I find that you can make anything simple, if you analyze and organize it right. Simple...but not always easy. Still, once you get something boiled down to simple, it is easier to achieve.

So why not make world-class elearning simple to achieve? It's the "what and why" that helps us get to simple. In later posts, I'll spend time on the more difficult "how," topics.

Simply put, world-class elearning has four, key elements:

elearning: the journey, not the destination

We have to get out of our T&D silos! As we develop elearning courses, we need to stop along the way and integrate with other initiatives. Be aware of the needs of sales channels, marketing, branding--even customer education. The more we integrate, the more strategic value our courses will have. And that's a critical goal for world-class elearning.

elearning: not as usuual, but naturally

For reading a book, I get the linear, page-by-page format. But it's boring our learners to death! We have to free learners from back/next elearning, or risk losing them. World-class elearning means helping learners do what they would do naturally, on their own. This includes...

• Present interesting examples and models to learn from
• Allow learners to take the path and pace they choose
• Provide safe practice, in simulated realities

elearning: go ahead & immerse yourself

Most people I talk to wish they were doing immersive simulations, but see that as a distant goal. Still, simulations aren't as hard as most people perceive them to be. Use these guidelines...

• Start with business objectives. With these as a foundation, you'll aways be pointed in the right direction.
• Focus on areas where confusion is likely. Help learners differentiate between good, better and great choices.
• Simulate real situations where learners can apply new knowledge to practice making decisions--and fail--where there's no real penalty.

mlearning: it's not just another app

According to Morgan Stanley, more smartphones than PCs will be sold next year. Now is the time to begin your mlearning program, making information work for you--wherever your learners are. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Keep it simple. mLearning happens on the go, just a few minutes or seconds at a time.
• The interface matters! mLearning has to look and act the way other mobile applications look and act.
• Remember that, while most of you elearning may be in Flash, most mobile devices don't play well with Flash.
• mLearning isn't just another app--it's one of the best ways to ensure knowledge transfer and improve your ROI!

Think of anything else that should be on this list for world-class elearning? If you do, leave a comment here!