What is E-Learning?
E-learning is the use of technology to enable people to learn virtually, anywhere, and anytime. This is achieved by applying the principles of instructional and visual design, which are then produced using authoring tools from an e-learning software development company.
Why develop E-Learning?
There are numerous advantages associated with this contemporary teaching and learning technique. Delivery costs for e-learning are substantially lower than those for classroom facilities and instructor time. E-learnings reaches a broader target audience by engaging learners who have difficulty attending conventional classroom training due to certain constraints. All learners on the platform receive the same unbiased quality of instruction because there is no dependence on a specific instructor.
Developing E-Learning courses
Developing E-Learning courses can be quite a daunting task. More so if you lack the essential knowledge of the various stages of an e-learning development process. There are many variables in terms of tools, parameters, and other factors that can influence the success of your exercise. Below is a bird’s eye view of the entire process.
Begin With The Right Objectives
Failing to plan is undoubtedly planning to fail. Begin with the right objectives to eliminate the hassle of making substantial changes later in the process. Clearly stated goals specify what the program needs to accomplish and provides stakeholders with concise statements of expectations to which they can respond to point you in the right direction. Take note of possible project constraints like budget, timing, and scheduling.
Fit With Cultural Expectations And Existing Framework
Consult with stakeholders and leadership to ensure the curriculum fits within cultural expectations and existing frameworks of the company.
Learning landscape
Take adequate time to study your learner population and identify their different needs. This will enable you to establish your expectations for the learner experience and decide how to evaluate the end experience.
Design
The outcome of this stage is a blueprint that will be used as a reference to develop the course. It illustrates the curriculum structure, learning objectives associated with each unit, and the delivery methods and formats.
Development Of Interactive Multimedia
This stage comprises the development of interactive multimedia content. It has three phases:
Content development which involves compiling all the required knowledge and information.
Storyboard development: A storyboard is a document that describes all the components of the final interactive products. It integrates several instructional methods and media elements, including images, interactions, assessment tests, etc.
Courseware development:
Here, you develop media and interactive components, and produce the course in different formats like CD-Rom and Web delivery. You integrate the content elements into a learning platform that is learner- accessible.
Implementation
At this stage, the course is learner-ready. The courseware is install on a server and made accessible for learners. In cases where instructors facilitate sessions, consider incorporating tools to enable managing and promoting learners’ activities.
Evaluation
It is essential to evaluate the e-learning platform for specific purposes ranging from learners’ experiences, the achievement of learning objectives, the transfer of job-related knowledge and skills, and the impact of the project on the organization. This should help you assess the success of your e-learning development process.
Food for Thought
Avoid costly mistakes on your next project, stay on track, and deliver relevant and engaging content that fits your learners and gets the job done.