Answer geeks (and we use that term with great respect): Where would we be without them? They help guide us through the challenges of online learning, the Internet, courseware development, and those other intersections of learning and technology. Have a question about e-learning? Maybe we can help. Email us at answergeek@astd.org! We'll publish some of the best Q&A.

Basics
Terminology
Hot topics
Theory
Online learners
Online instructors/facilitators
Online writing/text
Using technology
Buying technology
Conversion
Designing/developing e-learning
Delivering e-learning
Tracking/testing e-learning
Professional development
Training tips/strategies

Basics

• I’m just getting started with e-learning. How can I learn more?
  
• How can I determine whether e-learning is right for my organization and the people in it?
  

Terminology

• I’ve been hearing about hot new technologies for learning. Can you define the terms and explain more about blogs, RSS, wikis, and blikis?
  
• What do the terms digital immigrant and digital native mean, and what is their significance?
  
• Can you explain the difference between e-learning, EPSS, and online help?
  
• Can you explain the difference between distance learning, Web-based training, online learning, and e-learning?
  
• What’s the difference between synchronous and asynchronous training?
  
• CBT, WBT, TBT: What’s the difference?

Hot topics

• I’ve been hearing about hot new technologies for learning. Can you define the terms and explain more about blogs, RSS, wikis, and blikis
  
• I’m looking for information on accessibility as it relates to online learning. Can you suggest any sources?
  
• I’ve been hearing about m-learning. What is it, where can I get more information, and should I start developing courses for it?
  
• What does XML mean for e-learning?

Theory

• What is the future of online assessments for learners, developers, and employers?
  
• Is there research demonstrating a difference between learning achieved through synchronous versus asynchronous online instruction?
  
• Can you explain the relationship between knowledge management and e-learning and suggest some resources to help me learn more?
  
• How do success factors for e-learning differ from success factors for classroom training?
  
• Can soft skills be taught with Web-based training, or should soft skills training take place in an instructor-led, classroom environment?
  
• Why do companies have learning strategies, and what are the implications of not having one? What organizations are successfully using them?

Online learners

• How can I ensure the success and motivation of online learners?
  
• I’m looking for examples of icebreakers for online learners. Do you have any ideas?
  
• What resources discuss the impact of language structures on learning? For example, how effective is the second person pronoun you, and do learners prefer contractions in onscreen text?
  
• How can I prepare low-tech learners for online learning?
  
• Is there any research on successful online learners? Do they have characteristics that differentiate them from less successful students?

Online instructors/facilitators

• Is there any kind of standard in the training world about how many hours a week instructors should teach?
  
• I know how to deliver an effective training session in the traditional classroom, but how do I hone my delivery skills for a virtual environment?
  
• In your opinion, are the competencies needed by e-facilitators the same across industries or are they industry specific; for example, would health care professionals need different competencies?
  
• Do online instructors need facilitation, coaching, and process consultation skills?

Online writing/text

• How can I evaluate the writing in an online procedure manual?
  
• What resources discuss the impact of language structures on learning? For example, how effective is the second person pronoun you, and do learners prefer contractions in onscreen text?
  
• My organization wants to convert procedure and reference manuals from print to electronic format. Can you recommend a process or software to handle this?
  
• I’m an instructional designer and trainer, but I’d like to do some technical writing. Is there a way to become certified online or by a series of classes?
  

Using technology

• I’m looking for a lightweight projection tool for training with PowerPoint on the road. I’m thinking of either a small LCD projector to carry with a laptop or an LCD projector with a port for a memory stick if such a thing exists. Can you help?
  
• What information can you give me about the use of DVDs in training? Can this method save money, as you don’t need computers?
  
• My boss wants me to set up an intranet. Where do I start?

Buying technology

• We’re thinking of getting an LMS in 2002. What are some features we should look for?
  
• What should we look for in a learning management system (LMS), and where can we find established vendors?
  
• How can I find the best e-learning apps and services out there? There are just so many popping up!
  
• The choices are staggering for WBT development tools. What’s out there?
  

Conversion

• What’s involved in converting computer-based training to Web-based training?
  
• My organization wants to convert procedure and reference manuals from print to electronic format. Can you recommend a process or software to handle this?

Designing/developing e-learning

• How do I evangelize training in my company? How do I make mandatory training interesting?

• How many lessons can a typical adult learner withstand in succession before the learning is compromised? In other words, how much contiguous learning can someone reasonably be expected to sit through before they go numb? 

• If we are rapidly developing e-learning in-house, how can we make sure that the programs will be visually engaging and interactive?
  

• In 2001, you published an Answer Geek column on estimating development hours for e-learning. Do you have anything new to add now, as e-learning programs are becoming more sophisticated?
  

• What are the criteria for determining when e-learning versus instructor-led training is appropriate?
  
• What are some considerations to keep in mind as I choose or create graphics for my e-learning projects?
  
• I’ve been told I need to conduct a needs assessment for training. What is it, and how do I do it?
  
• How can I capture screens from a software program and turn the screens into a training environment?
  
• Are there recommended background designs and colors for Web-based training courses? What factors should I take into account?
  
• Is there a formula for calculating development hours for e-learning? What factors need to be considered?
  
• What are reusable learning objects and how are they used?
  
• Where can I find information on recording my voice for Web-based or computer-based training?
  
• What does XML mean for e-learning?
  
• Where can I find design guidelines for Websites and Web-based training? I’m also interested in research on designs that are easiest for users to read and interact with.

Delivering e-learning

• How do I evangelize training in my company? How do I make mandatory training interesting?
  

• How can we control the quality of training when instructors make changes to content as they deliver it? Parts I and II.
  
• We’re developing a customized online reference tool for a client. Should we charge per user or just a flat fee?
  
• How do I know what delivery method to use for the information I need to cover in a training course?
  
• I’ve been asked to create a virtual university. Can you give me some ideas?
  
• How can we deploy chat rooms and discussion boards for e-learning and generate interest in them?
  
• How can my company get more effective employee buy-in for computer-based training (CBT)?
  
• How do I qualify my e-learning courses for Continuing Education Units (CEUs)?

Tracking/testing e-learning

• For online courses, should we mail each learner a completion certificate or develop and send an electronic version?
  
• When tracking e-learning course completion rates, how do we determine when to give a student credit for finishing a course?

Professional development

• I know how to deliver an effective training session in the traditional classroom, but how do I hone my delivery skills for a virtual environment?
  
• Should an employee learning to develop WBT be trained on instructional design principles or just on how to use authoring tools? I think ISD is important but other people in my department disagree.
  
• I’m an instructional designer and trainer, but I’d like to do some technical writing. Is there a way to become certified online or by a series of classes?
  
• How do I become a Certified Technical Trainer (CTT)?
  
• Where can I find information about online master’s degree programs?
  
• Do I need to become certified to train people in information technology (IT) topics?

Training tips/strategies

• Is there a standard training department size for corporations?
  
• How can we control the quality of training when instructors make changes to content as they deliver it? Parts I and II.
  
• Where can I find material on technical skills training—for example, call-center training, systems training, and so forth?
  
• I have been named program administrator for a soft skills program and must structure a certification program and increase employee enrollment. What are some of the first steps?
  
• My boss has asked me to design and develop an e-reference center consisting of training aids (courses, books, videos, Web links, and so forth) categorized by a list of competencies. Any suggestions on how to get started?
  
• Our department is starting a new program in which all trainers provide a fresh training tip each month. Where can I find new ideas?