e-Learning for Beginners - PART 4: Creating e-Learning - PROCESS
When you bake a cake, you need to follow a recipe. So our e-learning cake also has a recipe which we will refer to as a "process". There are many different ways or ingredients used in doing this but the general steps of a design process are similar.
If we were to break it down into three areas we would include a plan and analytical overview, transformation of ideas, objectives and content, and evaluation of the overall effectiveness of the training product and learner comprehension. This will be discussed in more detail in later blogs.
The ADDIE model is a popular one.
Perhaps it is popular because the acronym is easy to remember, thus, on everyone's lips?
I like it because it covers the basics and yes, easy to remember.
Recommended stages and responsiblities using ADDIE (to be discussed in more detail in later blogs):
In any design model, asking many questions of the client, SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) and learners will help fill the gap and aid in accomplishing the goal. They will appreciate that you want to get to know them better. Everyone has a story to tell (or two). Here is a link to sample questions.
It is important to note that all the players involved may have different perspectives. An Instructional Designer's (ID) responsibility is to connect the dots. By this I mean, the ID must consider the client's strategic view of the goal and needs, the SME's content knowledge, Quality Assurance (QA) standards and the learner's hands on, tactical view to tie it all together.
So where do we begin? A meeting of the minds to kick-off the project will help everyone come together initially to start off in the same boat and get to know everyone and their responsibilities. The client can present the project details and objectives and questions can be asked to better understand the logistics and how the process will best work by getting everyone's input. Then you can put together a project plan including a timeline that provides checks and balances (reviews by ID peer, SME, QA and client). If time permits, a learner or two could also be included in testing the product. There's nothing better than to have a customer tasting a bit of the icing on the cake before serving it to the other customers.
After the kick-off meeting, you should have two action items in mind. First, make sure all those who will be participating in the project are well aware of the process and goal and their role. Secondly, prepare a timeline so participants and client are aware of anticipated deadlines at each stage.
Well, that's it on "Process" for now. Remember, chunking. I don't want to overload you with too much detail. More to come on "process" later. Next, I will introduce you to the "Tools" that play a role in e-learning.
Blog you later!
Cheers!
