The eLearning development process

The eLearning development process

eLearning is developed using a range of methodologies. One of the well-known methods is the ADDIE model. As everyone already knows, ADDIE stands for Analyse, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate.

This is a simple approach to design. Each step encompasses a wide range of activities.

Analyse – this is all the foundation work. The hard yards. It includes:

  • Analyse the requirements of the training by identifying the required state and the actual current state (including developing metrics).
  • Goals and objectives.
  • Learner personas. There should be 4-8 different personas, each persona should identify the learners’ characteristics, role, needs, skills, and learning style.
  • How the eLearning will be hosted and what devices it will be used on.
  • Delivery and assessment strategy.
  • Source materials to develop content from.
  • Timelines.

Design – this is where the fun begins. The design phase is where you start to get creative. Things to consider at this stage include:

  • Strategy for the three core elements; learning, visual design, and technical design.
  • Storyboards.
  • User interface.
  • Prototype concept/s.
  • Graphic design (fonts, colour palette, mood board etc).
  • Media (graphics, photos, videos, audio etc).
  • Levels of interactivity.
  • Feedback mechanisms.
  • Cognitive skills required to achieve learning goals.
  • Learner styles.

Develop – Now you get to build it. This phase brings together the first two phases. It includes:

  • Write content.
  • Build multimedia.
  • Build interface, interactions, and assessments.
  • Code.
  • Communications plan.
  • Carry out technical and user experience testing.
  • Copyright considerations.

Implement – during this phase the eLearning course is put on line. It includes:

  • Uploading to LMS.
  • Functional testing.
  • Communicating to business.
  • Enrolling learners.
  • Monitoring completion rates.

Evaluate – once the training has been conducted, it’s time to see if it was effective. This includes:

  • Gathering and analysing learner feedback.
  • Develop evaluation metrics for learner/workplace change.
  • Gather information on learner performance in the workplace.
  • Analyse data against metrics to determine the amount of change the learning has enabled.
  • Report the results.

There are a variety of development processes out there. An awareness of these processes may help you decide what fits you, as well as your stakeholders.