E-learning is a powerful way to transmit knowledge. It conveys content through a variety of communication channels that work together to reinforce the key message. The success of this reinforcement is based on the quality of each instructional process, with language playing a leading role. It is made even more important given the context of e-learning, where software resources cover most of the learner’s essential needs. If they are inadequate, the learner will need the constant support of a tutor, making this type of training program ineffective. Language is critical to resources and visual aids—think about the concepts and instructions displayed on screen and covered in narration—and must meet several criteria in order to achieve the targeted learning objectives.

Above all, the level of language used must be tailored to the audience, meaning it should relate to the learners (based on the their level of education, occupation and socioeconomic status) and lead them to a better understanding of the subject material. Whether we’re talking about style, tone or complexity of language, each of these parameters should be given special attention because learning starts with the accessibility of the language in which the content is presented. Clearly, the language used will be different for a young teenager than for a retired person. Similarly, we will adapt our structures and vocabulary if the training is aimed at high school students as opposed to university graduates. Moreover, the tone—be it formal or playful—must respect and enhance the concept being learned. For example, in a serious game where the learner is expected to become familiar with the various technical processes of the production chain at the plant where he or she works, a lively, investigative style can be effective. If this first approach is ignored, and the learner fails to click with the subject material, it will be very difficult to proceed with the training.

Once we reach the learner, it is important to make smart choices in terms of the terminology of the field covered by the training. We must be careful not to make it too simple or too complicated. It should be appropriate to the job in question and include relevant terminology that is both necessary and useful, introduced in a measured way. To ensure that the terminology talks to, not down, to the learner, complex terms should be presented in a way that makes them easy to integrate into everyday speech. The learner should be able to grasp the full scope of the knowledge being transmitted through the accuracy and richness of the chosen vocabulary and the tools that allow him or her to explore these terms (e.g., glossary, examples, images, animations, etc.).

It goes without saying that a training program with a coherent, clear and rigorous structure, starting with the table of contents and continuing through the modules, concepts and activities, gives the learner a simple roadmap, optimizing the use of available resources and clearly demonstrating the opportunities, milestones and targets of the proposed learning path. Another critical component of any e-learning course is that it is free of clumsiness, misspellings and grammar errors. Poor quality language seriously tarnishes the credibility of its authors and compromises both its instructional and commercial success. After all, language is used to teach concepts, and the program’s instructional value can be degraded by the way language is used and the impact is has on the learner. High quality language allows the learner to assimilate the subject material and perfect his or her mastery of the terminology. The quality of language—whatever the learner’s level—should never be compromised. It is, without a doubt, a sign of the quality, success and sustainability of any e-learning program.

After a rigorous selection process, the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) has engaged the services of Ellicom, Quebec’s leader in the development of e-learning solutions. The learning management system proposed by Ellicom was selected for its flexibility and ability to effectively meet SAQ’s training needs. More than 6,000 employees will have access to this e-learning content management and delivery platform.

The platform will enable the SAQ to deliver its training content, monitor its employees’ progress and manage the administrative aspects of the organization’s training programs. The software solution selected by the SAQ was designed to be easy to use, ergonomic and intuitive.

At the ceremony for the 24th edition of the OCTAS awards, organized by the Réseau ACTION TI, and in front of an audience of 400 representatives from the IT sector, Ellicom was recognized as a finalist in two different categories: “Online training and knowledge management” and “Web environment: collaboration or participation”. Ellicom was nominated for its work for TECHNOCompétences (Comité sectoriel de main-d’œuvre).

Ellicom is proud to again be recognized as an outstanding company that has made significant contributions in its field of expertise and is pleased to have helped raise the bar for product and service excellence.

The way in which a learner absorbs knowledge depends on the type of knowledge presented. Procedural, declarative, strategic and factual knowledge are all integrated differently.

Factual knowledge is concrete, uncontentious facts that can be transmitted easily by a presentation strategy. Often, this type of knowledge is used to inform someone rather than teach them, so the presentation is well suited to this type of knowledge. In addition, factual knowledge is the easiest type to integrate.

Procedural knowledge varies in complexity, depending on whether the procedures are concrete or abstract. To allow the learner to integrate procedures as effectively as possible, we recommend creating a learning environment where they can be practised. This can be achieved directly or through a simulation. For example, we could train someone to create a mailing list with a software package by creating a simulated database. This would allow the learner to manipulate data without jeopardizing the integrity of system data.

