Overview
Our Equivalency feature allows admins to streamline their training processes by offering equivalent training options for specific topics. This ensures learners can meet the same training objectives through different paths, making the training process more flexible, tailored and accommodating.
Note: Only topics can be set as equivalents. Pathways cannot be equivalents or have an equivalency set.
When one or more topics are set as an equivalent for another topic, learners who complete the topic with the equivalency set are automatically enrolled in the equivalent topics (if not already enrolled) and marked as complete.
Note: For mutually equivalent topics, you need to configure equivalency settings for each topic.
When to use this feature
This feature is ideal for organisations looking to meet diverse learning needs while ensuring consistent knowledge and skill levels across personnel.
For example, it’s particularly useful for companies with different departments, teams, or locations that have unique training requirements but still need employees to maintain a uniform standard of competency.
Equivalencies also work well for extensive or comprehensive topics with the same content covered throughout smaller topics.
This feature allows:
Flexibility - provide learners with the option to choose from different training modules that cover the same topic or skills, accommodating varying learning styles and preferences.
Customisation - tailor training paths for different teams or roles, ensuring content is relevant to the unique needs of groups and teams across the organisation, whilst maintaining consistent training outcomes.
Efficiency - reduce redundancy by offering learners equivalent training rather than requiring them to complete the same module multiple times.
Identifying equivalencies
The first step in setting up an equivalency is identifying which topics can be considered equivalent. This might include:
Different formats of the same course (e.g. video, webinar, self-paced module, in-person training).
Different content that covers the same core competencies or learning objectives.
Role-based variations of the same topic (e.g. leadership training for managers versus general employee training).
The steps to set up equivalencies are outlined below.
Setting equivalencies
Once you’ve determined the topics you want to set as equivalents, follow these steps:
Navigate to the Admin area of the topic you want to define an equivalency for.
Select the 'Settings' tab and click 'Edit Timing' in the 'Timing' panel.
Change the 'Equivalency' setting from 'None' to 'Yes', then click 'Set equivalencies'.
Select one or more topics and click 'Select'.
Click 'Save'.
Note: If you update a selection of equivalent topics, you need to select each topic. You cannot add to a list of already specified equivalents (each time you edit the equivalents for a topic, you begin with a fresh choice.
Setting mutually equivalent topics
To create a reciprocal equivalencies (where each topic marks the others as complete), you must manage equivalency settings for each topic.
For example, if topics A, B and C are mutually equivalent, you need to specify that B and C are equivalent to A, that A and C are equivalent to B, and that A and B are equivalent to C in the settings for each topic.
This ensures that no matter which of the equivalent topics a learner completes, they receive credit for each of the equivalent training modules.
Best practices
Keep your training content up-to-date: Ensure that all equivalent modules contain up-to-date and relevant content to maintain consistency in training quality.
Ensure alignment: Verify that all equivalent modules are aligned with the same learning objectives, so that learners are receiving the same level of competency after completing the training.
Monitor learner progress: Regularly check reports to ensure that learners are completing the equivalent modules as expected.
Review equivalency periodically: Over time, assess whether the equivalency options still meet the needs of the organisation and make adjustments as necessary.
Examples
Alternative options for a webinar: One topic may allow learners to participate in a live webinar (using the Event element), while the equivalent allows them to watch the recording or an equivalent tutorial video.
Assessment flexibility: One topic may require learners to complete a traditional quiz while the equivalent allows them to complete a project (such as a written essay, video presentation, etc.) to demonstrate their understanding of a key concept.
Time constraints and pacing: One topic may cater to learners with full-time capacity whereas another could be targeted at those with part-time capacity (via a shorter, more focused version of the content).
Accessibility options: One topic could cater to learners with visual impairments (allowing them to engage with a course via screen readers), while another may be better suited to those with hearing impairments (providing access to transcripts or sign language interpretation of videos).
Recognition of prior learning and experience: One topic could be appropriate for learners with prior knowledge or experience which they could demonstrate through an equivalency assessment (such as a portfolio review, a knowledge exam, or practical demonstration). This would allow these learners to bypass certain course content or assessments while learners with less experience would complete a more comprehensive version.
Choice in learning activities: One topic could require learners to prepare a research paper, while another may require them to complete a case study presentation.
FAQs
Are learners notified when they complete a topic as a result of it being set as an equivalent to another topic?
If enabled, learners receive the completion email for the equivalent topic when they complete the topic that triggers their equivalent completion.
What happens if equivalencies are set for topics that have already been completed by learners?
Equivalencies do not apply to learners who completed the topic before the equivalencies were set.
Do equivalencies apply to learners who are enrolled in a topic before the equivalency is set but have not yet completed the topic?
Yes, equivalency is applied at the time of completion (not enrolment).