Superior training effectiveness is not an accident.

One of acrosspublishing’s core competencies is developing learning content that helps companies achieve their strategic business objectives through use of proven instructional design methodologies in combination with engaging multimedia development. Our expertise in this area was developed over years of creating thousands of instructionally sound learning objects. Our clients are consistently delighted with our e-learning solutions as evidenced by our repeat engagement rate exceeding 93%.

The acrosspublishing design difference:

• Instructional and Creative Expertise
• Performance Impact and Instructional Integrity Focus
• Proven Design Methodologies and Tools
• Disciplined Project Management Process

Designing for Maximum Engagement, Comprehension, and Retention

Our award-wining development team employs an instructional design strategy founded in both practical experience and advanced studies in best practices. Our process includes developing:

• Instructional objectives based on performance outcomes
• Instructional delivery methods that elicit desired performance
• Consistent design standards and learner friendly interfaces
• Content that addresses differences in learning styles and learner backgrounds
• Tools that enhance retention and transfer knowledge to long-term memory
• User-directed design that gives learners control over their experience
• Knowledge assessments that authenticate content objectives

Credible… Persuasive… Relative

The success of a training program depends on what employees retain and apply on the job. To be effective, training must be credible, persuasive, and understood within the context of the daily work environment. This is indeed a challenge; however, it can be achieved through a disciplined application of proven instructional design principles. acrosspublishing designers combine a genuine dedication to learning with a solid understanding of adult learning theory to create training that really works. Just ask our clients.

Since much of a learning program’s success is dependent on the quality and effectiveness of the course design; it’s worth considering some of the key differentiators that acrosspublishing brings to our instructional design:

The success of a training program depends on what employees retain and apply on the job

• Interactivity– We understand that employees learn by doing. Studies have shown that interactivity substantially improves the effectiveness of training. We make extensive use of a wide range of interactivity throughout our training, and incorporate several Interactive Exercises and Knowledge Laboratories into each course to teach important Learning Objectives and reinforce the learning process.
• Simulation– Online simulations are an excellent way to engage learners in real workplace decision processes. While e-learning is not the silver bullet for all training challenges, it can have a very positive impact on what the learner knows and how she thinks and reasons in a variety of workplace situations. Simulations have also been found to be highly effective in holding the interest of the learner and helping them retain the course material.
• Test Design– Our understanding of the adult learner is reflected in our test design. Studies show that the “single test design” (where an entire course is followed by a single test) often creates “test apprehension” and diminishes the ability of the testing process to access and reinforce leaning. We place questions throughout the material in a manner that is based on the Learning Objectives and supports the learning process. Because learners are less intimidated by the testing process, they retain more of the material and can function more safely and effectively on the job.
• Consistent Course Design and User Interface– When learners have to become familiar with a variety of course designs and interfaces, valuable training time is lost and learners experience increased anxiety. All acrosspublishing courses incorporate consistent design standards and a user interface that has been tested by thousands of students in a wide variety of learning environments at the world’s leading companies.
• Clear Learning Objectives– Both effective course design and effective learning begin with clear goals and objectives. Our courses begin with a list of very specific Learning Objectives that are based on assessments of the audience needs and the performance objectives for the learner. The Learning Objectives form the foundation for the course as content is designed to accomplish the objectives, testing is designed to assess how well the objectives have been met, and remediation is provided to ensure the objectives are achieved.
• Realism– Training is more effective and retention is greater when lessons are relevant to the job and easy for learners to relate to their own situations. While many training products rely on cartoon drawings, acrosspublishing uses real-world photos of actual job situations. Over the years we have carefully photographed and cataloged thousands of quality workplace images, and our process includes worksite visits to take any additional photographs needed. Our expertise for realism is widely recognized in the industry. Extensive use of the “case study” approach further enhances relevance and interest to the learner.
• Contextual Learning Frames– This innovative approach is designed to engage learners’ emotional involvement in the material and make them more receptive to the course material by directing learners to place themselves in the context of the instruction being delivered.
• User-Controlled Narration– User-Controlled Narration makes full text display optional, leaving room in the frame for instructive graphics and interactivity. This key feature also allows our courses to be accessible to hearing-impaired learners and those who do not have or want to use computer audio capability.
• Knowledge Laboratories– A cornerstone of acrosspublishing course design philosophy, Knowledge Laboratories allow learners to apply their knowledge in a simulation environment. Such simulations have been found to be highly effective in holding the interest of learners and helping them retain the course material
• Learning Assistance– Supports the learning process by helping the studetn organize and implement the course material
• Knowledge Demonstration (KD)– This is the assessment tool or “test” instrument. Learners must successfully complete all Knowledge Demonstrations to receive credit and (where applicable) certificationfor course completion.
• Completion Certificates– Upon successful completion of a course, the learner can print a Certificate of Completion containing their name, completion date, and the title of the course.
• User-directed Delivery Options– for applicability to multiple employee populations– Adults learn best when they can choose the style of instruction that suits them best. When learners come to training with a variety of educational levels, life experiences, and language abilities, user-directedness takes on even more importance. Learners can move through acrosspublishing’s courses at their own pace. They can choose to read and/or hear the course text to use both aural and visual learning styles. A glossary provides supplemental information to learners who are unfamiliar with terminology. acrosspublishing emphasis on user-directedness recognizes and respects the diversity of today’s workplaces and ensures that all employees, whether managers, laborers, retail associates, or professionals, have a successful learning experience.
• Company-specific content, policies, and procedures– To increase relevance to learners and application on-the-job, acrosspublishing works with clients to insert company-specific photos, diagrams, maps, and other images into custom or semi-custom courses. Links to company-specific policies and procedures can be placed in the course to provide additional reference materials for learners.

To learn how you can begin applying the benefits of acrosspublishing’s instructional design to your training program email us at info@acrosspublishing.com or sign-up HERE to have free access to 25 of our courses right now!