The complexity of declarative knowledge (concepts) also varies with the degree of abstraction. It is much easier to understand the concept of exponents than it is to understand the concept of logarithms, even though the two are closely related. An effective way of addressing these concepts is to describe their attributes and provide a large number of examples and counter examples, making it easier to classify them. Mastering a concept is about recognizing its attributes and properties and being able to identify whether or not a fact belongs in this class. The classification and identification of properties are the best activities to facilitate the integration of concepts. Despite its inherent limitations, the analogy is also a powerful tool, as is the Socratic dialogue, especially when it is presented in written format.

Strategic knowledge is probably the most difficult to comprehend. Because it deals with the “When” and the “Why” of a given subject, it is often associated with a large amount of field experience. To make learning as efficient as possible, the learner must be able to test this knowledge. Simulations provide an invaluable asset and are particularly useful for this type of knowledge.

The "Printing with a sheet-fed offset press" e-learning program, created by Ellicom in partnership with the Comité sectoriel de main-d’œuvre des communications graphiques du Québec, was launched on Thursday, February 11. The Comité sectoriel organized a happy hour for the launch, with the collaboration of the Government of Canada and the Commission des partenaires du marché du travail.

At 5:00 p.m., about a hundred participants gathered in the John Molson Room for this highly anticipated event. According to the first batch of comments we received, the happy hour attendees were very enthusiastic about this training program. The richness of the animations, the superb graphics and the content depth greatly impressed them. They discovered a dynamic and flexible training tool that fosters the efficient transfer of knowledge.

Congratulations to the whole team on their success!

Jean-Philippe Bradette, CHRP
Vice-President, Training Solutions

I am in charge of software solution sales at Ellicom, and I am always surprised to see companies that acquire a Learning Management System (LMS) without identifying their needs or even establishing specifications first.

Online training (e-learning) has now proved its worth, and several organizations turn to LMS solutions.

With all the available solutions, how can I make sure to choose right? How can I be sure that the chosen solution will meet my needs? Can this solution (the LMS) be customized based on my company’s needs and growth? Does it comply with industry standards? Do I have to buy it or can I simply rent it? Finally, can the provider offer me appropriate assistance for the implementation of my project?

All these essential questions are part of the “shopping” process when you are looking for a solution for your organization. You must compare apples with apples and avoid buying the first solution you find. In addition, you must ensure that all the previous questions are addressed diligently.

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For the very first time, Ellicom will be presenting its brand-new display booth at the HRPA (Human Resources Professionals Association) Annual Conference, to be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from January 27 to 29, 2010.
Visit our booth (No. 112) to learn more about our e-learning solutions and see some of our demos. Ellicom’s representatives will be happy to provide you with expert advice tailored to your needs. You could also be eligible for discounts on our software―and don’t forget to enter our draw for a chance to win great prizes.
We are looking forward to meeting you!

Given my work developing business for the e-learning sector, I am of course very interested in trends in new information technology (IT). In particular, I am fascinated by the speed with which we can now access information in addition to the incredible growth of Web 2.0., which is based on web applications defined by user-centered design, information sharing and simplified interfaces.

Online IT solutions can be an intimidating concept for clients who do not have much experience with computers. Yet, even though Web 2.0. is still an obscure concept for many web users, I believe it will play a very important role in the creation of more accessible and user-friendly tools. “Newbies” (users who are new to certain applications or the Internet) will be able to more easily and intuitively access new information by means of informal networking and active participation.

Given Quebec’s demographics, I hope to see the continuing optimization and greater use of IT solutions in the province. For example, here is an application that harnesses the power and flexibility of IT to provide innovative health services:

During a ceremony and reception held in California as part of the 2009 Innovations in Learning Conference, Ellicom received one of the prestigious Brandon Hall Research Excellence in Learning Awards.

Ellicom was granted the Silver Award for Best Custom Content, the second highest prize in this category, for its online training program designed for Bombardier Transportation. This project involved three interactive e-learning modules, one of which virtually reproduced Bombardier Transportation’s work environment and train production line. The program provided an overview of Bombardier Transportation and a virtual visit of its manufacturing facilities. Ellicom reduced the training time for new employees by using information technologies that maximized access to the relevant information.

This prestigious international award consolidates Ellicom’s position as Canada’s leader in online training solutions.

The Brandon Hall awards showcase outstanding work in the e-learning industry. Since 1992, Brandon Hall Research has been providing independent research reports and expert advice on the use of technology in learning. Each year, the Brandon Hall Research awards programs recognize the best in innovative learning. The winners are announced during a ceremony and reception hosted in conjunction with the annual Innovations in Learning Conference.