Don't you like it when you can tackle several problems with one elegant solution?

Problem One
Several clients with strongly international learner bases expressed an interest in offering the eLMS to users who weren't comfortable working in English. Could we create a version of the eLMS in Dutch, German, and Spanish perhaps? 

We'd already developed multi-language courses. Custom content development is one thing - you publish several versions of the same course, and learners choose their preferred language. But an online training provider has to consider the next step, which isn't that simple: what about the LMS? If a user isn't comfortable with English, can he always get to the course? And what about all the other features of the eLMS - shouldn't they be accessible to every learner?

Problem Two
With the eLMS there is a lot of text that specifically refers to the site. In everything from explanation windows to site-generated emails, the name of the site is mentioned. When we would setup the eLMS for a new client, we'd spend a few days manually replacing these references within Visual Studio. It was not a complex task, but it was tedious and time-consuming.

Solution: eLMS Language and Culture Localization
We solved both problems at once, and did it in three steps: 

This one enhancement has multiplied both the versatility of the site, and the return you'll get on your eLearning investment. Contact us today to find out how you can most effectively put the eLMS at the service of your learners.

For the past several weeks, I have been discussing the debate over the value of eLearning versus traditional classroom training. It got me to thinking that maybe we need to go back and look at all those basic reasons why implementing eLearning can be a huge benefit to your organization. And, I won't even get into the added benefits of using a hosted eLearning management system which, in and of itself, will provide numerous opportunities for reporting, follow-up, gap analysis, learning path development, evaluations and surveys.

The list of benefits below are readily accepted by nearly everyone in the training industry:

• eLearning is usually less expensive to produce: of course, this may be dependent on the production value and tools you use and the particular content, but, once developed, an eLearning course can be leveraged for years without additional costs.
• The user determines the pace: As a self-paced learner from way back, this is one of its most attractive benefits for me. I can move through any online training solution at my own pace and access it just when I need it. Cool! 
• The learner can move through the learning faster -- As a user, I can bypass information I already know and focus on the information that I need to know. Beats sitting in a classroom and listening to repetitive material every time!
• eLearning provides a consistent message : Many of our clients are global organizations. They need their messaging to be the same whether it is delivered in Singapore, Paris or San Francisco. And, they need it to reflect just that global diversity as well. We just produced an online customer service course. One of the key learning objectives was to establish a consistent and repeatable process for customer support across their global platform. Providing the training as web based eLearning was exactly the right format for this project.
• Implementing eLearning can provide training from any location, any time, and just in time: One of the most obvious applications of this benefit was a sales training series we did for a health system hardware provider. They recognized that their sales people had little advance time to prepare for sales calls because they had such a broad range of services and products. So we created a custom series that reps could access just prior to their sales meetings to educate and update them on products and services. It was a resounding success. 
• eLearning can be updated easily and quickly: I recall developing a series of product training courses, which were updated monthly. The course were template based and allowed for easy updating of product spec changes. This meant that the field always had the most current product information. Imagine doing that through classroom training!
• eLearning leads to increased retention and a stronger grasp on the subject: This is because of the many elements that can be combined in custom eLearning to reinforce the message, such as video, audio, quizzes, interaction, animations, virtual role plays, scenario-based decision-making. Users can also revisit material as they need. Online soft skills training is usually a content area that seems challenging, however, we have produced many highly effective manager skills training courses such as Coaching in this format. Taking advantage of the tools available can produce outstanding learning! 
• eLearning can be managed and delivered for large or small groups of students: Using a SCORM Learning Management System such as KMi's, eLMS, allows the administrators to market courses, provide pre-assessments, evaluations, surveys, reporting, success tracking, blogs and all kinds of other features to enhance the learning experience.

So let us help you experience all the benefits of successful eLearning. Contact Margie Herron at mherron@kmionline.com and visit www.kmionline.com to learn more.