Maximize Corporate Training Efficiency Through eLearning Development

eLearning or online learning, refers to the process of creating digital learning content. In the United States, eLearning is rapidly growing, with its market size reaching a whopping US$ 122.4 billion in 2023.  

As per estimates, this growth will be robust, and by 2032, the market is expected to reach US$ 278.3 Billion at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3% during 2024-2032. This growth is primarily due to the widespread adoption of eLearning for corporate training by a large majority of US corporations. And, why not? According to IBM statistics, there is a high probability, that eLearning can increase productivity by 50%. 

To understand better, take the example of McDonald's. The company implemented the McWelcome preboarding platform and various other digital training solutions to enhance employee onboarding and development. 

This initiative was driven by the need to efficiently train new hires and teach them about food safety and operational procedures, without disrupting restaurant operations. By integrating their corporate training materials into a single, accessible platform, McDonald's reduced administrative work for managers. This ensured new employees were well-prepared before their first day. 

Furthermore, this approach led to high employee satisfaction and has even been adopted in multiple countries due to its success.

Still, having doubts about the potential of eLearning? Through this article, let’s better understand the concept of eLearning development, see several popular tools, and learn its various advantages in corporate training. 

What do you mean by eLearning Development?

eLearning development is an art. Being a complex and tedious process, most eLearning developers follow a step-by-step process to create digital learning content and solutions. The several processes involved are:

• Analysis
• Design
• Development
• Evaluation and implementation

 Let’s understand all five processes in detail:

Process I: Analysis

• This is the initial stage where the learning needs and objectives are identified
• It involves understanding the target audience and their:
• Characteristics
• Existing knowledge
• Learning preferences, and
• Any challenges they might face
• Additionally, it entails analyzing the tasks or job roles that learners need to perform after completing the course
• This stage sets the foundation for the entire eLearning development process by defining what needs to be achieved.

Process II: Design

• Once the analysis is complete, the next step is to create a design document
• This document outlines the overall instructional strategy
• Some common items covered in this document are:
• Sequence of topics
• Learning activities
• Assessments
• Use of multimedia elements such as graphics, videos, or audio
• The design phase ensures that the course content is structured in a way that promotes effective learning and engagement.

Process III: Development

• In this stage, the actual creation of the eLearning course takes place
• Development involves translating the design specifications into a tangible product.
• Content is developed and organized according to the storyboard, which serves as a blueprint for the course layout and flow. 
• Various authoring tools are used:
• Calibr.ai
• Articulate Storyline
• Lectora
• Adobe Captivate, and more
• These tools help in building interactive modules, quizzes, and simulations.

Process IV: Evaluation and Implementation

• Once the course is developed, it undergoes testing and evaluation
• This ensures the accuracy and alignment of the developed content with the learning objectives
• Also, feedback from subject matter experts and potential learners is collected to improve the course quality. 
• After revisions, the final version of the course is implemented
• Lastly, the course is made accessible to the target audience through a learning management system (LMS) or other delivery platforms.

It is essential to note that effective eLearning development requires a multidisciplinary approach. That’s because it involves a combination of skills, such as:

• Instructional design
• Multimedia development
• Technical expertise
• Project management
• Effective communication, and more

Thus, eLearning developers must follow a systematic development process and use a range of skills and tools to create impactful online learning experiences. 

What are some popular eLearning development tools and their functionalities?

Thanks to the evolution of the eLearning market, currently, there are numerous eLearning tools in the US. Let’s have a look at some of the most popular products:

1. Calibr.AI

Calibr.ai is an advanced eLearning tool powered by generative AI technologies. It offers an AI-powered course authoring tool along with a unified Learning Experience Platform (LXP). See its popular features below:

• AI-Powered Course Authoring Tool
• Allows users to create interactive courses and microlearning videos in minutes
• It offers a drag-and-drop builder and pre-made templates
• Learning Management System (LMS)
• Calibr.AI also offers LMS for managing:
• Employee training
• Customer training
• Compliance training
• Content Library
• Offers a library of ready-to-use courses, videos, and e-books
• All these items can be integrated with leading content hubs
• Analytics and Reporting
• Provides detailed analytics to measure the impact of learning strategies
• This helps in maximizing the ROI of L&D investments
• SCORM Support
• Supports standardized content delivery through SCORM packages

2. iSpring Suite

This tool is an add-on for Microsoft PowerPoint and makes it easy for instructors to convert their existing PowerPoint presentations into fully-fledged eLearning courses. It offers features like:

• Interactive quizzes
• Dialogue simulations
• Screen recordings

It also allows the courses to be exported to various formats compatible with Learning Management Systems (LMS) through SCORM files.

3. Evolve Content Authoring

Evolve is a cloud-based authoring tool. It enables the creation of responsive and interactive educational content. It supports the development of courses, simulations, and other learning experiences. 

