This article was originally published on eLNinsights. As an early Christmas gift, our instructional designers have gathered together some of our favourite tips for L&D people like you! Let the learner objectives mould your content. Luke Helgesen –  @luke_saffron. Step one for any e-learning course should be to draft out the behavioural outcomes that any learner should be able to do following successful completion of the course. Watch your optimism and don’t be shackled by the plan! Nick Baum –  @nick_saffron. It’s natural to be optimistic and to believe that everything will go right. MORE >>

It’s the office Christmas party and everyone’s taking their seats at the table. Who would you rather sit next to, the rather dull colleague in the lovely dress or the one with the great stories who you really get on with? An e-learning course’s ‘look’ is important… but its ‘personality’ is paramount. Some e-learning blogs include tips such as ‘use handwritten style fonts to make your e-learning engaging’ – but surely that’s like saying someone is interesting and likeable because they have a nice haircut? Probably not. MORE >>

I love Sheldon Cooper! I’m talking about the eccentric genius from the TV sitcom, The Big Bang Theory. He’s a know-it-all and knows it! So, why do I love him? Apart from the fact that he’s funny, it’s the hidden desire to be that know-it-all, to know almost everything there is of any practical worth. Alas, every day I am reminded of how far from this truth I am (and maybe that’s a good thing, but that’s another whole new philosophical debate for another time). Take, for example, the other day when my nephew wanted me to help him with a maths problem. MORE >>

In my last blog I discussed the increasing conflict between the long established listen and learn styles of presenting and the ever increasing use of mobile devices by participants during talks. In the first part of my blog I looked at how listeners can ensure these devices don’t disrupt their learning experience. This week we come to the bit everybody has been waiting for. How can presenters ensure they get the most engagement out of those people tapping away on iPhones, iPads and a range of other devices? Here are my top tips! MORE >>

Does a good-looking course qualify as good quality? What about an ordinary course that brings about great behavioural change? I’m sure the argument can be extended to both sides. But my argument is to take the middle-path (very Buddha-like indeed, except I see no chance of Nirvana!). As instructional designers, our primary responsibility is to bring about behavioural change, thereby, hopefully, also providing sufficient return on investment for our clients. At the same time, most of us are also looking to maximize our profits. Where does that leave quality? What’s wrong with that? MORE >>