittlepr.com His e-book, ‘Perspectives on Learning Technologies’ (e-book; ASIN: B00A9K1VVS) is available from The Endless Bookcase and from Amazon. It contains over 200 pages of observations on issues in learning technologies, principally for learning & development professionals.
