Converting a comlpex process flow diagram to elearning
Feb 19, 2020
By
Roni Borri
Hi Elearning aficionados,
I have a number of complex process flows that explain our business processes. They typically have 8 swim lanes and ~50 process blocks. I need to train people on the full process, but also need to be able to do deeper dives on each of the specific process blocks.
In the ideal scenario, I would be able to group the individual blocks in different combinations, e.g. in the example flow, I might want to group all of the green blocks together. Subsequently, I think it makes sense to give each process block its own SCORM package.
But can I then create a monster 'one course to rule them all' course which links to all the individual SCORMs? Will my LMS have a fit with that? Am I going about this all wrong?
4 Replies
This project sounds like a challenge.
Each LMS has different features and functions, so I can only address some of your questions based on how our LMS works,
For us, each SCORM is treated as a separate course, and all of them would need to be assigned to each student separately.
Our LMS does not allow one SCORM to call another. Each SCORM starts from the student list of courses menu, and also ends there. So we need to assign and track completion of each SCORM separately. We cannot create a SCORM that links to other individual SCORMs.
You need to check how your LMS works and do some experimentation to validate your concept before doing a lot of development work.
Hi Roni!
SCORM itself was originally designed around the structure you are describing, so any SCORM compliant LMS should accommodate your needs. SCORM stands for Sharable Content Object Reference Model. It can be made of multiple Content Objects (your training modules) that are accessed according your Reference Model (how the modules relate to each other in the LMS). If you look into this further, use the keyword search "Multi-SCO courses".
I believe you can use Rise or Storyline output as part of your multi-SCO package, but I have never tried it myself. https://community.articulate.com/discussions/rise-360/multiple-module-courses
As far as the technical aspect of the question goes, I've only worked with one LMS that lets you launch one course from another, and that is NetDimensions. I don't know if you're able to chat with your vendor, but I've also had luck finding implementation solutions by speaking with my LMS's technical team. Sometimes you discover features you didn't know were there.
Best of luck!
Roni, what are the jobs that people are doing whose processes are documented in these complex process flows? I'm guessing it's not anyone's job to memorize these process flows. Most likely, these flows are just intended to help answer questions about who is responsible (and accountable, informed, consulted, etc.) while executing these processes in their daily work.
What I recommend is focus on the job you want people to do. You can offer the process flows as aids to help them execute the processes correctly, but the focus should be on executing their work processes, not on the work flows themselves.
For example, suppose the processes document how each member of a construction team is supposed to safely demolish an old building to clear space for a new one. Suppose the roles involved are: construction manager, electrician, plumber, and crane operator. Let learners choose their role. Then give them a job: Here's the building you're going to demolish; use the provided buttons to view it from all angles. Here's the line drawings or other documentation you'll need. It's 8 AM on Monday morning. You need to have this building razed by 5 PM tomorrow. What is your first action?
- Hold a job briefing with the team
- Ask everyone to evacuate the building so the crane operator can use the wrecking ball on it
- Consult with the electrician to <whatever>
- Consult with the plumber to find out <whatever>
If the learner needs help, he/she can consult the process flow to see what the proper first step is and who is responsible for doing it, and who needs to be informed, etc.
Feedback can drive learners back to the process flows (e.g., "Right, according to Process Flow 14-B, the construction manager must first <whatever> and then must inform the <whomever>. This ensures that <give the why behind the rule>.")
What do you do next?
<Give 3-4 new options>
And continue in this way, always showing the current state of the building as the learner takes various actions.
The point being, don't make the course about the process flows. Make it about safely demolishing a building. The flows are just aids to help learners remember or validate the process steps. The focus should be on training them to do their jobs (and the way they should do their jobs just happens to be documented in the process flows). Learners don't care about process flow documents; they care about doing their jobs accurately and safely.
Cheers!
-Ray
I love this idea Ray Cole. You have inspired me to broaden my thinking on sharing process changes in training scenarios!