Putting together an e-Learning course

Say your boss/professor/business partner comes to you and asks for you to put together a brief e-Learning course. Before you cue the sweat and tears, there are a handful of helpful tips that may help prepare for such a task that sounds grueling, but actually can be tackled and finished with some easy preparation.

1. Create a training template

This step is especially key for those who are pressed on time and eager to get their course ready to go for their user. Using simple templates that lay out objectives in a structured format can do wonders. Make sure to include a section for learning evaluation as well.

2. Create models for learner's interaction

No one wants to sit at a desk top and click on double sided flash cards to learn (I'm talking to you, pesky marketing professor!). Instead, bring a level of open ending thinking with the learner. Less drag and drop, more real world based questions and issues raised to get them thinking on their toes. Look at past tactics that have proven successful in your own field of study, and apply them here.

3. Create a themed template

The look and feel is just as important as the content itself when talking about user interface. So, here, instead of sticking to a basic PowerPoint format of bullets and key info points (quel amateur), using different programs such as Articulate Presenter can be a more engaging and creative experience for the end user. (See: http://articulate.www.resources.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com/community/president/player.html)

4. Create clip art/images 



Taking advantage of images that fit the style of the overall theme you're going for in a course layout is advantageous for the visual learner. You can pull these from various clip art sources, your computer, or make them yourself on a design program. Building a collection early on can offset the pain of rigorously trying to scour the internet for semi-application photos and gifs that may or may not fit in your "presentation".

5. Create questions to ask

Come up with some pre-determined questions to ask before putting together the e-Learning course. Make sure they are well thought out, meaningful, and geared towards the main objectives. This will aid in helping design the overall course.


And voila, there you have it. Simple as cake, and I'm sure y'all are headed to put together your own e-Learning course as we speak.


Any other suggestions that you think would bode helpful, please comment them below.


Sources:
Kuhlmann, Tom. "5 Ways to Jump Start Your Next E-learning Project - The Rapid ELearning Blog." The Rapid ELearning Blog RSS. N.p., 2 July 2007. Web. 20 Nov. 2013.

Images. Articulate.com