Conducting an eLearning Tech Audit

Getting all the different technologies working together seamlessly to support your eLearning efforts can feel like a daunting task, but it’s far too important to let it slip off your radar screen. When things don’t work well, it causes stress, anxiety, unnecessary complications, and inefficiency. That’s why a periodic eLearning Tech Audit should be on your to-do list. It will help you not only figure out what you need, but also come up with an effective plan for introducing needed new technologies. Having clarity on all of that will drive the business results you’re looking for.

The way to approach an eLearning tech audit is to start with the end in mind. That means clearly defining what success would look like when it comes to eLearning technologies. Gather together a team of key players with the clout and authority to get the needed buy-in from the C-suite and then focus on the following four steps of an eLearning tech audit:

Step 1: Communication. In this step of the audit, the team should examine all the different pieces of the eLearning technology puzzle, from the networks that are in place to all the different collaborative platforms utilized to make eLearning happen in your organization. It’s vital that everyone can easily tap into the different communication channels for the information that helps work flow smoothly and effectively. Pay particular attention to anything that seems to create a bottleneck in daily work processes. You want to make sure that people not only have easy access, but that they’re also actually utilizing the tools made available to them.

Step 2: Security. This step of the audit examines all the different layers of security in place that serve to protect the sensitive and proprietary information of your eLearning efforts. Pay attention not only to who has access, but also who really needs it. Also make note of the different filters in place to make sure they are adequate.

Step 3: Data and Information Flows and Reporting. Here is where you closely examine what data is available along with the ability to retrieve data, work with it, and generate the reports needed to evaluate eLearning effectiveness, enhance decision-making dialogue, and improve eLearning strategies. You’re looking to make judgments about the robustness of the technologies as well as how efficiently they operate.

Step 4: Support Functions. Having the best eLearning technologies available is a moot point if your people have no support in learning how to use them, troubleshooting problems, and making sure everything works towards a common vision. Note that many times initial technology trainings need to be supplemented over time as proficiency increases. This will help you make sure that all the tools are being used to their full potential.

After completing this audit process, you’ll have a much clearer picture of what needs to happen to make sure you not only have all the eLearning technologies in place your company needs, but also a plan for making sure they are used to accomplish your eLearning agenda. The entire process should have a clear future orientation couched within realistic expectations that build momentum over time. Keep in mind that it’s best to strike a balance between short-term wins while making incremental progress toward longer-term goals. Following this simple process will give your organization a clear advantage in its eLearning efforts.