E-learning Solutions On A Shoestring: Help For The Chronically Underfunded Trainer (pfeiffer Essential Resources For Training And Hr Professionals)

Bozarth.ffirs 7/19/05 11:32 AM Page ix E-LEARNING SOLUTIONS ON A SHOESTRING Help for the Chronically Underfunded Trainer Jane Bozarth Bozarth.ffirs 7/19/05 11:32 AM Page ii Bozarth.ffirs 7/19/05 11:32 AM Page i About This Book Why is this topic important? Despite the myriad benefits that e-learning can provide, high development and implementation costs leave many organizations out in the cold. Employees are denied opportunities for growth and pulled away from work to attend live training that could be more effectively provided by other means, while organizations continue to expend time and energy on instructor time, classroom space, and travel expenses. This is the first book devoted exclusively to helping organizations identify low-cost ways of delivering e-learning solutions. What can you achieve with this book? You will feel both encouraged and empowered that quality e-learning solutions are within the grasp of even the smallest organizations with the most limited resources. Take-aways include solid ideas for building solutions at minimal cost, strategies for negotiating reasonable expenses for “store-bought” e-learning products, and ideas for assembling tools, techniques, and strategies into workplace solutions. You will learn: • How to confidently make the buy-or-build (or both) decision • How to take inventory of existing resources (you’ll probably be surprised—you likely have more than you think) • How to use inexpensive e-learning solutions to fill in gaps between formal training events: bring about learning in work, not just learning at work • How to find free, or almost free, design enhancers and interactivity tools • How to recycle, reuse, and repurpose resources • How to create engaging online training at a minimal cost • How to build collaboration through creative use of free or low-cost technologies and techniques • How to negotiate with vendors of off-the-shelf and custom content • How to maximize your investment in a learning management system—if it’s an investment you really need to make • How to assemble tools and strategies into complete online programs How is this book organized? The book consists of three parts: creating e-learning in-house, which covers such topics as building and enhancing basic programs and creating low-cost collaboration; buying e-learning courses and custom content, which covers such topics as considering all the costs involved, knowing your criteria, and working with vendors; and putting solutions together to create robust e-learning programs. Bozarth.ffirs 7/19/05 11:32 AM Page ii Bozarth.ffirs 7/19/05 11:32 AM Page iii “e-Learning Solutions on a Shoestring should be required reading for any organization considering an e-learning program. Jane Bozarth has done much of the groundwork for us by reviewing and prioritizing resources and filling her book full of ways to save money—a tremendously practical and useful guide.” —Colleen O’Connor Grochowski, assistant dean for curriculum development, Duke University School of M