Heacock, Perez, and Associates, LLC
Design Solutions for Self-Directed e-Learning
OVERVIEW
The time and cost advantages of self-directed e-learning are compelling. Some studies suggest that it can cut training time in half and double retention. However, simply converting PowerPoint slides for web delivery, or displaying information on a web page, will not realize these advantages. Years of research and experience have resulted in best practices for creating interactive, high quality, job-related e-learning training programs, and these are the primary learning objectives of this 2-day workshop.
Bill Heacock, instructor for this workshop, has been working with computer-delivered instruction since the 1980's, and is a judge in the annual Excellence in Learning competition sponsored by Brandon Hall Research
COURSE OBJECTIVES
By the end of this workshop, students will be able to:
- Identify the varieties of synchronous and asynchronous e-learning, as well as key hardware, software, design, and management issues related to e-learning
- Describe 3 critical e-learning design considerations
- Distinguish between tutorial, drill and practice, simulation, gaming, and generative instructional strategies
Describe the critical role of interactivity in e-learning, and identify multiple ways of adding it to every lesson- Determine the appropriate blend of learner control versus program control for a self-directed instructional experience
- Evaluate learning objectives and content type to determine content suitability for on-line delivery
- Describe various scenarios in which asynchronous e-learning can be "blended" with other delivery methods to achieve maximum effectiveness and efficiency
- Explain 3 key "pre-conversion" considerations when moving instructor-led training to an asynchronous format
- List multiple practical considerations for choosing a self-directed e-learning solution
- Make critical aesthetic decisions for asynchronous e-learning, dealing with the effective use of color, sound, graphics, text, composition, animation, blinking and other options
- Identify the most appropriate lesson flow for various types of content and audiences
- Describe the importance of storyboards in e-learning design and development, and create your own customized storyboard format
- List the 5 critical elements that should be a part of the introduction to every e-learning module
- Validate your newly developed module of e-learning
- Describe the ways that a web page used for sales or commercial purposes differs from one used in training
This is a true workshop. Participants will use their own laptops and familiar software like Microsoft's Word or PowerPoint to practice creating their own e-Learning screens.
No programming expertise or software sophistication is required to attend this workshop! Our focus is on design concepts, not technology.
COURSE TOPICS
- Overview of e-learning tools, technologies, and delivery options
- Determining content suitability for e-Learning: what types of knowledge and skills can be taught effectively via computer, what should stay in the classroom, and what might warrant a "blended" approach?
- 5 Instructional approaches for self-paced computer delivery
- How to use a 9 step design model for creating e-learning
- Introductory elements: how to begin a module in a motivational, learner-centered way
- Screen design: how to make effective use of color, sound, text, graphics, animation and composition
- User interface and navigation strategies
- How to make a module interactive: embedded questions, exploration, problem solving, and many more techniques
- How to create and/or evaluate storyboards
- Lesson Flow: how to sequence self-directed instruction in the most engaging and effective manner possible
- Going global: tips and techniques for creating e-learning for a worldwide audience
- Validation: 4 types of testing to ensure your e-learning really works
VARIATIONS
This workshop can be:
- 1 or 2 days long, and customized to your organization's specific needs and priorities
- Focused on self-directed e-Learning from the Internet, or the more traditional computer-based training (CBT) from a CD or DVD
- Taught "in-company", or you can attend an open enrollment (public) course with persons from other organizations. Contact us to find the date and location of the next running