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

cbeasley@edgedigitalgroup.com

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