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Frequently Asked Questions Does Next Knowledge have a specific strategy to engage the learners in online learning? Yes! Each Next Knowledge client is assigned an implementation team led by the Account Manager. We provide each client with the following to ensure a successful implementation: Custom Implementation Plan and Guide Book Internal Marketing Plan presented to administrators and managers Templates for internal marketing programs Learner’s Guide (detailed information sheet for Learners that discusses basic navigation, accessing courses, and contact information for help and technical support) Level 1 technical support and documentation E-mail Notification to Supervisors and Learners for course completion requirements Online Demo of the course navigation Frequently Asked Questions functionality in each course that provides a comprehensive list of our most commonly received questions and answers concerning the use of our Training Academy By having a well thought-out process for implementation, learners are able to start training quickly and efficiently. They simply log on and start the training. Next Knowledge content is designed to be challenging and yet entertaining. Course navigation is intuitive and easy, utilizing a consistent, clean and non-distracting interface. What support is offered to the Administrators in the integration of online training to their training program? Next knowledge offers all the support mentioned in question 1 above as well as direct support fo administrators. This support includes: Assistance with academy setup Assistance with determining demographic categories (critical to ensure you receive the reports you need to manage business) Data upload tools – middleware to upload employee data from a 3rd party HR/LMS system Assistance with assignment of course content Training of Administrators on reporting and assignment of Training from within the Next Knowledge Learning Management System (NK LMS) Assistance in determining technological infrastructure needs How Does Next Knowledge differentiate itself from Online Training Suppliers? We believe that on-line training is a critical element in any training program and that it is our job to partner with our clients to help determine how to best transition eLearning into their current program, not to replace their current program with eLearning. We are focused on developing a truly interactive client/vendor relationship that is focused on driving profits to your bottom line. Through a strategic approach built together with our clients over the years, we help bring real-world solutions to your company. Next Knowledge’s competitive advantages are made clear in the following ways: Endorsed by recognized industry leaders Experienced in all areas of the implementation, integration and roll-out of web-based training for internal and external use Proven Adult Learning Model specifically designed for interactive, computer-based training Efficient custom content development working from legacy subject matter, your SMEs and our internal SMEs Flexible LMS that is designed around intuitive and consistent navigation features Growing Library of ready-to-use, easy-to-mass-customize content Compliance-focused LMS Significant partnerships with leading industry providers and experts Compliance with industry technical standards Customer-based approach to service and development What consultative services and products do we offer? Instructional Design support specific to on-line training Page content and layout Use of static and motion graphics Application of interactive exercises Other learning support tools available to eLearning students Content development in these disciplines Fire Preparedness Safety Environmental Department of Transportation Understanding of compliance and regulatory issues Content Administration Record keeping Course design based on technological limitations (bandwidth, etc…) What productized services and products do we offer? Library of Courses Fire Safety Safety Leadership HR Project Management AICC/SCORM compatible Learning Management System Compliance based records management Full Training Administration Flexible reporting Psychometrics AICC/SCORM compatible Custom Course Development Conversion of legacy content Working directly with SME’s (internal and external) Foreign language capabilities (1 and 2 bit) Subject Matter Expertise (internal) PhD level Instructional Design (internal) Integration and Implementation Support (internal) As a content developer, how does Next Knowledge validate the course in terms of matching content to expected learning retention and understanding? Our instructional design methodology strives for the most efficient, cost-effective presentation of the instructional content that will achieve and maintain the competencies of the training program. Our courses, both Library and Custom, are created using a Systematic Approach to Training (SAT), specifically the Instructional Systems Development (ISD) model. The ISD model identifies five phases (e.g., analysis, design, development, implementation, evaluation) of training program development. When Next Knowledge develops content, our subject matter experts and instructional designers identify the specific training requirements. From those training requirements measurable training objectives are created. Content, interactive exercises and test questions are then developed to support the objectives. The evaluation phase is conducted independently, and is also applied to each of the previous phases to validate satisfactory implementation. As part of the evaluation phase the following processes and actions are taken to validate our courses in terms of matching content to expected learning. As a measurable learning objective is developed, content is created by SMEs and our IDs to ensure that the learning objective is sufficiently supported with content Typically Next Knowledge’s content is developed to a seventh/eighth-grade reading level with high quality presentation Test questions are derived from the learning objectives and are reviewed periodically against Learner performance via a psychographic/statistical analysis engine built in the NK LMS. The results are used for test question and content validation. Test questions and content are often modified as a result of this process Various methods of Learner feedback are available (including end of course level 1 evaluation and Ask Online), and serve to provide data for content modification Independent reviews by third party organizations and SME’s are often performed A focus on the creation of courses that are: Highly usable and easy to navigate Balanced between general and audience-specific information Avoids hyperbole in presenting message How complicated is the interface and what, if any, Administrative functions does the Learner have to deal with? The navigational interface is designed to be intuitive and consistent. The strategy behind this is to allow the Learner to focus on the content as opposed to the interface. Once the Learner completes one course, they will have mastered the navigational elements in all of our courses. The administrator is tasked with virtually all of the administrative interaction, not the Learner, who should be focused on educational/objective related interaction. In addition, the number of “clicks” to launch a course is kept to a minimum, with the Learner only having to use the keyboard when entering the Username and Password. All other interface can be done between the Learner and the mouse, allowing the Learner to get into the training quickly and efficiently. How does Next Knowledge ensure the quality of Library courses and the accuracy of information? Quality and accuracy of Library courses is monitored during each step of the product cycle: Design: Our instructional design methodology strives for the most efficient, cost-effective presentation of the instructional content that will achieve and maintain the