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

Evolution vs. Revolution?

Are we in the middle of a revolution in learning, as many would describe it, or an evolution? Revolutions happen fairly quickly and often have a great, immediate impact on all. Evolution happens slowly and often without impact to surroundings or in isolation of other related entities. Yeah, it’s definitely a learning evolution.

Fundamentally changing the American education system and learning and development in corporate culture has been an effort in the making for over 50 years. There have been changes, but education and learning and development are fundamentally the same as they were decades ago. The winds of change have begun to blow harder in recent years however. These changes are mainly fueled by technological advances, but advances in brain/human behavior research and environmental variables have also impacted the evolution.

Even though I feel I've driven the evolution more often than not in my first decade as an instructional technologist, I'm living proof that it's an evolution not a revolution. This is my first blog post. Even as someone who's been pushing for social learning as a component of corporate learning programs, I never found the relevance or the time for blogging myself. I've been an active participant in discussion forums and commented on other people's blogs, but have never taken the dive head first into social learning/networking.

I start the better part of my second decade in instructional technology as Director of Learning Technologies and Assistant Professor of Learning Technologies at Harrisburg University. In this new role I hope to drive the evolution, more often than not, through curriculum development, teaching, speaking, writing, research and product development. I’ll write in this blog to share and reflect on my thoughts, experiences, findings and design and development efforts in the hope that what I learn and share can advance the evolution – an evolution whose apex is efficiently and effectively designed learning, learning that is optimized through technology and media, and learning that engages and inspires learners to improve their skills, change their attitudes and share their knowledge.