One of its major advantages is that the courses generated using Evolve can adapt to different devices and screen sizes. This ensures a seamless learning experience across platforms.

4. Elucidat

Elucidat is another cloud-based authoring tool designed for collaborative course development. It offers template-based course creation, which is especially useful for L&D teams and subject matter experts who need to quickly create and deploy employee education content. Elucidat also ensures SCORM compliance for seamless integration with LMS platforms.

5. Adobe Captivate

Adobe Captivate is a popular eLearning development tool known for its:

• Responsive design capabilities 

and

• Extensive library of templates and assets

It allows developers to create interactive and engaging eLearning content using features like branching scenarios, simulations, and quizzes. Captivate also offers integration with other Adobe products, like Photoshop and Illustrator for enhanced multimedia development.

6. Articulate Storyline 360

Storyline is widely used for its user-friendly interface, especially for those familiar with Microsoft PowerPoint. It offers advanced customization options that allow developers to create highly interactive and visually appealing eLearning courses. 

Storyline also enables the creation of complex branching scenarios and simulations through its advanced features, like:

• Triggers
• States
• Variables

7. Lectora Online

Lectora is a cloud-based authoring tool. It is widely known for its powerful capabilities in creating HTML5 content. This tool offers a wide range of interactive features and customization options suitable for developing impactful eLearning courses for diverse audiences.

8. Gomo

Gomo is designed for experienced learning designers who prioritize:

• Ease of use 

and

• Collaboration

It offers a user-friendly interface and templates for rapid course development. These features make it suitable for teams looking to streamline the eLearning development process without sacrificing quality.

9. DominKnow

DominKnow is ideal for teams focusing on:

• Responsive screen capture 

and

• Software simulation

It offers robust features for creating interactive software demonstrations and simulations. This makes it a valuable tool for technical training and software tutorials.

10. Easygenerator

Easygenerator is an authoring software designed for learning teams that need a simple and intuitive tool for creating eLearning content. It again offers a user-friendly interface and templates for quickly developing courses without requiring advanced technical skills.

What does an eLearning developer do?

An eLearning developer is responsible for designing and developing engaging online learning content. They work closely with the following:

• Instructional designers 

and

• Subject matter experts

This helps them create multimedia-rich courses that meet specific learning objectives. Some of the key responsibilities performed by an eLearning developer are:

• Content development
• User experience design
• Technical development
• Assessment design
• Collaboration with stakeholders
• Project management
• Technical skills in authoring tools and programming languages, and more

As discussed above, it is a multifaceted role and requires a blend of instructional design skills and effective communication to deliver high-quality eLearning experiences.

What is Rapid eLearning Development?

Rapid eLearning development is a method of creating online learning courses swiftly and efficiently by utilizing:

• Advanced authoring tools 

and

• Optimized processes

The primary goal of this kind of eLearning development is to minimize the time and expenses typically associated with traditional eLearning development. At the same time, it also focuses on upholding the quality and efficacy of the learning content.

It is essential to note that this approach relies heavily on specialized authoring tools like Calibr.AI, Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, or Lectora. These tools allow instructional designers to craft eLearning modules without requiring extensive coding skills.

What is the development process of rapid eLearning courses?

Generally, it follows a structured path and begins with a needs analysis to identify:

• Learning objectives
• Target audience, and
• Content requirements

Then, content creation takes place using the authoring tools, and various multimedia elements, such as videos, quizzes, and simulations, are incorporated. Stakeholder feedback is sought, revisions are made, and thorough testing and quality assurance checks are performed before deployment on Learning Management Systems (LMS) or other platforms. 

Despite its accelerated pace, rapid eLearning doesn't sacrifice quality. It adheres to sound instructional design principles and focuses on achieving performance-based learning objectives. 

Some key benefits of rapid eLearning development are:

• Speed
• Cost-efficiency
• Flexibility
• Engagement, and
• Scalability

How does eLearning Impact Corporate Training?

eLearning transforms corporate training and development. It enhances the accessibility and efficiency of corporate training. Moreover, it reduces costs associated with traditional training methods like travel and printed materials, thereby making it a cost-effective solution.

Flexible learning schedules also allow employees to train at their own pace and convenience while accommodating global teams. Through eLearning, businesses can also incorporate interactive multimedia content, which boosts engagement and knowledge retention. 

Also, modern eLearning tools like Calibr.AI also provide valuable analytics that enable organizations to:

• Track progress

and

• Identify areas for improvement

Now, let's have a look at some major advantages of eLearning.

What are the Advantages of eLearning in Corporate Training?

As studied above, eLearning significantly impacts organizational performance. It promotes employee development by providing scalable and cost-effective solutions tailored to the needs of modern workplaces.

