Do you want to get better at developing instructor-led training, VILT, and eLearning programs?

The quickest and easiest way to do so is to concentrate on the structure of the training program. Structure is the foundation on which we build the training.

Why Structure Matters

Ask any contractor or real estate agent; a bad foundation leads to expensive and time-consuming issues when fixing structural problems. The same can be said for structural problems in L&D.

A well-structured training program is easier for the learner to engage, participate, and grow.

Humans crave rituals and habits.

Think about how you drive to specific locations. Barring accidents or construction, you will likely go the same route each time. Or what about parking at work or the grocery store? Do you have your specific parking spot?

If humans crave structure and routine, we need to harness that ingrained need to get better buy-in from our learners.

Passion alone can't cut it. For passion to survive, it needs structure.

A Why without How has little probability of success. ~ Simon Sinek

Humans understand structure on an instinctual level. Our learners start from a familiar foundation when we lean on that innate understanding.

So, where do we begin?

Head Back to Highschool English

The structure to employ comes right from English class. Think back to the outline you created when it came time to write an essay.

The basic gist of the hierarchy is:

Course

1. Modules (Topics)

a. Lessons (Subtopics)

i. Content Blocks ( think of this as "Say This" or "Do That")

The terminology does not matter—just the structure.

The structure is not groundbreaking, and it is not fancy. But people intrinsically know and understand it. This structure is routine; it is a habit, and your learners will find comfort in it. They will not be struggling with the avant-garde.

The bonus here is that there is an actual answer to the question we all asked in school "When will I ever use this when I grow up?"

My English teacher, Mrs. Marvel, is sitting back and cackling, "Told you so!"

Another benefit of using this structural model is that it aligns perfectly with the terminal and enables objectives created in the design phase.

If you use different words than module and lesson, that is ok. Just substitute your term into the structure.

Need a refresher on writing learning objectives? Check out this article.

Benefits of Consistent Structure

There are so many more benefits to using this structure to build your training program. These include:

• The ability to develop portions of a training course and later on combine them into the whole program

• Create repurposable learning objects (RLOs) from previously created programs

• Easily integrate ILT, VILT & eLearnings into a blended learning environment

• Time and energy can be put into developing the program rather than figuring out how to structure it

90% Rule

I "always" build training using this structure. Keep in mind that "always" is not 100% percent of the time. It is closer to 90%. There will be a time when a specific training would be better suited to use a different format. So, leave that possibility open.

However, do not plan or prepare for the exception. Plan for what occurs the majority of the time.

A Better Way to Develop ILT & VILT Programs

Using this structural foundation lays the groundwork to build exceptional ILT, VILT & eLearning programs.

Did you know there are tools to help expedite the process of designing & developing instructor-led and virtual ILT trainings?

• Let me show you a way to design & develop that will:

• Reduce the time to create these materials by over 50%

• Increase consistency in the development phase and the classroom

• Meeting your company's style and branding needs

• Import PowerPoint slide images and notes

• Build a participant guide from the facilitator's guide