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Is a “Cloud based” educational system a real possibility, or the mere dream of a utopian future? In hid TED talk, educator and activist, Suguta Mitra asserts his optimistic vision of access to learning for all. His enthusiasm for a global cloud based education is not without experiential foundation. Mitra relates how his experiments of placing computer terminals in remote locations with the particular intention of engaging children with the machines, lead to some astonishing discoveries and insights about the nature of learning.

Mitra started by placing a computer terminal in a slum neighborhood in Delhi. He wanted to see how the local children, most living in poverty with no exposure to technology, would respond to an essentially alien device. The children he found in the city were fast adaptors, mastering the computer in a few months. Some attributed this to the urban atmosphere in Delhi were the kids were probably instructed by a local technologist. Mitra was not convinced. Determined to prove his findings, he next placed a computer 100 miles outside Delhi in the remote village where most of the population did not even speak English. Again he did not instruct the children, shrugging off questions with responses like “well, it is.” Months passed and when he came back he found the children playing games. They were irritated with him “you left this machine here with instructions in English so we had to learn English,’ they said. They also requested a faster processor and a better mouse.

In the final level of this experiment, Mitra decided to leave a computer loaded with esoteric explanations of DNA all in a non-English speaking Tamil town. “It has lots of important information on it,” he told the curious local children. He had no expectation they would be able to decipher any of the scientific content. Months later he again returned and it seemed his anticipated result of no progress was indeed the case. “We study it every day,” the children said, “We know nothing.” Mitra was ready to accept this failure and then, a small girl piped up in broken English “Yes, except for the fact a broken DNA strand leads to disease, we have learned nothing.”

In continuing cases Mitra found the same results. He also discovered the children learned more with some interaction with an adult. These adults, however, did not take on a formal teaching role, but instead acted in what he describes as the “granny approach;” standing behind the children and asking questions like ‘OH, what is that?” “What do you think it means?” He even employed a whole retinue of English grandmothers to interact with village children via the internet.

The implications Mitra’s experiments have for the use of the Cloud as a provider of knowledge, and the educational process itself are remarkable. In the past citizens were educated in many basic clerical skills, reading, writing etc., which in many ways have been replaced by machines. The population of the future will be more focused in understanding and interpreting information, rather than more rudimentary tasks. With the simple access to information an abundance of true thinkers can be developed.

In the fast-paced digital era, organizations need to deliver training quickly and efficiently to keep up with the ever-evolving business landscape. Rapid eLearning has emerged as a powerful solution to meet this demand. By leveraging effective strategies, organizations can develop and deploy eLearning courses swiftly without compromising on quality. This article explores the key strategies for implementing rapid eLearning, ensuring a fast track to success.

1. Define Clear Objectives and Outcomes
The foundation of any successful eLearning program is a clear understanding of its objectives and desired outcomes. Before diving into the development process:

Identify Learning Goals: Clearly define what learners need to achieve by the end of the course.
Align with Business Objectives: Ensure the learning objectives align with your organization’s strategic goals.
Focus on Key Skills and Knowledge: Prioritize the most critical skills and knowledge areas to avoid unnecessary content that can slow down development.
2. Leverage Existing Content
One of the most effective ways to speed up the eLearning development process is by utilizing existing content:

Repurpose Current Materials: Identify and repurpose existing training materials, such as presentations, manuals, and videos, to create eLearning modules.
Curate External Resources: Use curated content from reputable external sources, such as industry publications, webinars, and online courses, to complement your training program.
Use Templates and Frameworks: Employ pre-designed templates and frameworks to streamline the content creation process, ensuring consistency and reducing development time.
3. Adopt Agile Development Methodologies
Agile methodologies, commonly used in software development, can be effectively applied to eLearning development:

Iterative Design: Break down the eLearning project into smaller, manageable components and develop them in iterative cycles. This approach allows for continuous feedback and improvements.
Cross-Functional Teams: Assemble cross-functional teams with instructional designers, subject matter experts, multimedia developers, and project managers to collaborate effectively.
Frequent Reviews and Testing: Conduct regular reviews and testing throughout the development process to identify and address issues promptly, ensuring high-quality outcomes.

4. Utilize Rapid eLearning Tools
Rapid eLearning tools are designed to accelerate the development process without sacrificing quality:

Authoring Tools: Use rapid authoring tools like Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, and Lectora to create interactive and engaging eLearning content quickly.
Template Libraries: Leverage template libraries that offer pre-built interactions, quizzes, and multimedia elements to save time on design and development.
Automation Features: Take advantage of automation features, such as automatic video transcription and translation, to streamline content creation and localization.
5. Incorporate Microlearning
Microlearning involves breaking down content into small, focused modules that learners can complete quickly:

Short Modules: Create bite-sized learning modules that focus on single concepts or skills, making it easier for learners to digest and retain information.
Just-In-Time Learning: Provide on-demand access to microlearning modules, allowing learners to access relevant content exactly when they need it.
Engaging Formats: Use engaging formats such as videos, infographics, and interactive quizzes to make microlearning modules more appealing and effective.
6. Foster Collaborative Learning
Collaborative learning leverages the collective knowledge and experiences of learners, enhancing the learning process:

Discussion Forums: Incorporate discussion forums and social learning platforms to facilitate knowledge sharing and peer-to-peer learning.
Group Projects: Design group projects and activities that encourage collaboration and real-world problem-solving.
Expert Access: Provide access to subject matter experts through webinars, Q&A sessions, and mentoring programs to support learners and enhance their understanding.
7. Implement Mobile Learning
With the increasing use of mobile devices, mobile learning (mLearning) has become essential for rapid eLearning:

Responsive Design: Ensure your eLearning content is mobile-friendly and accessible across various devices, including smartphones and tablets.
Microlearning for Mobile: Combine mLearning with microlearning to deliver short, focused content that is easy to access on mobile devices.
Offline Access: Enable offline access to eLearning content so learners can continue their training without needing a constant internet connection.
8. Measure and Optimize
To ensure the success of your rapid eLearning program, it’s crucial to measure its effectiveness and continuously optimize:

Track Learner Progress: Use learning management systems (LMS) to track learner progress, completion rates, and assessment results.
Gather Feedback: Collect feedback from learners through surveys, interviews, and informal discussions to identify areas for improvement.
Data-Driven Decisions: Analyze data to make informed decisions about content updates, instructional strategies, and overall program enhancements.