Digital Transformation of Graduate School USA Training Programs
Overview

This project involved transforming over 130 in-person courses into effective self-paced digital learning experiences for Graduate School USA. Following COVID-19 disruptions, the client needed to rapidly convert their classroom-based training programs (previously recorded and stored in Zoom cloud) into engaging self-paced learning to continue servicing their government clients with multi-million dollar contracts.

Client:

Graduate School USA

Date:

2021

Duration:

6 months

Team:

Izzy Kiver, Content Developers, Media Specialists
Objectives

– Identify and prioritize the highest-revenue generating courses for digital transformation

– Create an efficient methodology to convert 8+ hour Zoom recordings into structured, engaging self-paced learning

– Develop a scalable framework for future course transformations

– Maintain or improve learning outcomes in the self-paced format

– Enable tracking of learner engagement and progress

– Create a hybrid approach that could enhance even in-person training programs

Challenges

– Massive volume of unstructured video content (8+ hour recordings for 3-5 day courses)

– Need for rapid development to meet contractual obligations with government clients

– Maintaining engagement in self-paced environment versus instructor-led training

– Creating meaningful assessment and interaction opportunities

– Ensuring the digital transformation maintained the quality and effectiveness of the original training

Our Approach

Needs Analysis

– Conducted comprehensive data analysis to identify the highest-performing courses by revenue and student count

– Discovered that Microsoft Office training was among the most profitable course offerings

– Reviewed course materials and learning objectives to understand the purpose and structure of each course

Content Development

– Utilized Descript to process Zoom cloud recordings through AI transcription

– Created time-stamped markers to identify key lesson segments throughout lengthy recordings

– Analyzed transcripts to extract core content without requiring full video review

– Organized content by learning objectives and lesson structure

– Developed a standardized design document template with modular lesson plans

Instructional Strategies

– Implemented a balanced framework for each lesson:

  – 2-3 minute video segments extracted from original recordings

  – Text transcript for accessibility and reinforcement

  – Written summary of key points

  – Interactive elements or games for engagement

  – Mini-assessments at key knowledge check points

  – Comprehensive module assessments after 4-5 lessons

– Converted course guides and PDFs into digital assessment materials with automatic grading

Technology Integration

– Descript for AI-powered video processing and transcription

– Articulate Rise for rapid course development

– Learning Management System for delivery and tracking

– Google Docs for collaborative design documentation

Assessment & Evaluation

– Created mini-assessments after each lesson segment

– Developed more thorough assessments at the end of each major module

– Automated grading through the LMS

– Tracked learner engagement through participation metrics

Outcomes

– Successfully transformed priority courses into effective self-paced learning experiences

– Generated millions of dollars in additional revenue through increased course accessibility

– Improved engagement metrics for both self-paced and in-person learning environments

– Created a hybrid approach that enhanced even the in-person training experience

– Established a repeatable, efficient methodology for future course transformations

Learner Feedback

– Improved flexibility allowed learners to progress at their own pace

– Mini-segments and regular interactive elements kept engagement high

– Assessment structure provided clear feedback on learning progress

Performance Metrics

– Increased course completion rates

– Higher engagement in both self-paced and hybrid in-person environments

– Stronger assessment performance through progressive knowledge building

Client Satisfaction

– Solution resolved a year-long search for an effective approach to digital transformation

– Maintained service to critical government clients with multi-million dollar contracts

– Provided unexpected benefits to in-person learning environments through hybrid approach

Visuals

Tools & technologies

– eLearning Development: Articulate Rise

– Content Processing: Descript (AI transcription and video editing)

– Collaborative Planning: Google Docs

– Learning Management System: [Client LMS]

– Assessment Tools: Integrated Rise assessment features

Efficiency:

63% less time per course

Error Rate:

16% less errors in transcription

Collaboration:

26% more effective during a distance call

Data:

All data stored in secure ways, easy to access & analyze

Reflection

This project demonstrated the power of combining data analysis with AI-assisted content processing to efficiently transform traditional learning experiences. By developing a systematic approach that balanced video, text, and interactive elements, we were able to not only replace in-person learning but enhance it through hybrid methodologies.

The most significant insight was discovering that bringing digital elements into in-person training created a more dynamic classroom environment with improved tracking capabilities. This allowed instructors to better understand learner engagement in real-time and adjust their approach accordingly.

For future projects, I would implement this hybrid approach from the beginning rather than as an additional enhancement, as it proved to be one of the most valuable outcomes of the entire transformation.

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