Training packages - Intranet or internet?

E-learning can be created without using high-end, multi-media programs. Simple web design programs, like Dreamweaver, are the programs we use to create e-learning for the majority of our clients.

Good educational design can simulate a game environment, if that is appropriate, and the browser or computer is not weighed down by memory-demanding software.

Because our e-learning projects are designed not to be too demanding, online learning can be easily served over the Internet or intranet.

If the learning program is delivered:

• Over the Internet (on a computer hosted by an Internet Service Provider - ISP - off your site), then multi-media, like video and audio, should be limited
• Over an intranet (on a computer that your organisation houses locally), then more options become available than if the course is served over the Internet
• Off a CD ROM using a browser program, then video and audio is easily integrated into the program

Regardless, the learning projects can use a variety of blended learning options.

How difficult is it to use an intranet system?

An intranet should be no harder to use than surfing the Net. A well-designed online system should be intuitive - the information you want is where you would expect it to be. Even though it is be stored in only one place, information can be accessed from several areas or screens.

Occasionally the screen you see online is interacting with another program behind, but you don't need to know anything about the other program. That reduces the need for you to have knowledge of different software programs.

Do we need any special software?

All you need is a browser program like Internet Explorer (IE) or Firefox. If you want to use a database system to store information, then you will need some database software in order to maintain the data.

If Edutech KM helps you develop your intranet, we discuss all this at the planning stage. A good system will require little or no database management as all data will be entered and retrieved through the intranet administration screen or 'front-end'.

How long does this sort of system take to implement?

The time to create this kind of system really depends on the level of commitment to the project by managers, and the extent of the material you want to put online. The hardware and software can be installed over a couple of days, but the content takes longer to develop.

• You do need to commit at least a day up front (and the time of department managers) to do the initial planning.
• You may also need at least one follow-up meeting.
• Managers need to identify subject matter experts (SMEs) within their areas and be prepared to give them work-release to gather the material that is to go online.
• Later, SMEs will need to spend time checking the material once it is online.

Changing the culture

It is important to get shop-floor employees involved, so Edutech KM project managers like to work with these people, gathering their 'common knowledge' and incorporating it into the information available. As we work with them, employees start to feel involved and that they 'own' the project. This culture change may take some time to nurture, but is well worth the wait.

Time frames

Depending on the extent of the content, a typical industrial intranet would take anywhere between three months to a year to complete. If online training and assessment is to be developed, expect from six months to a year, although transferring existing training course material to online can be much quicker.

It is wise to build in some pilot testing of the program early in development. Work will slow down around the pilot because we may need to act on any feedback and moderate the design.

Work often goes in fits and starts, as prepared work cannot go 'live' until after it has been proofed and corrected, so these times are only indicative.

How much does it cost?

Edutech KM has worked with some small organisations to develop online training material. Obviously, such organisations must create an intranet that meets a tight budget. What we tend to do is:

1. Look at the big picture (the 'wish list')
2. Define what is vital and what we can delay
3. Then cost out the entire project in stages

That way the system is designed in a holistic manner, but the outlay may be only a few thousand in each year's budget.

Initial costs

The initial cost is greatest because of the need to install hardware, but the information structure requires only a browser program (e.g.: Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera or Netscape), which are freely available at no cost if not already installed. If a database using Microsoft Access is included, the organisation may already own a licence.

Edutech KM is happy to give an initial consultation to determine the extent of your needs and to develop an estimate of costs and how these might be spread over the development of your school's or business's intranet.

Will installing this system disrupt what we have already?

An intranet can exist alongside any system you have already installed, and it may utilise existing material so that only one copy of it ever exists. This meets ISO standards.

The intranet 'front-end' can be designed so that permitted administration staff can search for information in whatever form it already exists and present it, either whole or as part of a report.

If you have an existing intranet, we can adapt it to meet your new requirements, and make the changes in planned steps that don't interrupt current use.

Click here to apply for an initial consultation about the potential for your organisation to develop a training or performance support Intranet.

Edutech KM Ltd

PO Box 25-241, Victoria Street, Christchurch;
phone: 64-3-337-0234
fax: 64-3-337-0235
info@edutechkm.com
Copyright to Edutech KM Ltd 2008 Privacy Statement