A year-ish into the COVID-19 pandemic, the shift to online learning out there has been massive, and we at eLoc Smart Solutions have been receiving a growing amount of enquiries and requests from companies and institutions out there for our eLearning consulting and instructional design services. This is what motivated this blog post, to provide a bit of a basic overview in some of the basic technology and concepts.

What is eLearning?

eLearning refers to the delivery of learning and training through digital resources. Unlike traditional classroom-based learning, eLearning allows learners to access educational content anytime, anywhere, through various digital devices.

Common eLearning formats include:
Interactive courses with multimedia elements, video-based learning, microlearning modules, virtual classrooms and webinars, mobile learning, game-based learning.
There are many more formats and delivery formats (many clients have a lot of questions on blended learning, for post-pandemic) but let’s just focus on 100% online learning for this post.

Now for your eLearning project, you need two “technical” elements: an authoring tool, and an LMS (Learning Management System).

Authoring tools: creating digital learning content

Authoring tools are specialised software applications that allow instructional designers and content creators to develop eLearning content without extensive programming knowledge. These tools provide features like:

• Course templates and themes
• Interactive elements and assessments
• Multimedia integration capabilities
• Publishing options for various platforms
• Mobile-responsive design features

Popular authoring tools include: Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, Knowledgeworker…. and many more. In the authoring tool, the actual course contents are brought to life and designed in an interactive way. We at eLoc can use these authoring tools on request, but we mostly use Absorb Create – we enjoy its intuitive, no nonsense and comprehensive interface.

Learning Management Systems (LMS)

An LMS is the backbone of eLearning delivery. It’s a software application that handles all aspects of the learning process, including:

• Course delivery and management
• User registration and access control
• Progress tracking and reporting
• Assessment administration
• Learning path management
• Communication tools
• Resource libraries

I like to explain this using the library metaphor: the authoring tool allows you to create your book, and the LMS is the shelf – once the course is designed and done in the authoring tool, you export it and “plug” it into your LMS, which is the actual learner interface.

There are plenty of LMS platforms out there, like Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard, TalentLMS, Docebo… They all come packed with features (gamification, online shop integration, etc.) and different price models, Choosing the right one can be tedious and difficult, which is also where an eLearning consultant (like we do at eLoc Smart Solutions) can help. Based on your needs, volumes and expectations, they can help you identify the right LMS for you.

SCORM and xAPI (Tin Can API): the technical standards

I mentioned above that the course is created in the authoring tool, exported and “plugged” in the LMS. There are two main standard eLearning format for the “plugin” course: SCORM and xAPI.

SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model)

SCORM is a set of technical standards ensuring that eLearning content works seamlessly across different LMS platforms. It defines how online learning content and LMS communicate with each other.

xAPI (Experience API or Tin Can API)

xAPI represents the evolution of SCORM, offering more flexible and comprehensive learning tracking capabilities. Unlike SCORM, xAPI can:
Track learning experiences beyond the LMS
Record informal learning activities
Monitor offline learning events
Capture detailed learning analytics
Support mobile learning better

The key advantage of xAPI is its ability to track learning experiences in any environment, not just traditional eLearning courses. It uses a “statement” format that captures who did what in their learning journey, providing deeper insights into learning behavior and effectiveness.

Getting started: the value of instructional design expertise in eLearning

While the technology behind eLearning is powerful and important, the key to successful implementation lies in instructional design. Working with an instructional designer can significantly boost your strategy and help you getting started. An instructional designer can:

• Analyze your organization’s learning needs and objectives
• Design effective learning strategies aligned with your goals
• Select the most appropriate technology stack for your needs
• Structure content for maximum engagement and retention
• Develop assessment strategies that measure real learning outcomes
• Ensure accessibility and inclusivity in your learning programs
• Train your team on content creation and platform management

An instructional designer brings both pedagogical expertise and technical knowledge, helping you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your investment in eLearning technology delivers the desired results. Whether you’re launching a corporate training program or developing an educational course, starting with professional instructional design guidance can save time, money, and resources in the long run.

eLoc Smart Solutions = eL for eLearning – Loc for localisation. We can offer you two services in one go: instructional design and multilingual deployment of your newly created eLearnings!

Find out more about our services and solutions for eLearning.
Trust our experience and expertise and reach out now to discuss your needs or ideas.

Image credit: Photo by Oliver Thomas Klein on Unsplash