Measure the impact of ELERNING: beyond the completion rates

A guide to help you measure the real impact of elearning

To rely only on quantitative data to assess the effectiveness of the Elearning is like judging a book by its coverage. Although the figures offer a rapid snapshot, they often do not manage to capture nuanced and invaluable ideas that really reflect the experience and understanding of a learner. A weak score could come from something as trivial as not to detect the instructor's outfit or accidentally take an unrelevant course. To really measure the impact of the Elearning, we have to dig more deeply.

Going beyond the surface measurements requires a thoughtful approach to data collection. Instead of simply following completion rates or quiz scores, focus on methods that illuminate understanding, commitment and practical application of knowledge.

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How to measure the real impact of elearning in your organization

Ask open questions

One of the most effective ways to assess the understanding of a learner is to ask questions that require more than “yes” or “no” answer. Open questions allow you to discover the depth of their understanding, whether it is a basic reminder, an intermediate application or an expert in expert level.

Consider this scenario: your management team has just completed an online course on coaching bases, designed to provide them with strategic processes for significant career development conversations. Instead of a multiple choice question, ask: “What strategy of the basic coaching course did you find the most precious and why?”

Here is another example of how to apply it: after training on sale on negotiations, instead of “Have you understood the win-win concept?”ask, “Describe a recent negotiation where you could have applied the winning-win strategy of the course. What could have been different?”

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This helps you see if they can connect the points to their real work. This type of question encourages managers to reflect on the content, to identify the main dishes to remember and to articulate their reasoning, by offering a window on their reflection process and the aspects of the course with which they really resonated.

Encourage reflection for a deeper commitment

The measurement of commitment goes beyond the follow-up time spent on a module. When learners can articulate what they have learned and consider its real application, this indicates a higher level of engagement and internalization of equipment.

Review your leaders, who are delighted to implement the basic training strategies. To determine if they really grasp the concepts and how they will use them, ask them to think about the practical application: “How would you apply coaching strategies identified with your specific role and your team dynamic?”

Here is another example of how to apply it: following an Elearning module on conflict resolution, ask employees to finish a short invitation: “Think of a conflict in the workplace. How will you now approach this situation differently, using the techniques learned in this module?” This pushes them to internalize and plan the application. This question also encourages them to link theoretical knowledge to their daily responsibilities, revealing if they have just memorized information or to really integrate them into their professional routine.

Promote the interaction of peers and collaborative learning

Learning is not always a lonely trip. Encourage the structured interaction of peers and discussion in your Elearning environment can reveal more in -depth information on understanding and application, while stimulating commitment through social learning.

Here is an example of how to apply it: after a module on conflict resolution, instead of an individual reflection, encourages learners to participate in a brief online discussion forum: “Share a hypothetical conflict in the workplace and ask your peers how they could apply the course strategies to resolve it. Answer at least two of your colleagues.” This pushes them to apply concepts to various situations and learn from the other.

Take advantage of the quizs to verify understanding

Although we have focused on qualitative data, the quizs are still playing a crucial role. They are excellent to verify the understanding, the strengthening of the objectives of the lessons and the measurement of the retention of knowledge. When designed in a thoughtful way, the quizs can go beyond memorization and assess the ability of a learner to apply concepts.

You can customize the quizzes to align yourself with the guidelines of your business, by integrating the rating requirements that reflect the importance of the content. However, remember that even with quizs, it is essential to consider them as a piece of a wider evaluation puzzle.

Here is an example of how to apply it: for training in compliance on data confidentiality, instead of simply “What data is considered PII?”Present a scenario: “A customer calls for the details of their account, but he does not remember his response as a security question. Which of the following actions is most in accordance with business policy?” This assesses the application, not just the recall.

Implement formative assessments throughout

Although the quizs are essential to verify understanding, consider incorporating formative assessments in your Elearning modules, not only at the end. These are low challenges designed to give learners immediate comments and help them assess their own progress.

Here is an example of how to apply it: in a cybersecurity course, after a module explaining phishing, include a quick “Spot the phishing” activity. There is no recorded score, but the learner immediately sees if they have correctly identified the red flags, helping them to correct the misunderstandings in real time. It is not a question of passing or failing; These are active learning and self-body.

The real impact of Elearning

In the end, although analytical data provide a precious reference base, it is crucial to remember that the numbers alone do not always represent the complete image of the course of a learner. By incorporating open questions, encouraging reflection and strategically using the quizs, you can get more complete and useful data that really measures the impact of your Elearning initiatives and help learners to absorb and apply what they have learned in the real world. What other creative ways have you found to measure the effectiveness of the electrot beyond traditional measures?