An e-learning specification is a reference that makes it possible to frame the exact training need, when it involves 100% digital learning or blended learning. It is similar to the specifications drawn up as part of a training course in general. Here's what to keep in mind.
An e-learning specification, for what?
The specifications elearning is the first step in a project of Digital learning. Indeed, before starting a project, you need to know what you expect from it! It must include the main lines of the strategic thinking that led to the promotion of e-learning as a means of training as well as the way in which it meets training needs.. For example, if you run a cat bar, you will want to teach your employees how to take care of these little animals (a course that will undoubtedly be very exciting.)
The specifications are detailed documents that defines the training context, the audiences concerned, the objectives, the expected results as well as the constraints, in particular technical ones, around the e-learning project. Generally, it is the people in charge of the training project who are responsible for writing the document, for example the training project manager. It can also be the person in charge of petting the cats, to use our example. There is no doubt that she will be emulated. The e-learning specifications are also a tool for dialogue between the company and the training providers concerned. It constitutes a framework for work and negotiation and makes it possible to delineate the roles of each person in e-learning training or Blended Learning. You can play The King of Silence, but in this setting, your training project is doomed to failure!
What to remember
1 - The e-learning specifications are the reference document for framing any training that contains at least one digital component
2 - It is a central dialogue tool in the context of the development of e-learning training
In what context should you write an e-learning specification?
There are two main reasons for creating e-learning specifications. It can be used as an internal work tool when the e-learning training solution is developed “at home”. That is to say in the company or really at home, if you are a fan of teleworking (although teleworking in a cat bar is complicated). In this case, the training project manager uses the specifications elearning to frame the training and to help the trainer adjust his pedagogical content and the course of the training according to the expectations of results. The specifications make it possible to clarify the context of the training and the strategic needs in which it is part for the company. In the case of a call for tenders, the specifications make it possible to frame the response of the competing service providers.. Thus, anyone who does not offer a “how to clean a litter box” module may disappoint you.
What to remember
1 - The e-learning specifications make it possible to frame a training system developed “at home”
2 -It also makes it possible to delimit the field of action of service providers in the case of a competitive tender and then the implementation of the project.
Part 1: Training Context
The first part of the e-learning specifications contains all the context elements that make it possible to understand the thinking and the elements behind the chosen training strategy (because yes, some elements like to play hide-and-seek). This part makes it possible to redo the process of reflection that led to the decision to opt for e-learning in a specific training context. It contains elements that inform about the company or the structure and its needs in relation to the training project, the problems to be solved and the strategic objective of the training, the different audiences concerned, whether it is the training team, the persons responsible for the project or the profile of the learners. The profile of the latter must include their skills in terms of level of training, qualifications, relationship toelearning and related tools. E-learning training may be necessary for some employees who do not have a good handle on digital tools, for example. Yes, training to training. We told you that some elements played hide and seek!
What to remember
1 - The first part of the e-learning specifications contains all the context elements that make it possible to understand the thinking and the elements behind the training strategy
2 - This part also details all the audiences concerned as well as their profile
Part 2: What are the goals to be achieved?
A second major part of the e-learning specifications must contain the educational elements relating to the project of Digital learning. It lists the training objectives, often following the Kirkpatrick model, that is to say by mentioning the performance indicators that will be measured before, during and after the training, as well as the expected behavioral changes among learners (example: not disturbing a cat during a nap or how to avoid scratches). This part may contain educational recommendations, however, be careful not to “lock up” future service providers or implementers too much by directing them to a solution that we think, sometimes wrongly, is the most appropriate. The project is undoubtedly your baby, but you have to accept to see it evolve! This part may also contain the pedagogical modalities, namely the context in which the training is provided (distance, face-to-face, blended, Mobile learning), but in some cases this recommendation is left to service providers and future performers.
What to remember
1 - The specifications list the training objectives by mentioning the performance indicators that will be measured before, during and after the training, as well as the expected behavioral changes among the learners
2 - Be careful not to “lock up” the implementing experts or service providers by suggesting a solution that may not be the most suitable.
Part 3: Logistics
Finally, a final part of the e-learning specifications is dedicated to logistical details. We are talking about planning and organization constraints, equipment available for the service provider and the reminder of the contact person in the project. So, in a cat bar, everyone cannot be busy at the same time learning how to take care of poor kitties who would then be left abandoned... As part of a call for tenders, this part also mentions The budget allocated to the e-learning training project. Logistics also means technical. This part mentions the tools and elements available to provide training, i.e. computer, smartphone, tablet, etc. It is also a question of determining the most appropriate means of reporting and evaluation, which meets the requirements of OPCOs.
What to remember
1 - A final part details all the logistics elements, including planning and budget
2 - It also contains details of the tools available to provide training as well as the expected evaluation and reporting procedures.
