Since you asked, does size matter?

A few months ago a gripe made its way (OK, I kind of invited it) to my inbox that was critical of a couple of Brandon Hall Research e-learning reports. Gripes are good and keep us on our toes (so bring it!). Anyway, the writer suggested BHRs research “usually” represented the techniques used by the largest training groups in the largest companies. It was also suggested that newer approaches to e-learning might be bypassed in favor of the mainstream tools we feature (specifically PowerPoint-to- e-learning tools) because

1. the tools are the most used (biggest) tool at the large companies we research; and
2. readers look to Brandon Hall reports for advice and therefore, by showcasing the big (read: mainstream) tools, we indirectly influence the design and development of e-learning.

Wow! This was one of those sleep-on-it-like-a-sloth issues that raised more questions for me than answers – it calls out for a deep dive.
I question whether or not

1. PowerPoint-to-e-learning tools are used more frequently by training groups at large organizations compared to training groups at small organizations;
2. PowerPoint-to-e-learning tools are used more frequently by large training groups compared to small training groups;
3. use of PowerPoint-to-e-learning tools hamper the practice of new e-learning development tools and techniques (read: good e-learning); and
4. if BHR usually represented the techniques of big groups and big companies vs. a mix of small and large companies and/or learning departments and if so, how that influences readers.

In other words I wanted to know if these “size” issues really exist (or matter) and if so, what influence they have on e-learning development. Sounds like a lot more than what can be handled in a blog post but here’s what I’ve come up with so far – ¦stay tuned for more research on this.

Only two of the ten current Brandon Hall Research products on content development tools focus on PowerPoint-to-e-learning development:

• PowerPoint to E-Learning Tools (20 systems plus 3 case studies Nestle, Dade Behring, National City)
• Authoring Tool KnowledgeBase 2007 (105+ Tools, 18 of which are PowerPoint-to-e-learning tools)

Other content development tool reports and services:

• Creating Content in Flash Format
• Simulation Development Tools
• LCMS KnowledgeBase
• Online Simulations
• Test Tools
• Live E-Learning Systems
• Emerging E-Learning Technology, Content, Services (3 reports)
• Open Source E-Learning

Additionally, our Award-Winning Content reports feature the absolute BEST of e-learning created by the BEST developers from large and small organizations with both large and small teams from around the world.

Clearly, Brandon Hall Research does not “usually” feature PowerPoint-to-e-learning tools. There’s enough of a mix of reports on tools here to satisfy those who praise PowerPoint as an enabler for rapid development and those who view PowerPoint-to-e-learning tools as a way to mass produce page-turners. Additionally, the organizations we features run the gamut in size. We certainly do our part to advance the design and development of e-learning. We take great care and great pride in being the stewards of the trade.

Does size matter? You decide…

If you’re interested, drop me an email (janet@brandon-hall.com) and answer the following questions and I’ll send you a synopsis of responses (no organization or individuals identified):

1. Size of organization (# employees)
2. Size of training group (include all responsible for design & development of elearning)
3. Percentage of content (compared to all e-learning content) that has been produced using PowerPoint or a PowerPoint-to-e-learning tool. (This can include commercial off-the-shelf content that has been created with PowerPoint of a PowerPoint-to-e-learning tool.)
4. What influences you to use a particular tool over another

Tagged as: Brandon Hall, E-learning, Research, Tools