Sunday, March 30, 2014

The Top 6 Errors People Make When Using Online IT Courses

By Kenneth Harris


Implementing elearning courses is a tool that organizations can use to maximize valuable resources such as time and money. This type of training is often convenient for the individuals who have access to it, and many people prefer to use it as a method of learning. However, as is the case with other kinds of methods, an array of issues can arise. Associations may make various mistakes while implementing such training, and some errors are relatively common.

Mistake 1: Hands-off approach

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: Software issues

Problems with software are not uncommon online, and numerous organizations fail to rectify such issues in a timely way. If the individuals who enroll in a course cannot navigate through it because of technical issues, they could quickly become frustrated. This may lead to an overall loss of interest in finishing the course.

Mistake 4: Irrelevant content

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 issues

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: Communication

Lack of communication could be the top error a company might make, when it is offering such courses online. If there is a change in a deadline, it will likely benefit the organization to promptly tell participants about the change. Before implementing a course, an organization should communicate any main objectives or major requirements that are expected of participants.

Elearning has become an important tool for countless associations. It is important for people to learn from the mistakes that others have made. When common errors are avoided, an organization can maximize resources instead of wasting them unnecessarily. Using a qualified online IT training provider is another way to ensure that valuable resources are used appropriately.




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