The Six Sigma eLearning-Training Obfuscation
August 25, 20054
Have you taken an eLearning course in the past?
Do you offer eLearning training through your consulting company?
Have you researched eLearning options in the past?
We want to hear from you.
iSixSigma is preparing to research eLearning options available within the Six Sigma industry. For this study, we’re defining eLearning as:
“Any learning that utilizes a network (LAN, WAN or Internet) for delivery, interaction, or facilitation.” (http://cai.au.edu/concept/glossary.html)
Our purpose is not to argue for or against eLearning as an appropriate learning option. It is to help those searching for eLearning decipher the multitude of options available and select the best one for themselves — a task made difficult by the multitude of available training variables and the various ways companies describe them.
iSixSigma needs your help shaping the research questions. Below you’ll find a proposed list of the attributes of eLearning we plan on including in the study. We’d like you to tell us:
- What, if any, attributes are missing from the list below
- What, if any ,options are missing from a given attribute
- Your thoughts on how we should shape or conduct the research
I’d prefer it if you’d share your input via posting a comment to this blog entry so others may see what you have to say (and lead to a constructive progression of thought). But please do feel free to email me also.
Attributes
Type of Training (select one)
Delivery Architecture (select one)
Instructor Support (select one)
Instructor Support Channels (select all that apply)
Data Analysis Software (select all that apply)
Interactive Practice Exercises Using Macromedia Flash (select one)
Knowledge Tests (select one)
Knowledge Tests Throughout Training (select one)
Hours of eLearning Instruction (enter whole number)
Video Hours (enter whole number)
Use of Video (enter whole number)
Use of Audio (calculated)
Requirement to Partially or Fully Read Books
Corporate Customers (enter list)
Search Capability (select one)
Operating Systems Supported (select all that apply)
Browsers Supported (select all that apply)
Sample Course to Try? (select one)
Course Credit From University (text field)
Certification Option (select one)
Criteria for Certification (specify)
Pricing (enter US dollar)
Terms of Use (enter whole number)
Will Your Company Allow iSixSigma to Independently Verify Information About Your Course? (select one)
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Comments
The list is very extensive. You might have a problem getting people to respond to so many questions and inquiries.
Having said this, I’m going to suggest that you add another set of questions. Specifically, a set relating to certification. The questions should address how certification is addressed: is it part of the elearning package? Is it integrated with 3rd party exams (IQF, ASQ)? Is project coaching included? How many projects? Will a certification board review the project? Is the review live (e.g., via a web meeting)? etc. etc.
Hi Tom,
Thanks for the feedback about certification. One of my biggest pet peeves is about certification, so rather than get into that whole mess I think we may just focus on the training/learning aspect. We can always do another study later on certification and we don’t want this project to experience scope creep. Your ideas about certification are very useful…thanks.
Another person wrote an email to me and suggested that we it might be useful to add distribution channels or distribution partners to the list: "Since there is no formal accreditation process for Six Sigma, some users take comfort in the de-facto endorsement of a respected distribution partner." Good thought to add to the mix.
Anyone else?
Best regards,
Mike
I’d suggest these:
* Report cards for each product/service from at least a couple of users who have sat through the training, in areas such as value, quality and level of interactivity; value, quality and level of materials; and quality of instructor/presenter.
* Adaptibility of materials to be used for just-in-time learning.
* Unique “extras” provided to students, such as PDA flashcards or Podcast content.
Hi Michael,
I like what what I am seeing here.
How about something that identifies the level of experience/certifications of the instructor support personnel provided with eLearning programs?
Also, I would maybe add some sections about the course content… Transactional or manufacturing focus for example.
As an aside, I feel that the certification question is very important in this discussion. I agree with your pet peeves comments as a whole that skill, knowledge transfer, and practical application are the ultimate goal of any Six Sigma training program. However, the fact remains that certification is an important part of the Six Sigma training market and that different provider’s programs are designed for students to obtain a GB or BB certification of some sort. Also, there are many individuals seeking Six Sigma GB or BB training as individuals for personal development. Certifications are a vital component in the Job Market for GB’s & BB’s.
I would love to participate in any additional discussions/blogs on this if you decide to start a topic forum.