Estimating the time and effort required for e-learning development varies significantly based on the complexity of interactivity involved. The document provides ratios for developing one hour of e-learning across different levels of interaction, with passive learning taking the least time and moderate participation taking the most. It categorizes e-learning into three levels: passive, limited interaction, and moderate participation, detailing the characteristics and expected interaction frequency for each level.

1. Accurately estimating the effort and time needed to
develop e-Learning is one of the most challenging tasks
that developers must face.
Each project will be unique and this uniqueness will
often create uncertainty.
This information has been compiled to give a general
idea of how much time a project might take to develop
based on complexity of interactivity.
How long does it take to
develop 1 hour of e-Learning?

2. Rapid
Development,
Simple
Projects
Average
Typical
Project
Advanced,
Complex,
More Media
Level 1 – Passive 49:1 79:1 125:1
Level 2 – Limited Interaction 127:1 184:1 267:1
Level 3 – Moderate Participation 217:1 490:1 716:1
Development Ratios Summary

3. Level 1 – Passive
The learner acts solely as a receiver of information,
progressing linearly through the course reading text
from the screen, viewing video or listening to audio.

4. Level 2 – Limited Interaction
The learner makes simple responses to instructional
cues. Examples are multiple choice or true/false
questions. If this level is used, the learner should have
an interaction every 4-6 screens as a rule of thumb.

5. Level 3 – Moderate Participation
The learner makes a variety of responses using varied
techniques in response to instructional cues. Examples
are assembling a model or diagram from available parts,
drag-and-drop, or answering multiple-choice questions
about realistic scenarios.

6. the
knowledge
project
http://theknowledgeproject.com.au
Source: Chapman, B. (2010). How Long Does it Take
to Create Learning? [Research Study] Published by
Chapman Alliance LLC. www.chapmanalliance.com