competencies of the training program. It concentrates on adult learning principles and holds the Learner’s attention. Next Knowledge’s Adult Learning Model is a step-by-step process based on the Instructional Systems Development (ISD) model. The Next Knowledge Adult Learning Model increases the probability that the training will match the objectives and ensures quality control. Each design product is reviewed independently prior to going into production. Development: Once the individual content pieces are created, they are reviewed and tested then assembled as a complete course and put through final testing. Only after the content is reviewed for accuracy and functionality is it promoted to our “live” server. Maintenance: After building a course, the training is reviewed on a regular basis, continuously improved and strengthened through data collection and analysis to determine if course enhancements need to be made. All courses are developed and evaluated on their adherence to AICC/SCORM standards, as well as in-house standards for instructional design and Web design. Our SMEs routinely review the appropriate compliance news groups and agencies to check for changes in the regulations/technology/policies that may impact our course content. At a minimum, annual content reviews of our Library courses are performed to support continued regulatory compliance and improved technology to enhance delivery. Review: Third party expert reviews of the content are periodically performed. How does Next Knowledge describe their content? Next Knowledge content is designed using a systematic approach to training (specifically the ISD model). Content topics are designed to address the applicable regulatory requirements (DOT, EPA, OSHA, NFPA, SEC, HIPAA, internal, etc.). Our content developers and IDs create measurable objectives that can be traced directly back to the applicable regulatory requirements. The content is designed to be easily customizable to address company specific information. Content is developed to AICC/SCORM standards and when required, Section 508 (accessibility). The following features are common to Next Knowledge content: Interactive exercises to reinforce learning and assure understanding of the material Self-tests after each section designed to reinforce and confirm learning Interactive exercises and supporting graphics or illustrations as needed to reinforce learning objectives and critical content Rollovers and hyperlinks for additional information on critical topics Voice narration, language translation and localization as necessary Standard screen templates to accommodate graphics and text for a consistent, “comfortable” interface with the learner Screen designs that avoid and/or limit scrolling Consistent, easy-to-use navigation features Learner controlled audio Text presentation in full text or text outline as necessary Next Knowledge content consistently rate at a 95+% satisfaction level in assessments given to learners at the end of a course. This average is much above the industry average. Who are the Next Knowledge courses target audience? The target audience for Next Knowledge is any person, employee, contractor or customer, where accurate training that doesn’t require human interaction to disseminate has to be made available. We have a broad range of library courses ranging form Compliance to HR to Leadership and Project Management. In addition we have courses that include equipment training, product introductions, SOPs and users manuals. Depending on the subject matter and audience we adjust the student competency level. How often is the Learner presented with a practice opportunity? Between the Self Study Questions (not tests) and Interactive Exercises, opportunities occur in the course about every four screens. They reinforce key learning points by allowing the Learner the opportunity to recall and/or practice difficult or critical information. What is the branching structure of the program? (e.g., linear, conditional based on Learner performance, conditional based on Learner choices, etc.) In each of our courses, content that directly supports the learning objectives is delivered at the first level and is accessed in a “linear” fashion. Additional information or supporting content is accessed via rollovers and hyperlinks (conditional based on Learner choices). Self Study Questions in the form of quizzes must be satisfactorily completed as determined by the company’s administrator in order to progress to the final test. If the Self Study Questions are not completed satisfactorily, then the Learner is forced back into the area of the course where the subject matter is contained for review and the Self Study Questions is retaken. Describe the balance of Learner control versus program control. Next Knowledge courses are designed to be “Learner-centric.” This means that the Learner is free to make decisions on how the content is delivered. Here are some examples: Learners can choose to navigate forward and back one frame a time or section-to-section via the navigation menu on the course interface. Learners can choose to access additional content via links or hot buttons to get additional information and job aids. Learners are free to spend as much or as little time as needed to master the subject matter. Interactive exercises are available to reinforce key knowledge elements for learners and may be used as the learner sees fit. Self Study Questions (e.g., quizzes) are inserted to assure competency. If the Learner does not make a satisfactory score, as determined by the system administrator, they are directed back into the section that contains the subject matter. Learners have the option of “Lean Text” and “Full Text” course versions (when available). These can be determined on a page-by-page basis for complete control of the amount of information desired to be delivered based on the Learner’s current knowledge of that objective or topic. Learners can create their own notes, then cut and paste course text into their own notebook, and email or print for a reinforced learning experience. Describe the typical installation. What does it involve? How is a patch or version upgrade applied? Content Only: Delivered via 3rd party LMS: AICC or SCORM compatible course content is provided on CD. All necessary content is included, as well as the Next Knowledge AICC 2.2 player. Course structure files are included per AICC CMI 1001 6.1, 6.2 (and A.3.2), 6.3 and 6.4 Specific installation procedures vary by target LMS. LMS and content: Installation of the Next Knowledge LMS is performed by Next Knowledge personnel. Next Knowledge and/or 3rd party courses are published to the Next Knowledge LMS by means of an installation utility. What is the typical implementation timeframe from order placement to implementation completion? Content: 21 days LMS: 30-45 days, including the identification of the Learner population and their respective training demographics How often are major upgrades released for the application? LMS: Updated approximately two times per year. Content: Course updates are typically done annually or in the event of regulatory changes. What effort is required on the client’s part at the time of an upgrade? LMS: There will be scheduled downtime for the update. This will be done at a time most convenient to the customer and will be announced a minimum of two weeks previous. Any critical conflicts with customer timing will create an updated time schedule for the update. Content Upgrades: There will be a release to all clients that have access to the course of the update and the update will be done on an announced date with no interruption to the client. How often are patches/fixes/minor upgrades released for the application? LMS: Minor upgrades are released 2-4 times per year for the LMS. These changes may be implemented based on user requests for functionality. Content: Content has a very insignificant level of patching. Usually, this it done during yearly review and update cycles.