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QUESTION
If we are rapidly developing e-learning in-house, how can we make sure that the programs will be visually engaging and interactive? Many programs turn out to be converted PowerPoint slides with just bullet points and basic clip art graphics.
ANSWER
As more and more people become "X-Boxed” and “Play-Stationed," the need for visually engaging e-learning programs will increase considerably. In contrast, the drive to rapidly develop e-learning in-house often results in minimally interactive "page turner" programs.
So what is it that keeps a person in front of a video game for hours but makes him or her drop out of an e-learning course after 10 minutes? At Centrax we call it the CAI Ratio (new acronym alert!). That stands for Content Area Interaction Ratio. The CAI Ratio is the total number of interactive screens (action within the content area—for example, drag and drop questions, simulated tool, and so forth) versus the number of static content screens.
Videogames have a very high CAI Ratio because, in most cases, every screen has the user interacting with the content area (for example, driving a race car or piloting a flight simulator). A converted PowerPoint program would have a very low CAI Ratio since most of the screens would consist of bulleted text, static diagrams, and clip art, and the user only needs to click the Next button to advance.
Specialized skill sets are needed to create the advanced graphics, 3D animation, and programming for e-learning with high CAI ratios. But a program that consists entirely of converted PowerPoint slides with bullet points and clip art graphics may not be effective to an audience, depending on the content.
The key to creating an engaging program without a huge budget is having a medium-level CAI Ratio. You can accomplish that by determining a segment of the program that could use advanced media elements to increase the production value of the project.
For example, 80 percent of a sales training program can be straightforward slides to cover reference material and specifications, and 20 percent can have 3-D character simulation with audio responses to display client interaction scenarios. Or, you can develop a 3-D product simulation to get everyone on the same page before the sales training class.
You can enhance segments of any program using advanced graphics and programming. Then, you can insert those screens into most learning content management systems (LCMSs) along with the converted PowerPoint slides.
In addition, you can develop a plan up front to generate a library of reusable learning objects (RLOs) that can be used in various programs.
Examples:
Centrax develops TrainingBYTES, short pieces of programs that can be inserted into any LCMS. The link below is an example of a sales scenario. This sample has 3-D characters and audio, which are more engaging for the learner than reading a scenario in bulleted text with few visuals. The tone of the character’s voice can be changed, which adds to the training effectiveness if voice patterns and tones are a factor in the training.
http://stg.centrax.com/demo/sales/
This link comes from a roller grill training program. The balance of the program is primarily text- and image-based descriptions and specifications. The practice section required more engaging screen content. This TrainingBYTE allows the user to cook the hotdogs on a virtual Roller Grill. http://stg.centrax.com/rollergrill/demo3/
For a wellness training project, a PowerPoint-based interview was converted into a TrainingBYTE. More people complete the interview in this format. This TrainingBYTE was used in various segments of the wellness program curriculum. http://stg.centrax.com/dynamic/interview/
This TrainingBYTE is for a financial training program on determining good and bad collateral. The bank office must visit the company to determine the company’s quality of assets. This RLO uses a game metaphor and good and bad collateral image comparisons to teach this concept.
http://stg.centrax.com/demo/credit/
In summary, inserting engaging screen elements within programs will increase user acceptance, retention, and effectiveness. This model will still work with in-house rapid development because the segments can be developed in advance to be used in programs. The budgets will be in line since the RLOs are very short and inexpensive compared to a full program with a high CAI ratio. With some up-front planning and efficient budgeting, the production value of e-learning programs can be raised considerably.