What is Rapid Learning?
In essence, Rapid Learning is a technique that allows content to be created quickly and profitably. It involves greatly streamlining the process of creating an e-learning course to generate it in the shortest time and at the lowest cost.
The idea is to use existing standardised resources and processes, and to unify the instructional design and multimedia stages for efficient and fast content production.
In this way, more structured, interactive and engaging e-learning materials can be produced, which in turn favors comprehension, and how to read faster and retain more the topics of study.
Fast learning uses rapid authoring tools to speed up course development. This technique is particularly suitable for organisations that want to deliver timely and cost-effective training.
By using these tools, it is easier to create content in a short time and with less effort, which makes it possible to adapt quickly to training needs and provide enriching learning experiences for learners.
It should be clarified that Rapid Learning is not the same as microlearning.
The former refers to the way in which the training product is constructed, its tools and methodologies. On the other hand, the latter refers to the material itself, to how it is presented in small doses.
However, the two approaches can complement each other, as they share the intention of providing intensive, short and motivating training.
How is content realised in Rapid Learning?
As we said, Rapid Learning is a method of creating educational content that focuses on the integration of the instructional design and multimedia stages in a single production process.
This means that all the content is developed simultaneously, thus speeding up the creation and implementation of the courses.
But how can we shorten the time?
- Reusing content. For example, using presentations, texts, videos and other learning objects from previous courses.
- Using an e-learning platform that allows courses to be developed easily, without the need for programming and with good results.
- Drawing storyboards with text, images, audio, video... in order to visualise what the course is going to be like.
- Using templates to create presentations, questionnaires, activities, etc. without complication.
- Delivering the content in fragments and in small doses (Microlearning).
In any case, there are two points to highlight about the design of the content.
On the one hand, it must be learner-centred, adapted to learners’ needs and preferences. Hence the importance of evaluating it beforehand with the students.
On the other hand, the content must be responsive so that it can be consumed through different devices and screens.
Advantages and disadvantages of Rapid Learning in e-learning
Why does Rapid Learning work and what are its benefits?
The volume of information on the web and the speed with which it is disseminated have generated a demand for ‘immediacy’ on the part of users. In other words, now we want ‘everything’ without having to wait.
Faced with this scenario, fast learning becomes a way to accelerate the process of generating and updating content so that it is available in real time and wherever it is. In this way, companies can meet this demand for rapid access to information and provide their teams with a satisfactory learning experience.
Therefore, one of the most significant advantages of Rapid Learning is the time savings, as training can be completed in a matter of weeks or days.
Another advantage is cost-effectiveness. Unlike traditional learning or conventional e-learning, it is often more affordable.
Moreover, being able to reduce the time and cost of developing material or updating it quickly makes Rapid Learning an attractive solution for organisations, even with limited budgets.
Finally, Rapid Learning can increase learner engagement and performance. In particular, through the use of various techniques, such as the aforementioned microlearning, and others that make learning more stimulating and rewarding.
Disadvantages of Rapid Learning
First and foremost, there is the risk that the content created lacks depth or quality. That is, the immediacy of the development process could lead to quantity taking precedence, with the danger of neglecting the personalisation of content.
In addition, over-reliance on authoring tools can lead designers to create generic content that does not meet the learning needs of learners.
Also, the very drunkenness of the process could compromise the interactive nature of the course and hinder the active participation of the learner in the learning process.
On the other hand, although rapid elearning may seem a more economical option in the short term, it may not be so in the long run. In an ever-changing world, methodologies quickly become obsolete and need to be updated frequently.
Overcoming the challenges of Rapid Learning
To prevent content from losing depth and quality, it is imperative that instructional designers devote time and attention to the planning and design of the material.
The good news is that to facilitate this task, tools and apps have been developed for the creation of e-learning content that help to build enriching experiences with little effort and in the blink of an eye.
Once designed according to the needs, characteristics of the learners and learning objectives, the content must be thoroughly reviewed and evaluated before publication.
Then, in order not to compromise interactivity, it is necessary to use tools and technologies that allow the active participation of the learner, such as discussion forums, among others. A clear structure and navigation should also be shown so that the learner can find the study tools and resources without difficulty.
Finally, rapid elearning solutions can be made inexpensive in the long run by using a platform with editing and updating functions for the materials. For example, one that allows you to build the course in independent modules and modify the contents separately.
How to achieve a successful implementation of Rapid Learning?
Rapid Learning can certainly be a way to improve employee training and increase company productivity. But, before implementing it, there are a number of aspects to consider.
- The most obvious one is to understand Rapid Learning.
This means knowing the rapid elarning tools and methodologies included in this approach well in order to be able to implement them successfully. For example, e-learning standards, agile methodologies or the e-learning platform, among others.
- Analyse the training needs of staff and find out how they perceive the training.
This method is not suitable for all departments and areas, as certain tools may not meet quality and complexity requirements.
It is therefore crucial to identify the areas in which training is needed and to what extent.
- Review current training processes before starting Rapid Learning and look at what tools and methodologies are already being used and how.
- Consider the resources required to implement Rapid Learning, such as time, budget and personnel..
- Careful planning and implementation with rapid learning cycles.
- Establish measurable and recognisable benchmarks to compare results in terms of time and cost, and make improvements over time.
Rapid Learning: examples in corporate education
There are numerous Rapid learning examples, as many companies and consultancies opt for this agile approach instead of developing long courses that could take months to create and require a lot of resources.
For the most part, we are talking about training courses for new employees, leadership, retraining or training on product or service launches.
Let’s take the latter as an example. Specifically, an online course on the evolCampus elearning platform to introduce a new product to a company’s sales force.
To start with, the course will be divided into modules covering all product features, sales techniques and marketing strategies.
Each module, in turn, will be provided with multi-format content (text, graphics, videos and audio) of short duration and easy assimilation to maintain interest and make it more enjoyable.
In addition, follow-up and evaluation activities will be included to measure the understanding of the material and to assess the success of the training during and at the end of the training.
Then, as the platform already has spaces for discussion and communication, employees will be able to interact with each other and with the trainers, sharing their doubts and experiences.
In this way, the course will not only be an opportunity on how to learn faster about the product, but also a way to foster collaboration and the exchange of knowledge and opinions within the organisation.
As a result, rapid elearning development company will achieve a higher retention of information, a faster implementation of the new product in the market and a more empowered and motivated sales team.
As a cloud-based platform with a range of tools, not only will the company be able to create and launch its courses in a short period of time, but the sales team will be able to access online and complete it, at their own pace, on their own schedule.
The e-learning platform for successful Rapid Learning
From the example above you can deduce that in order to do Rapid Learning it is vital that the platform you are going to use integrates some minimum features and tools.
Firstly, it must allow the creation and uploading of learning content (videos, infographics, audio… ) that contribute to more dynamic and comprehensible learning.
It must also have evaluation and monitoring tools, such as questionnaires, tests or exams and analysis instruments that allow the progress of the students and the effectiveness of the methodology to be measured.
In order to promote collaborative learning and constant feedback, the platform must offer different ways of collaboration and interaction between students and tutors or teachers and between students.
In evolCampus, in addition to the above, you will find a flexible learning environment, adapted to the timetables, study rhythms and needs of the students. And, without a doubt, a great ally to implement Rapid Learning in your company and increase its competitiveness.