The Khan Academy is a truly inspiring idea. Watch Salman Khan talk about why he created the Khan Academy and get a sneak peek at where K-12 education is headed.
Did you know that most people, especially men, won't ask for clarification or help if they do not understand a concept being taught in a classroom setting? (We didn't do a study because we feel this is self evident.) Our e-learning courses have a pause button and the ability to rewind and replay. Makes everyone feel like a genius! Classes you can watch again without feeling stupid – Powered by Serebra
We often get the question, should we move to virtual learning or continue with instructor-led training in a classroom setting? Our answer – for the greatest success, do both! There are great advantages to learning online, but despite our bias for e-learning, we recognize that there is still a need for in-person instruction as well. This model of learning – combining online and classroom training – is known as blended learning.
So... why blend? Here are our five top reasons:
We’re constantly amazed and impressed by what people are doing in the world of online education. As written in the article How the Internet Is Revolutionizing Education, “the Web has unlocked the keys to a worldwide virtual school, potentially leveling the playing field for students around the world.” Take a read – you might just learn something fascinating!
Did you know that 40% of training budgets are often used up by travel costs? Wouldn't you rather spend your money on things that are way more fine – like an improved bottom line, or better yet a company rafting trip? Company rafting trips – Powered by Serebra
Did you know that most e-learning programs that fail, do so because there is not enough green in the user interface? (We made this up. But hey, it sounds true, right?) Our Learning Management System is fully customizable and we can add as much green as you like! Software with as much of the colour green as you need – Powered by Serebra
Challenge:
A leading Canadian University recently identified a need to supplement business school curriculum with additional courses. They found that students were lacking basic competencies needed to be successful in their post-secondary education. Many students lacked fundamental business skills and were struggling with office tools necessary for completing business assignments. As a result, professors were forced to delay delving into the theoretical side of the subject matter and instead spent time teaching skills they felt students should already have learned.
Solution:
The solution was to implement Serebra’s learning management system and offer additional courses online. In this manner, students could take the courses they needed on their own time and at their own pace.
I’ve noticed over the last year that e-learning has taken an impressive step forward among educational institutions. E-learning got a boost when courses from one of the largest e-learning vendors in North America gained accreditation from the University of Phoenix. In addition to accreditation, Universities are also looking to e-learning to supplement their traditional curriculums. At Serebra in particular, we’ve noticed that post-secondary schools are keen to use online learning to get students up to speed on skills necessary for completing assignments and being successful in their studies.
Now, to me the next question is, how can we get this training out to non-traditional markets? To be continued...
At Serebra we will feel strongly about practicing what we preach. Our employees believe in online training and regularly take the courses we offer to our clients. We figure if we want our customers to be excited about our product, then we better start by building excitement internally. This article from 37signals captures our thoughts on the matter: Marketing to your own team.
Developing an effective marketing campaign for your corporate training
Having an effective online corporate training program isn’t just about installing a Learning Management System (LMS) and uploading courses. If you build it, they won’t come. You need an internal marketing plan to get your staff engaged, motivated and on board with the program.
A successfully marketed training program will ensure your investment is fully maximized. You’ll increase the number of staff taking and completing online training. By training people in the skills they need, they’ll be more capable, efficient, and productive at their jobs. In addition, they’re likely to feel more motivated and appreciated at work. It’s a win-win for all!
Here are a few strategies we recommend to help you increase awareness and acceptance of your program, while ensuring maximum use of online training.
The team at Serebra is crazy about learning - we like to read about it, write about it, and pass along things we think are interesting. We're committed to excellence, dedicated to innovation, and determined to make a positive impact on the world through our passion for education.
