You already know the benefits of elearning when passing information to a large number of people be they clients, students or employees.
Do it well and it is cheaper and quicker than other methods: more effective, easier to track, update and repeat. It’s also less harmful to the environment. Just think of all those miles saved!
You’ve already got: pamphlets, sales brochures, user guides, documents, instructions, PowerPoints, images and maybe videos.
When you created these assets, you did it with certain objectives in mind and might not have written these down.
Even if you’re not a trainer, you’ve therefore already started at Stage 1 of creating elearning.
What is it that you want the course delegate to be able to do as a result of the elearning?
The outcomes should be achievable and measurable. If you’re a trainer you’ll know how to write these but if not, then take a look at all those assets we mentioned earlier.
What is it that someone can now do after using those assets?
Need assistance?
Your decision will be driven by your budget and how quickly you want to launch the elearning.
If you intend to ‘do it yourself’ then your decision about the type of learning to produce might also be determined by your capability.
Need assistance in developing your elearning?
If all your intended course delegates are frequent smartphone users, do you really need to make your elearning for desktop?
It’s important to decide at this stage, as the target device will determine the types of learning interactions you can use most effectively, as well as the page layout.
Need to know which type of elearning is suitable for smartphone, tablets and smaller devices?
Involving them in the process at this stage means that any course content they write, will be written for the type of elearning, target device and interaction types you have already decided upon.
Content written for a text book is written very differently to that intended for elearning.
Need to know how to storyboard?
Agree the specifications for the whole design of the elearning so everyone’s expectations are the same.
Document the learning styles you aim to satisfy.
Create example screens, pages, interactions, sound files, videos, animations e.t.c. and use these as the models for production.
Need help creating specifications and examples?
Coordinate the production teams, keep a track of progress, gather feedback on sample products to ensure they remain within specification.
Don’t forget assets that already exist, can you repurpose them for elearning?
Need help managing your project?
You’ll need a launch strategy that ensures course delegates are aware that your elearning exists.
Tell them it’s coming. Then tell them again when it’s here. Later tell them how long it’s been there and what they’re missing.
Need help developing a launch strategy?
The elearning design process is cyclic.
Obtain feedback from course delegates, both those who have completed the course, as well as those that haven’t.
Don’t forget to ask for feedback from line managers and team members of the course delegates. Do they recognise the impact the course has had on the delegates’ skills, knowledge and performance?
Use the feedback that you have received from this analysis to improve your elearning course.
Need a professional course evaluation?
