We have read about and practiced eLearning project management guidelines many times. We still strive to do better than the last time. In this article, we’ll sum up the steps in a unique order to give you the best practices managing your eLearning projects.
What happens when you use text-based eLearning project management guidelines in the real-world?
Changes are inevitable, that’s what happens. When the changes become quite common, they become best practices. In the current eLearning environment we encounter organizations with increasingly complex learning needs.
Training now needs to be more flexible, accessible and sophisticated. So, here are the real-world eLearning project management steps that will ensure that you don’t miss out anything.
Let’s get started!
1. Planning
Create a schedule of deliverables and people responsible as the first step of your eLearning project management. Use spreadsheet software like Excel to create columns for Stages, Item, Activity, Owner, and Due-date. Do not begin the project until you get this signed off by the client and all stakeholders. This will prevent any misunderstandings.
Next, plan the preparatory tasks that need to be completed before you begin the project. Determine any IT constraints with the client, any multimedia restrictions, any content specifications, availability of SME from the client side. Make sure you have the learning goals and performance objectives signed off by the client.
2. Content Gathering
This is the research-intensive stage. Gather materials, determine content gaps and fill them with further research. Align the content with the learning goals. Discuss preliminary activities for each goal to create performance transfer.
Gather images, logo, template design, color scheme and typography for the project. Share your findings with the client. Have them select some elements to give them more control over their project. Sign off before the next stage!
3. Instructional Design
Now that you have the learning goals, and idea for the content and the activities of the performance goals, it’s now time to determine the instructional strategy. Consult the client and give them choices such as game-based learning, scenario-based learning, story-based learning or simulations.
Create a Design Document that demonstrates the selected instructional strategy in detail. This includes the content, the multi-media and the related elements arranged for learning goals. This becomes the blueprint of your project.
4. Storyboarding
There are several kinds of storyboard templates are available to enable you to arrange the project flow and show the client what to expect from the eLearning project. You should include scripts for the content and the voice-over in the storyboard.
Also, include samples of your voice-over talent for the client to approve. Sign off the storyboard before you develop the project!
5. Development and Production
Using a rapid prototyping tool to create a graphic user interface for your course. This tool will give the client a realistic idea of the look and feel for the entire project.
Give them a few choices and color schemes to choose from. Determine the graphics, photos, characters and animation and get them approved by the client. Once you have the green light on all designs and assets, go ahead and develop the eLearning program.
6. Quality Assurance
An eLearning project is delivered in two versions: The Alpha and the Beta versions. Stakeholders and clients run through the project and suggest changes on the Alpha version. These changes are reflected in the Beta version, which is tested by a sample of actual users.
7. Integration and Delivery
The course can be loaded and delivered with the existing Learning and Talent Development platform and offered as a time-referenced course. It could also be provided as a one-off, completely downloadable version through the system. Your Learning and Talent Development platform truly is your one-stop-shop for course integration and delivery.
eLearning project management can be complex, for sure. However, it can be made simpler by using project management scheduling techniques and tools. Dividing your project into these seven segments and watch yourself fly through development, stress-free.
