Delivering your information in small easily digestible learning chunks, making the content interactive, relevant and easy to use, all of this is very important, however another aspect to consider when developing e-learning is to ask yourself, "What is the terminal objective of this course?" Typically there are two answers to this question; how you answer directs how to go about development. Answers typically fall into one of two categories... Employees should be able to pass a test in order to be in compliance with some sort of regulation, or the goal is to create a change in behavior in my employees which will ultimately transfer to their job and benefit the company. Where your answer falls in this spectrum will dictate the type of web based training you create for your organization, and the type of return your will see on your e-learning investment.

Let's start with training for compliance. This type of WBT typically has little to no interactivity, media stimulus and is primarily text and graphic based. The training will be relevant since it is of a regulatory nature and in most cases the employee's job will be dependent on staying in compliance. The outcome for this type of training is for the student to be able to recall information for the test and pass. The return on investment is the employee keeps their job and the company does not incur penalties or fines for lack of compliance.

Changing behavior requires a different approach. In order to successfully change behavior the employee must successfully transfer knowledge learned to on the job skills. This brings me back to the key points I mentioned at the beginning of the article, deliver in small easily digestible learning chunks, make the content interactive, relevant and easy to use. Mix in some media stimulus and you're on your way to engaging and effective e-learning which maximizes ROI. Returns could be a safer workplace, consistent customer service, a defined sales process and of course compliance, on paper and in practice.

Before you begin your next online course project ask yourself, "Is my goal to simply be in compliant?" or "Is my goal to actually change behavior?"