Each organization is unique (organizational size, mandate, capacity, resources and experience with online learning and technology) and assessing your organization's capacity and strengths and weaknesses in terms of its ability to develop and deliver effective online learning is critical. You could ask the following questions to help assess what your organization is best capable of given its resources and capacity.
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Do you have sufficient financial resources to offer quality online learning? Remember to take into account start-up costs, content development, facilitation, technology, technical support and ongoing maintenance costs. If you do not have sufficient funds, how might you access the required financial resources?
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Does your organization have access to the online learning technology or technologies it requires to offer quality online learning that meets the needs of its participants? If not, are there ways you could you acquire this critical component?
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Do you have staff with the required high level skills to develop and offer online learning? This includes content development skills, marketing, facilitation skills, and technical skills. If you do not have the necessary skills, are there ways in which you could fill these knowledge gaps (e.g., hiring new staff, training existing staff, contracting specialized services, etc.)?
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In the case of not-for-profit organizations, are your key funders knowledgeable and supportive of online learning in your organization? If not, how could you increase their knowledge and support?
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Do you have the support of senior management and/or your board of directors for your proposed online learning initiative? If not, how could you develop or increase such support?
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If your organization is already offering online learning how effective and successful has it been? In which ways might it be improved in the future?
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Is your organization truly ready to offer online learning? If not, what steps can you take to ensure organizational readiness?
