601 Project Management for Rapid e-learning Development Jennifer De Vries Blue Streak Learning Produced by Tips, Tricks, and Techniques for Rapid e-learning Development
Project Management for Rapid elearning Projects By Jennifer De Vries, CPT BlueStreak Learning Case Study 35 lessons in 35 business days (7 weeks) On-time delivery of all lessons is critical 10 to 20 minutes each Content is from a procedure manual, written in legalese Needs to be fully scripted for VO Include 2-6 interactions per lesson Possible or Impossible??? Answer this polling question. 2 Page 1
Chat Question 35 lessons in 35 business days (7 weeks) On-time delivery of all lessons is critical 10 to 20 minutes each Content is from a procedure manual, written in legalese Needs to be fully scripted for VO Include 2-6 interactions per lesson What would you say/request? Type your answer in the Chat pod. 3 Agenda In this situation, the most important items to address are: Development methodology/process Realistic project schedule Selecting team members Tracking progress and managing risks Client/Manager expectations Your own quality of life 4 Page 2
Poll 1 5 My Start in Rapid elearning Motorola engineer e-learning example 6 Page 3
Rapid elearning Definition Courseware which can be developed in weeks instead of months Use tool of choice for SME s (PowerPoint) and/or userfriendly templates as starting point for courseware Provide simple assessment, feedback and tracking Add media elements which enhance learning but do not create technology barriers (voice) Includes synchronous (scheduled) and asynchronous (self-paced) models Can be instructionally sound, rather than just being presentations Use when deadlines are short and critical Chat Discussion The real issue comes in when we start to talk about SMEs developing courses. What are the pros and cons of using SMEdeveloped content as a starting point for courseware development? Type your answer in the Pro/Con Chat pods. 8 Page 4
Development Methodology/Process Use SME content as a base Assume they know the audience and content Question things that don t make sense Establish a robust editing and enhancement process Think ASSEMBLY LINES!! Roles, responsibilities and handoffs are clear Set standards, build templates and put QA process in place Multiple lines operating concurrently Our Process for Each Lesson ID Re-write slides Add photos/graphics Write VO SME Review revised content for accuracy ID Revise per SME comments Client/PM Approve storyboard Author Author Author ID Client/PM Strip SB Notes and Convert with Articulate Add interactions Sync VO into Articulate lesson Review lesson Approve lesson VO Record VO Page 5
Tips for REL Development Try to keep your process simple Minimize revision cycles The more you iterate, the more time it takes to get to the goal Automate and streamline Use templates that minimize re-work in authoring phase 11 Chat Discussion What questions do you have about our Rapid elearning development process for this project? Type your questions in the Chat pod. 12 Page 6
Scheduling Concept VO Assembly Line #1 Authors Assembly Line #2 13 Establish a Realistic Schedule Establish number of days for each task Map out process steps across spreadsheet Schedule the tasks for each lesson Assume at least two assembly lines Put an ID in charge of each lesson Leave the ID a spare day between lessons for reviews When you run beyond the deadline, you need another assembly line Resource (and budget) accordingly 14 Page 7
Poll 2 15 Selecting Team Members Try to recruit people you know can do the job WELL Select multi-skilled people as much as possible Must be flexible team players Delegate less work to each person than you know they can do 16 Page 8
Advice for Project Managers Don t try to be a superhero and do it yourself Don t assign yourself too much ID or authoring work (>25% load) Constantly monitor progress and status Be a back-up resource to other team members Provide QA reviews and ensure client s satisfaction 17 Poll 3 18 Page 9
To Meet or Not to Meet? My opinion: Minimize meetings to maximize project working time Communicate regularly with team members about their work and workload Encourage team members to communicate with each other Use meetings for situations that require a multiperson solution Meetings 19 Chat Discussion What are the typical risks we face with elearning projects? Type your answers in the Chat pod. 20 Page 10
Track Progress/Manage Risks Check off tasks as they are done Late = visible date later than today Assess early and often whether you are generally on-track When late, determine whether recoverable as is Reassign or add people if needed When necessary, ask for overtime in advance Escalate delays as necessary Do NOT assume end of assembly line will make-up for lost time at the beginning 21 Client/Manager Expectations Use project plan to request appropriate resources/budget Content stability and relevance is key Level of production and interactivity Compare to previous projects Prototype ASAP Provides tangible example Refines development process Consider putting agreements in writing 22 Page 11
Course Screen Samples #1 23 Course Screen Sample #2 24 Page 12
Course Screen Sample #3 25 End of Case Study 35 lessons in 35 days Everyone maintained sanity and had a life Finished two days before the deadline Client loved the curriculum 26 Page 13
The Moral of the Story When your project is well-managed, you: Have time for what you love Can nourish your own soul Give back to causes that you believe in For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT 27 Summary Streamline your development methodology Establish a realistic project schedule Select the best team members and make their roles clear Track progress and manage risks early and often Set client/manager expectations about what you will produce Make time for the things that make life worthwhile 28 Page 14
Chat Discussion What is your favorite elearning project management tip? Please share your answers in the Chat pod! 29 Contact Information Jennifer De Vries, CPT BlueStreak Learning jennifer@bluestreaklearning.com 630-842-1865 Thank you for your interest. 2009 BlueStreak Learning, LLC 30 30 Page 15