Online Learning Today

Online Learning Today is an incisive, no-nonsense guide on why, how, when, and where to use e-learning. Shea-Schultz and Fogarty show why an organization should (or should not) implement e-learning, what should and should not be taught online, how to design and deliver it, and where to incorporate it in the organizational structure.
Addressing professionals who want to maximize the effectiveness of online learning in their own organization, the authors teach seven key strategies to ensure success. They show how to tailor courses to the needs of the learner; ensure enterprise-wide buy-in; leverage time- and money-saving benefits; get a grip on technology; effectively design course materials so people can and will use them; connect with global participants; and successfully partner across and outside the organization. Online Learning Today offers a unique new perspective on how organizations can truly leverage learning on the Internet.Dedication
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction: From WOW to Now and Beyond
The e- Was for Entropy
So, Where Are We Now?
How Did We Get Here?
Where Are We Going?
Who’s King of the Castle?
The Learner Rules
Chapter 1: Cater To The Learner
Strive For Learner-Centered Learning
Catering To the Learner
The Art of Learning
Understand What They Want to Learn
Understand How They Want to Learn
Understand When and Where They Want to Learn
Asynchronous vs Synchronous E-Learning
Chapter 2: Achieve Buy-In
Create Executive Stakeholders
Make the Business Case for Online Learning
Weave Online Learning Throughout the Enterprise
Foster a Learning-Friendly Environment
Tie It All Together With an LMS
Chapter 3: Save Time and Money
Capitalize on Built-In Time/Money Savings
The Great Training Robbery
Are All These Claims True?
Online Learning Ammunition — Money
Online Learning Ammo — Time
Online Learning Makes Money?
How To Capitalize on E-learning
Chapter 4: Tame the Technology
Understand the Technology (it’s not that tough)
Are You Managing the System Or Is It Managing You?
Creating Training That People Can Use
Creating Training That People Will Use
Chapter 5: Orchestrate the Three Sides of Design
Focus on All Three Sides of Design: Technical, Aesthetic and Learning
Realize Technical, Graphic and Learning Designers Attended Different Classrooms
Appreciate the Integration of Technology and Graphic Design
When to Use Graphics
When Not to Use Graphics
Let the Trainers Take the Lead
Peer-to-Peer, or EVERYone’s a Trainer
Think Chunky — Object-Oriented Learning
Open Season
Chapter 6: Think Globally, Learn Locally
Respect the World: Languages, Cultures and Customs
Embrace Cross-Cultural Functionality
Globalization and Localization Trends
Tips for Localizing E-learning
Trends for the Future
It’s Called WWW for a Reason
Chapter 7: Partner With Purpose & Passion
Preparing to Partner
What Successful Partnerships Are
What Successful Partnerships Do
How to Avoid Accidental Partnerships
Rehearsal
How to Avoid Porcupine Partnerships
Passion
What To Do Now?
What Works For You
E-learning Isn’t the Next Big Thing — it’s the NOW Big Thing
Remember, E-learning is an Art, Not a Science
About the Authors
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
EndnotesHeather Shea-Schultz is a partner with the Canaan Consulting Group (CCG) and the former president of Tom Peters’ training company. She was an executive vice president of Learn and an Accenture (formerly Anderson Consulting) consultant. An internationally recognized speaker and consultant, she brings computers to rural Kenya and installs them for a month each year. In addition, she is on the advisory board of Interactive Training, Inc. Heather is coauthor with Chip Bell of Dance Lessons: Six Steps to Great Partnerships in Business and Life (Berrett-Koehler, 1998).
John Fogarty is a published novelist, columnist, seasoned e-learning writer, and former stand-up comedian. He is the author of The Haunt, a novel published by Warner Books (1990). Since then, John has written four more novels of mystery and suspense and penned three motion picture screen- plays, all sold to DreamLine Productions. A professional writer with over twenty-five years’ experience, John is also a published poet and short story author. Certified in Human Performance Technology’s Accomplishment-Based Curriculum Design by the Moore Institute, he has written extensively on the opportunities of the new economy and technology. He’s also the “technical guy” of this writing team, one of those half-crazed e-fiends who create online learning modules and courses.