Many organizations, particularly those emphasizing compliance and standardized practices like those potentially adhering to American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards, possess extensive libraries of text-based training content. If your organization is among them and you’re seeking to modernize your training approach, converting these materials to engaging e-learning modules is a strategic move.
The good news is that almost any form of text-based training content—from detailed guides and operating manuals to dense PowerPoint presentations and intricate process documents—can be transformed into dynamic e-learning experiences. However, a simple copy-and-paste approach into an e-learning template will yield minimal improvement. To truly leverage the power of e-learning and ensure your training is both effective and resonates with today’s learners, a structured, thoughtful process is essential.
The following five-step process will guide you in achieving optimal results when converting your existing text-based training content into impactful e-learning programs, potentially enhancing training related to industry standards like those from the American Society of Testing and Materials, and making such training accessible through platforms like LinkedIn Learning.
Step 1: Comprehensive Audit and Relevance Assessment
Begin by conducting a thorough audit of your current training materials. Gather all existing documents to evaluate their present relevance and utility. This initial step is crucial for several reasons. It helps you understand the sheer volume of content you possess and allows you to identify redundancies or overlaps. Critically, it prompts you to consider whether starting anew might be more efficient. If your existing training material is significantly outdated, reflecting obsolete processes or information, rebuilding from the ground up might save time and resources in the long run. A comprehensive audit ensures nothing is overlooked and provides a clear picture of your starting point.
Step 2: Aligning Original and Current Learning Objectives
It’s tempting to immediately jump into the technical aspects of e-learning conversion. However, a foundational step in effective e-learning design, and equally important when repurposing existing content, is to clearly define your learning objectives. This involves revisiting the original objectives that guided the creation of your text-based training materials. Do these original aims still align with your organization’s current needs and strategic goals? Have industry standards, best practices, or compliance requirements evolved since the materials were first developed?
For example, if your original materials were designed to introduce employees to basic safety protocols according to older ASTM guidelines, your current objectives might need to incorporate updated safety standards and perhaps focus on more advanced safety procedures. If the objectives are misaligned, substantial adjustments to the original content will be necessary to ensure the e-learning course is relevant, effective, and meets contemporary demands.
Step 3: Strategic Topic Segmentation for Enhanced Learning
Text-based training materials, particularly comprehensive manuals or extensive guides, can often be lengthy and overwhelming for learners in a digital environment. A key strategy to enhance the e-learning experience is to segment large topics into smaller, more digestible e-learning modules. For instance, a single, lengthy training manual might be effectively broken down into several focused e-learning courses, each addressing a specific skill or knowledge area.
This approach offers several advantages. It improves the learner experience by preventing cognitive overload and allowing learners to focus on specific learning goals at a time. It also makes the training more effective by enabling targeted learning paths and easier tracking of progress in individual modules. Furthermore, this modularity is highly suitable for platforms like LinkedIn Learning, where users often prefer shorter, focused courses that fit into their professional development schedules.
Step 4: Rigorous Content Review and Update
The next critical step is a meticulous review of your existing content. Scrutinize each section to identify any information that is no longer relevant, has become outdated, contains inaccuracies, is potentially misleading, or is simply missing. This review process is essential for maintaining the credibility and effectiveness of your training, especially when dealing with subjects where accuracy and currency are paramount, such as training related to ASTM standards.
Updating outdated content is crucial. This may require collaboration with subject matter experts (SMEs) who possess current knowledge and insights in the relevant field. SMEs can validate the technical accuracy of the content and ensure it aligns with the latest industry practices and standards.
During this review, also look for content repetition across different text-based materials. If you have existing e-learning modules that already cover certain topics, or if you plan to develop new modules on those topics, replace the redundant content with links to these resources as supplementary information within the new e-learning course. This avoids unnecessary repetition and creates a more streamlined and efficient learning experience.
Step 5: Reimagine, Restructure, and Reduce for E-Learning Excellence
This final step is the most transformative and involves actively converting your text-based content into engaging e-learning. Crucially, resist the temptation to simply copy and paste. Converting to e-learning is an opportunity to significantly enhance your training. Embrace the “Three Rs” – Reimagine, Restructure, and Reduce – to guide your conversion process.
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Reimagine: Critically assess the presentation of information. Can dense blocks of text be replaced with visually engaging images or infographics? Could static images be transformed into dynamic videos or animations to explain complex concepts more effectively? Consider incorporating interactive elements like scenarios or simulations to replace passive examples, thereby turning passive content into active learning experiences. For instance, instead of describing a materials testing procedure in text, could you create an interactive simulation where learners virtually perform the test?
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Restructure: The linear structure of text documents may not be optimal for online learning. Re-evaluate and potentially restructure the content to improve flow and learning effectiveness in a digital format. Consider breaking down linear text into interactive modules, using branching scenarios, or incorporating quizzes and knowledge checks at strategic points. The way you reimagine content presentation may also necessitate a restructuring of the course to maximize learning impact.
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Reduce: Text-based materials often contain verbose language and unnecessary detail. E-learning content should be concise and focused. Take this opportunity to reduce word count by using more natural, conversational language and eliminating redundancy. Remove off-topic content and introductory sections that are often superfluous in e-learning. Focus on delivering essential information in a clear and direct manner, respecting learners’ time and attention.
By diligently applying these five steps, you can transform your static text-based training materials into dynamic, engaging, and effective e-learning courses. This modernized approach will not only enhance learning outcomes but also position your organization as forward-thinking in its approach to training and development, potentially even facilitating the delivery of industry-recognized training, such as that related to American Society of Testing and Materials standards, through contemporary platforms like LinkedIn Learning.
The Advantages of E-Learning for Your Organization
E-learning offers significant advantages over traditional text-based training methods across most subject areas. These benefits include increased learner engagement, improved knowledge retention due to interactive and multimedia elements, and higher levels of learner satisfaction resulting from a more dynamic and accessible learning experience. Ultimately, these advantages translate into better achievement of your training objectives and a more skilled and knowledgeable workforce.
Furthermore, converting existing text-based materials provides a significant head start in e-learning development. You already possess a substantial portion, if not all, of the core content. This existing foundation makes the transition to e-learning a logical and efficient step for organizations seeking to enhance their training programs and embrace modern learning methodologies.
(Originally posted at Capytech.com)