Let’s have a look at the six major advantages of eLearning in corporate training along with easy-to-understand examples:

1. Scalability

eLearning allows organizations to scale training programs quickly and efficiently to accommodate a growing workforce or changing training needs. It eliminates geographical barriers and enables consistent delivery of training across multiple locations.

For example,

• Assume that a multinational corporation (MNC) implements eLearning modules to train employees across different regions simultaneously
• With centralized content and easy accessibility, the company can scale its training efforts
• Its courses can now reach thousands of employees worldwide

2. Cost-effectiveness

eLearning reduces training costs associated with traditional classroom-based methods. Some common examples of eliminated costs are:

• Instructor fees
• Travel expenses, and
• Venue rental

Additionally, it also minimizes expenses related to printing materials and logistics.

For example,

• Say a small business opts for eLearning solutions to train its employees on compliance regulations. 
• By utilizing online modules and virtual classrooms, the company significantly reduces training expenses compared to:
• Organizing in-person workshops 

or

• Hiring external trainers

3. Accessibility

eLearning provides anytime, anywhere access to training materials. This high level of accessibility allows employees to learn at their own pace and convenience. Furthermore, it accommodates diverse learning styles and schedules, including remote or distributed teams.

For example,

• A healthcare organization implements Calibr.AI as an eLearning platform
• Its goal is to provide training on patient safety protocols to its nursing staff
• Now, nurses can access the training modules from their computers or mobile devices
• They can easily fit learning into their busy schedules
• This ensures consistent compliance with safety standards across shifts and departments

4. Flexibility

eLearning offers flexibility in terms of content delivery and learning paths. Employees can choose the topics and modules relevant to their roles. Also, training can be personalized to meet individual learning needs and preferences.

For example,

• A technology company develops a series of eLearning courses on software development methodologies. 
• Employees have the flexibility to select modules based on their:
• Job roles 

and

• Proficiency levels
• This allows them to advance their skills at their own pace and tailor their learning experience to their career aspirations.

5. Interactivity

eLearning engages learners through interactive elements such as:

• Quizzes
• Simulations
• Multimedia content

It promotes active participation and enhances knowledge retention by providing hands-on practice and immediate feedback.

For example,

• A sales organization implements eLearning simulations
• It wants to train its sales representatives on:
• Product demonstrations 

and

• Objection handling
• The interactive simulations allow employees to practice sales techniques in a risk-free environment
• This improves their confidence and proficiency in real-world scenarios.

6. Tracking and Analytics

eLearning platforms offer robust tracking and analytics capabilities. These features allow organizations to:

• Monitor learner progress
• Track completion rates
• Assess training effectiveness

Furthermore, it is essential to note that, data-driven insights enable informed decision-making and continuous improvement of training programs.

For example,

• A financial institution uses an eLearning platform
• It wants to deliver compliance training to its employees
• The platform tracks:
• Learner engagement
• Completion rates
• Assessment scores in real-time
• This enables the organization to identify areas of improvement and ensure regulatory compliance across the workforce.

Conclusion

eLearning development is truly transforming corporate training. By offering scalable, cost-effective, and flexible solutions, it allows organizations to deliver corporate training across multiple locations. 

Also, eLearning reduces expenses and eliminates geographical barriers. With interactive elements and robust tracking capabilities, it enhances employee engagement and provides valuable insights for continuous improvement. 

To create engaging and impactful online courses, business organizations can use tools like Calibr.ai, Articulate Storyline, and Adobe Captivate. These tools simplify the creation of effective online learning content. 

Have you checked out Calibr.AI’s latest product, Calibr Craft yet? Try it out for free!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which is better, eLearning vs. traditional learning for corporate training?

eLearning offers flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, while traditional learning provides face-to-face interaction and hands-on experience. The choice depends on the specific needs and context of the training program. However, due to increased productivity and learning outcomes, most business organizations prefer eLearning when it comes to imparting corporate training. 

2. Is Calibr.AI powered by artificial intelligence?

Yes, Calibr.AI is an AI-powered eLearning tool that offers features like an AI-powered course authoring tool, a Learning Management System (LMS), and a content library.

3. What are some popular eLearning development tools?

Popular eLearning development tools include:

• Calibr.AI
• Articulate Storyline
• Adobe Captivate
• iSpring Suite
• Evolve Content Authoring
• Elucidat.

4. What are some major advantages of eLearning in corporate training?

Major advantages of eLearning include:

• Scalability
• Cost-effectiveness
• Accessibility
• Robust tracking and analytics capabilities.

5. How can businesses develop engaging corporate training courses?

Businesses can develop engaging corporate training courses by using interactive multimedia elements. They can incorporate simulations and quizzes and try to personalize content by utilizing advanced eLearning authoring tools.