Engineering passive learning into immersive eLearning modules

The GSA faced a hurdle getting fundamental learning materials to federal employees and contractors. Tasked with a core initiative to deliver training across the several U.S. agencies for foundational skills in transportation and household goods, the GSA needed a way to make outdated PDF training modules into effective, accessible, and engaging asynchronous eLearning courses.

As their senior project manager and consultant, also serving as subject matter expert on learning architecture, I conducted an extensive learning needs analysis and audited three skill-acquisition training programs. Working closely with my client at the GSA, stakeholders, and SMEs, we consolidated programs into three new foundational eLearning courses.

These eLearning courses were built to be ADA compliant, self-paced, and multimodal to help increase learning retention and engagement and decrease cognitive load. Courses were made available online via Sharepoint and to Chief Learning Officers at all applicable agencies as SCORM files to upload to their own LMS.

Why this works: The updated asynchronous eLearning courses provided a convenient learning pathway. Students could easily navigate and access course materials. The new courses followed the strict requirements for ADA compliance. The multimodal format included videos, audio, reading, and interactivity to increase engagement and learning retention.