Rapid elearning tools and techniques

Rapid E-Learning Tools and Techniques Steve Rayson [email_address] Presentation 31 October 2007

About Kineo

Rapid e-learning specialist

Partnering with internal learning and development teams

Working flexibly and quickly to help meet the demands placed upon internal teams

Developing technology-enabled learning which accelerates learner performance

Helping internal teams at…

Challenging times for training departments...

The Potential of Rapid E-learning

Lower costs of production

Reduced development time

Increase speed of response to emerging needs

Provide more control to subject matter expert

Easier maintenance and updates

Helps internal teams say ‘yes’ more often

Rapid e-learning: perception and realities

Rapid e-learning is an excuse to not do design

Rapid e-learning just means ‘get an authoring tool’

Rapid e-learning just looks like powerpoint

Reality: Design is key to success, it’s more important in rapid

Reality: Rapid e-learning means a new look at the whole process

Reality: It is not about winning awards it is about getting the job done. But what does it look like?

What is Rapid E-learning?

Look at some examples

Problems of Traditional E-learning Development

“ Boring e-learning results from:

Using outdated processes that focus on content presentation, accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Processes that rely too much on up-front analysis.

Not providing stakeholders with an effective way of being involved.”

Michael Allen, Creating Successful E-learning

Traditional e-learning development Needs Analysis Design & Tech Specs Interface Design Scripts Build

The ‘Rolf Harris school’ of deliverables … have you guessed what it is yet? Script… Storyboard… Creative treatment… Design document… Project initiation document..

What is the Problem with this Approach?

“ specification documents and storyboards are ineffective ways of creating, communicating and evaluating design alternatives.”

“ Poor designs get pushed through the process and are not recognised until too late”

“ The need to redesign as better ideas are discovered is considered a fault (and one the client should pay for), rather than part of the process.”

Michael Allen, Creating Successful E-learning

Rapid e-learning

Think guided missile -

So what is Different about Rapid?

1. Different development process

2. Use of small multi-skilled teams

3. Use of templates and patterns for reusability

4. Use of web tools to keep content current

Rapid e-learning technique number 1: Change the development process

Traditional e-learning development Needs Analysis Design & Tech Specs Interface Design Scripts Build

New Approach Prototype Review Design

Prototypes

Are fun!

Shorten the process

Improve information sharing

Help people talk more constructively

Double checks assumptions

Lead to more creative designs

Everyone has a view on a prototype

Why fret when good ideas emerge late in the process? That’s a good thing…

Summary

Prototypes should take days not weeks

Communicate by example, replacing easily misinterpreted design documents

Are practical

Double-checks assumptions

Promote creativity

Communicate effectively

Involve all stakeholders

Rapid e-learning technique number 2: Small, multi-skilled teams

Traditional teams

Old factory approach

Consultant

Designer

Writer(s)

Developer(s)

Graphic artist

Tester

Larger teams mean:

More complex communication

Less commitment, more places to hide

New Teams

Multi-skilled core team

Learning designer/writer

Graphic designer/builder

Tester

Cuts down on communication overhead: writer/designer/builder often = same person

New tools enable build to be carried out without high level technical skills

Rapid e-learning technique 3: Use templates and patterns for re-use

Templates based on Patterns

Patterns

Reusable best practice interactions

Timeline, clickable tabs, graphics, branching scenarios, MCQ, process steps

Patterns can help ensure best practice learning interactions developed at speed

From Powerpoint Plugins to Server Based Tools

Rapid technique number 4: Use new tools to make change easy and keep your learning current

Dynamic Content

Things change!

Printed Book v Wikipedia

Old model - publishes courses, updates every 6 months or so

New model - RSS feeds update key content daily or whenever required

RSS Feeds

Learner Contribution

Use wikis, blogs, comments functions to enable learners to update, contribute and add value

Impact on the shape of elearning

Impact on E-learning Development

Design documents

2 to 6 month devt

Complex authoring tool

High production values

Delivered as courses

Broadcast

Directed learning

Learning outcome focused

Updated 6 monthly

Rapid prototyping

2 days to 3 weeks devt

Easy to use tools

Fit for purpose

Delivered as resources

Learner contribution

Self-directed learning

Performance focused

Updated daily

Real World Examples

“ For M&S the approach we’ve taken with Kineo on this project shows how you can deliver cost-effective high-quality e-learning speed, and reach a global audience to address key compliance requirements.”

“ Partnering with Kineo on rapid e-learning has helped us to deliver business critical needs that would not otherwise be possible through e-learning.

Kineo feels like part of our internal learning and development team. They’ve helped us transform what’s possible with e-learning in Cable & Wireless.”

“ With rapid e-learning I can say 'Yes' to customers I may have had to say 'No' to in the past due to the time, money and effort required to develop material in the traditional way.”

Summary