When Kara Adams, M.Ed., CAE, director of education for the Society of American Archivists, found herself in an unfamiliar e-learning role, she scrambled quickly. She built up valuable expertise on building an effective e-learning program, from content development to speaker selection to learning management systems (LMS).

In a recent conversation, Kara shared lessons learned that can help other association professional development pros become e-learning heroes.

What does e-learning mean to you?

To me, e-learning means flexibility. It gives you the opportunity to bring education to your members wherever they are, putting it literally in the palm of their hand. You have the opportunity to try different approaches: on-demand, live streaming, a series, a subscription, blended learning, facilitated learning, gamification, micro-learning, MOOCs (massive open online courses), and more.

Free and virtual learning opportunities are everywhere. What's the secret to making the e-learning experience more valuable?

To be competitive, you will need to give away some content for free, but you don't have to give away an entire program. Create a sneak peek video or provide open access to one module of a course. To add value in the face of free competition, utilize big-name instructors whenever possible, launch new programs and content regularly, have themed discount days or flash sales, share testimonials from other happy learners, and promote the accessibility and convenience of your e-learning opportunities as education on-the-go or bite-size learning for your breaks.

There is no one right way to create an online learning experience. Learn from what works and what doesn't.—Kara Adams, CAE, Society of American Archivists

What is the biggest misconception about e-learning?

There are two big misconceptions. The first is that only millennials are interested in online learning experiences. Everyone's learning style is different, and that's something you must keep in mind when developing educational programs. But putting learning opportunities right at your member's fingertips will attract audiences you may not have expected.

The second misconception is that you have to hire a professional instructional designer and/or animator and/or voice-over artist to create a successful online course. The majority of association professionals have the basic skills required to create an e-learning experience of some sort, and you may discover a new talent. If you find you need to develop something with more flair down the road, you can look into professional talent when you get to that point.

Do solid in-person trainers automatically make great e-learning presenters? How are the skills different?

Definitely not. I've met instructors who are fantastic in a classroom but dull as a doornail when presenting to a camera, and I've also met just the opposite. Awareness of your instructor's strengths is essential to finding the best fit for them in your educational program. E-learning instruction requires the ability to reimagine content and animation on the part of the instructor. The instructor and e-learning manager or instructional designer should work closely together to ensure regular opportunities for learners' engagement and information retention.

What do you love most about e-learning?

You can experiment with it. Develop one online course one way and develop another course another way. Which is more popular? Is it the content? The way it was presented? The presenter? There is no one right way to create an online learning experience. Learn from what works and what doesn't.

Why are you such an advocate for e-learning?

I'm an advocate for empowering associations to take ownership of their e-learning programs. Support growth in this area. Support the selection of an LMS that evolves to accommodate your success. Support the development of quality online education. Support the marketing of these programs. Your association's online education program should be part of the big-value picture when it comes to membership and what your association brings to the table.