Download - E Learning Pitfalls
eLearning Pitfalls: Avoiding Them from Day One
Objectives
Recognize and resolve issues in the content development phase
Recognize and resolve issues in the e-learning course production phase
Recognize and resolve issues in the rollout phase
Content Phase Pitfalls
• The course stands alone
• No pre-course evaluation
• Delivery before content
The Course Stands Alone
Isn’t part of a curriculum
Not tied to organizational objectives
Doesn’t serve a defined need
How do we get management buy-in?
Strategicworkfirst
No Pre-Course Evaluation
No reason to train Hard to pin down what learners need Can’t match content to the learner’s
knowledge level How do we measure success?
Telling
Plenty of information, no application
Content doesn’t allow for user choices
Lack of interactivity No analysis
Design content so learner can give feedback to the course
Delivery Before Content
Content should inform delivery
Not every subject makes good e-learning
E-learning doesn’t have to be LMS-based
Focus on “what”
which willinform “how”
Course Production Pitfalls
You are the star Style without substance Rush jobs Never-ending revisions Ignoring 508 compliance
You Are the Star
Narrating courses yourself
Good public speakers not always good on camera
Write your own background music?
Focuson
trainingpeople
Style Without Substance
Does this video clip really enhance the learning experience?
Does the animation demonstrate a process accurately?
Would the retention be as good without these graphics?
Media elements
must integrate with content
Rush Jobs
“Two weeks” is for resignations and building contractors
Shortens every stage, from content to development and testing
Technical problems lead to mistrust
Often means a major revision after launch
Set a reasonable
schedule and stick to it
Set a reasonable
Schedule andStick to it
Never-ending Revisions
Shortens time set aside for production Introduces versioning errors Can lead to additional legal review
• Script should be reviewed by contributing SMEs and instructional designers
• Spelling and grammar check• Content should have final review
before production starts
Ignoring 508 Compliance
Creating new, untested features Assuming compliance
• Do real 508 testing with an expert• Set up structure to handle compliance• Most of 508 is good design anyway
Endless conference calls Team members revise same section five
different ways
30-Person Review
• Provide direction at review stages• Limit review to core group initially• Brief expanded team
Rollout Phase Pitfalls
Surprise reviewers Skimping on testing Lack of follow-up
Surprise Reviewers
May not know purpose of project May not have heard of it Could change strategic direction requiring
massive changes
• Ensure managers are aware of goals• Brief them along the way• Do it when buy-in is fairly assured
Skimping on Testing
Content can change by accident as it is programmed
Complex functionality may not work in all parameters
• Review content in place, like a blueline in printing• All functionality must be checked
Lack of Follow-Up
“Launch it and forget it” Move on to the next challenge
• Prepare evaluations for your measuring system• Market the course to learners• Periodically review content and features, update
as necessary
Key Points
Be well-prepared Keep the goal in front
of you Follow through Sidestep pitfalls with
the right partner
About Edge Digital Group
eLearning Course Design SharePoint Implementation Development Document Conversion and Management Solutions Provider to the Federal
Government, Fortune 500 companies, and Associations
Learn. Share. Succeed.
About Edge Digital Group
Founded in1989 Headquartered in Herndon, VA NTIS Joint Venture eLearning Partner GSA IT 70 Schedule Veteran-Owned Small Business
Contact Information
Chris Beasley, COO
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