Monday, April 14, 2014

The 6 Most Common Mistakes Businesses Make When Utilizing Online IT Courses

By Thomas Hunter


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: Focus on availability

One of the top errors that an association might make is to assume that people will take a course, simply because it has been made available to them. In fact, there are several reasons why some online IT courses are not successful beyond their initial implementation. Unless a program is required, there may be various factors that keep people from wanting to take it or remain 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: Technical implementation

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: Relevancy

In addition to technical issues, numerous associations forget to deal with content that becomes irrelevant. This may be especially critical in the field of IT. If individuals see too much obsolete material within a program, the entire course could lose its credibility. It is essential to be sure that course material remains useful and relevant to people on a daily basis.

Mistake 5: Complex subjects

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: Timely 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 essential tool for a great number of associations. It is helpful for companies to learn from the mistakes of others. When common mistakes can be avoided, an association can make the most of available resources, instead of unnecessarily wasting them. Using an experienced online IT training provider is another good way to be sure that valuable resources are maximized.




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