As I worked on a recent eLearning project, using animated video (I use Vyond as my primary video creation tool), I realized how invaluable the use of this medium (video animations) is to instructional designers. With that realization, and seeing how the use of specialized animated video creation software made all the difference to the outcome, I thought I’d share some of my experiences on using animated video with readers of this post. So, here goes! Why animated video is important in eLearning? Because of the time constraints, they are under, eLearners today want things compressed, simplified, and presented to them in an easy-to-digest format. Animated videos do just that. They empower learning content developers with the ability to push the limits of expression in ways that traditional video production won’t allow. Instructional designers can take complex concepts, wrap them into an array of animated environments, build a host of primary and supporting characters (serious, … [Read more...] about Using Video Animations in eLearning
Instructional Design and ELearning
How to Structure Your Online Course in 3 Easy Steps
If you’re to the putting-it-all-together stage of the online course creation process, I’m going to assume you have the following: Learning Objectives – clearly stated and measurable. Assessments - based on the learning objectives you’ve defined above. Content – this is the big one that will provide the backbone to your learners successfully reaching those learning outcomes. While you don’t need every last detail of content created before proceeding with structuring your course, you will need to define and categorize where that content would fall in the big picture. IF you have these things nailed down, let's get started with structuring your online course! Step #1 Categorize - Think in broad terms of how your course topics could be grouped. These groups should be one or two-word phrases that each of your content pieces could logically be placed under. For example, let's imagine you're creating a short course on How to Run Your First Marathon. Here are a few of the … [Read more...] about How to Structure Your Online Course in 3 Easy Steps
5 Tips for Determining Your Online Course Length
How long should my online course be? I get asked this A LOT! For now, here are 5 Tips to help you determine how long your online course should be. Use these to dial in the perfect length, while realizing one key aspect: Your course should be long enough to deliver the learning outcomes your promise, and nothing more! #1 Work backward by considering your learners first. This requires some research into their actual lifestyles. The big question is how much time and willingness do they have to devote to your course? Mandatory training that employees must complete during a paid workday is an entirely different course than say a masterclass on photography. Motivation, perceived benefit, investment of time, and a host of other elements will differ greatly depending on your audience. Dig deep to understand who your learner is and what constraints they have. If your typical learner reports only 45 minutes of available time to devote to online training, you've already lost your audience … [Read more...] about 5 Tips for Determining Your Online Course Length
iSpring Suite AI Review
At Your ELearning World, we are always looking for great solutions and easy to use eLearning authoring tools. When I learned about iSpring Suite AI, I knew I had to give it a try. Here’s an account of what I learned. Hopefully, some of you who are looking for an eLearning course authoring and publishing solution will find this information insightful. What’s It About? iSpring Suite AI is a collection of eLearning course authoring tools that allows you to design content through collaborative teamwork. With the Suite of tools available to them, design teams create e-courses that include videos, dialogue simulations, interactive quizzes and assessments, and a whole lot more. One distinctive feature of the product suite is a remarkably short learning curve. Thanks to the intuitive navigation and well-laid-out design, I was able to get productive, using my demo/trial subscription, within a short period of time. What’s Included? iSpring Suite AI is a 3-in-one solution that … [Read more...] about iSpring Suite AI Review
A Dozen Tips to Work Effectively With Your SMEs
A Subject Matter Expert (SME) has the knowledge and experience you need to create course content. The trick is drawing out that information and using it effectively for your specific needs. The relationships you're able to build with SMEs will ultimately determine the quality of your content and how applicable it is to your particular course. In this article, we'll give you A Dozen Tips to Work Effectively With Your SMEs #1 Pick The Right SME For The Job - If you have a say in it, start the project off by suggesting the right SME for the job. The customer or stakeholder may make the final decision on selecting the SME, but providing them with guidance can help them make the best selection possible. Discuss the realistic time commitments, level of expertise needed, involvement required, etc. Beginning with a "qualified" and prepared SME can save you major hiccups in the future. #2 Embrace Collaboration – Understand that working with an SME is always a two-way street. They are … [Read more...] about A Dozen Tips to Work Effectively With Your SMEs
The Art And Science Of Building Engaging And Result-Oriented eLearning Courses
Distance learning, online learning, remote learning, and mobile learning are extremely popular today. Today’s online learners, however, are extremely e-savvy. Therefore, when it comes to picking an online course, their expectations on value are high. What online learners are looking for isn’t just high-quality content, but also a fulfilling learning experience. And that experience starts with the sign-up process and continues even beyond the time they sent in their final assessments and feedback forms. The Value Propositions Understanding how to build engaging eLearning courses is vital to your success. In short, remote learners are looking for courses to help them understand, retain, and use the knowledge they learn. But they also want to enjoy the time they spend on the learning platform. For IDs, delivering such value lies in producing courses that meet learner expectations. As an ID, the interactions you deliver through your eLearning courses must provide learners with the … [Read more...] about The Art And Science Of Building Engaging And Result-Oriented eLearning Courses