Learning diagnostics

One of the great advantages of e-learning is its modularity – the learning can be divided up into easily manageable ‘learning objects’ and then deployed according to a learner’s individual requirements. You could leave a learner to make their own selections from the objects available, but that depends on the learner’s awareness of their own requirements – they may have a misguided impression of their starting level of skill or knowledge. Another option is to use an online assessment to diagnose the learning required and, as a result, point the learner in the right direction.

Huthwaite International is a leader in sales training, with a world-renowned methodology – SPIN – and a successful programme of classroom courses. With time pressures in sales becoming ever tighter, Huthwaite has introduced a new online solution that cuts training time from 5 days to 2. Says Hoyle, who’s company EBC developed the solution: “One area where online assessment really delivers value is in the way it can be used right up front to personalise the trainee’s experience. The pre-assessment allows trainees to concentrate on the pre-work that they really need, so they are properly prepared for the 2-day workshop.”

Stephen Citron is MD of Informatology, a company specialising in a novel new form of pre-assessment. “Working in the area of Microsoft Office applications, we start with the premise that most learners don’t know what they don’t know. The applications have lots of power, but learners are simply unaware of the possibilities. Our solution is to show the learner a series of short – 5 to 15 second – animations, demonstrating just what each application can do. For Excel alone we have 72 animations. If a piece of functionality is of interest to a learner, they can indicate this and update their profile. This profile can then be used to point the learner towards suitable classroom or online modules.” The savings from such an approach could be substantial, as Informatology customer Julian Hancock, Training Officer at the Court Service, points out: "It is evident that between 1/3rd to 2/3rds of training arranged in the traditional manner is wasted."

Toshiba is another company that is using pre-assessment to streamline their course offerings. "Instead of our three day on-site training courses, we will be able to offer our partners a more modular approach that will check a number of pre-conditions electronically before booking candidates onto specific courses. And, with most of the training done beforehand, using online tests created using Question Mark Perception, the courses can be shortened to a single day. This will reduce costs for all parties and enables us to carry out a wider range of training courses than ever before," comments John Hawes, National Business Development Manager Electronic Imaging Division for Toshiba.