Thursday, December 10, 2009

eLearning Development and Media Design

Users determine the quality of eLearning Development

If a program runs without any errors, but no one knows how to use it, does it make any impact? Too often designers and developers focus on the programmability of eLearning programs and neglect the usability. It’s a balance between feature and function that results in an effective product.

Graphic design can have an impact, but more often location, labeling and consistency have the greatest impact on the usability of eLearning programs.

Some usability considerations include screen resolution, navigation controls, user control and access and 508 compliance.

Beginning in January, students in LTMS 518: eLearning Development will be creating elearning modules that focus on navigation, usability and compliance to content standards. Planning and asset management will also be explored as elements of efficient eLearning development. Industry leading software and open source options will both be considered throughout the course.

Students will get hands on eLearning Development experience with PowerPoint, Captivate, Dreamweaver and Flash.
eLearning Development Programs

There is a variety of software (100+ software programs) available to create eLearning. The programs range from everyday Office software like PowerPoint to eLearning authoring systems like Lectora to multimedia development tools like Flash. Each tool presents strengths and weaknesses that must be considered as part of the tool selection process. Plan for the short-term with an eye on the long-term. Analyze the development needs and the content creation environment. Doing so will help with selecting a tool that will meet your immediate needs, but allow for long-term flexibility.

Check out these eLearning Development resources:

Webinar Recording of eLearning Guild Authoring and Development Tools

Brandon Hall Authoring Tool Knowledgebase

Rapid eLearning Blog


Spring 2010 Schedule:

LTMS 510: Learning Technologies and Solutions
LTMS 514: Media Selection, Design and Production
LTMS 518: eLearning Development
LTMS 600: Implementing Web 2.0 in the Classroom
LTMS 607: Writing for Learning Solutions

Learn more on the Harrisburg University web site or call 717.901.5101.

If a picture’s worth a thousand words . . .

Images, animations and video can create an impact on learning by increasing attention, motivation, comprehension and memory. Although, media can also get in the way. Without considering the learning objective, the technology and the audience media can also distract, confuse or frustrate.

Some strengths to consider when selecting media:

Graphics: Enrich or replace text, Minimize media download, Versatile, Low cost

Animation: Present visuals over condensed time, Realistic but simplistic images, Realistic but controlled movement

Audio: Summarize text, explain complex processes or graphics, efficient two-way communication

Video: Convey emotion, multiple media (audio, visuals, animation, text), demonstrate detailed and complex tasks

Beginning in January, students in LTMS 514: Media Selection, Design and Production will focus on selecting appropriate media to meet learning objectives as they create graphics, illustrations, audio, video and animations to support learning. Graphic design fundamentals will be addressed as well as production skills like media compression and conversion. Industry leading media software and open source options will both be considered.

Students will get hands-on media creation experience with PowerPoint, Photoshop, Fireworks, Flash, Audacity and MovieMaker.
Media Selection, Design and Production

Color, contrast, spacing and dimension are just a few graphic design elements to be aware of as you create graphics for learning. Animation, audio and video provide added value and additional elements to master. Media compression is also a valuable skill, especially when distributing to a wide audience with a variety of technology resources.

Check out these eLearning Development resources:

How Tiny Camcorders are Changing Education

Lynda.com Tutorials

Some Photoshop Tutorials

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