A short overview of how to begin an elearning development project. It outlines what makes a successful pojrect, where to start, and what potential issues or challenges can arise.

1. Custom e-learning Development: An Overview
Are you currently in discussion to decide if e-learning is what your organization needs? Is the organization
thinking of designing or procuring custom-built e-learning? In any case, deciding to undertake a custom e-
learning development project can seem daunting. However, if you understand the foundation from which
e-learning is designed, you’ll be on your way to planning a successful project.
This article is a high-level primer of what should be considered when beginning a custom e-learning
project either from within the organization, or when working with a vendor.
There are several factors that define success of a custom e-learning project:
1. Clear definition of project goals and scope to meet expected outcomes
2. Staying within budget
3. Timely project completion on the targeted delivery date
4. Suitable and sufficient resources to build a quality program
5. An IT infrastructure that supports e-learning
6. Positive learner response to the learning program
7. A defined evaluation process after program delivery
You may have other success factors that are specific to your organization. After you’ve identified what
constitutes success for you, then you need to begin to get the support and “buy-in” from all required
players. It is helpful to have the following variables firmly in place in order to “set the stage” correctly to
allow for success:
1. Early support and belief in the project from senior management
2. Support and commitment from stakeholders
Phases of e-learning Development
There are five major phases in e-learning development. Listed below is each of the phases including their
sub tasks. Although not presented here as the ADDIE model, each of these phases align closely to ADDIE.
Let’s look first at the two major events in getting started – the project schedule and the kick-off
meeting.
Creating the Project Schedule
In order to create a realistic development schedule for an e-learning project, you should work backwards
from the desired completion date. A determination of when the training program must go “live”
establishes the length of the development process, ensuring all of the above steps are addressed.
Once the completion date is determined, the next most important step is the planning stage. This process,
who it includes, how comprehensive it is across the organization, and how clearly the project goals and
requirements are identified and documented, will determine how well the project progresses, and its
ultimate success.
The Project Kick-off
To begin a project, a kick-off meeting is held which is the official start of the project. At this meeting, the
project schedule is reviewed, stakeholders are brought onboard and up-to-speed on the project, any
known risk factors are addressed, and project requirements are reviewed and approved. Following the
kick-off meeting, the creation of the high-level design begins, followed by the identified QA, review and
approval processes. At this point, the project is well on its way.
Knowledge Advantage - It’s What Works, LLC Not to be copied or reprinted without permission
Additional information http://www.knowledgeadvantage.biz or 860.256.7879 for support of your elearning programs.

2. Planning
• a) Project requirements identification and collection
• b) Project schedule and milestones
• c) High-level content design
• d) Subject matter review and stakeholder approval
• e) Script development
• f) Subject matter review and stakeholder approval
• g) Begin technical infrastructure assessment
Design
• a) Storyboard development
• b) Graphic and animation design
• c) Subject matter review and stakeholder approval
Development
• a) Course development in the authoring environment
• b) QA and testing
Delivery and deployment
• a) Set-up and manage course in LMS (internal or hosted)
• b) Pilot course in LMS and test usability
• c) Course roll-out to targeted learners
Evaluation
• a) Identify level of evaluation required
• b) Create user feedback form
• c) Collect and analyze feedback
• d) Identify and plan process for course updates based on feedback
Summary
Managing a custom e-learning development project requires a comprehensive team from across the
organization that is focused on working together to meet the demands of the project from all areas. It is
important to have an experienced custom e-learning project manager leading the development process, to
oversee the project’s components and players.
A final note that can help you meet project goals is an awareness of common challenges in e-learning
development:
1. Project scope creep
2. Inaccessible subject matter experts
3. Missed review deadlines by senior management
4. Additional reviews by previously unidentified stakeholders (i.e., communication, legal)
5. Technical infrastructure limitations
Knowledge Advantage - It’s What Works, LLC Not to be copied or reprinted without permission
Additional information http://www.knowledgeadvantage.biz or 860.256.7879 for support of your elearning programs.