e-Learning
Methodology Toolkit
How to use this toolkit
What is this toolkit?
This toolkit presents our an overview of our e-Learning methodology and tools to help you put it into
practice when you carry out your e-Learning projects.
The toolkit contains templates to support you in gathering information, analysing, designing, developing
and evaluating your e-Learning projects. It also contains templates to help you produce the necessary
documentation you need to ensure that you are on track and deliver what is needed when needed.
Who is it for?
This toolkit contains a range of documents that can be used by e-Learning project managers, instructional
designers, developers and subject matter experts.
How do I use it?
The toolkit contains a diagram with an overview of our e-learning design methodology.
Each phase of the process is numbered and contains a set of documents that you can choose to use.
You can decide what documents to use and when. Use the toolkit as a resource to guide you and help
you stay on track.
2
This document is optional and can be used when you have limited background knowledge re the project and need to extra info to
support your design
Needs Analysis
Business context
Business problem:
What business problem or project
needs addressing?
Success measures:
What are the most critical outcomes for
this project? How will you know it has
been successful?
Skills and Content
Domain Knowledge
Does the audience have any subject
matter expertise with the tool or topics?
Do they have relevant pre-existing
knowledge or workflow understanding?
Technical Knowledge
What is their likely comfort level with
the topic? Likely experience with
similar applications/
products/processes?
Key Topics:
What are the key topics that the
training should address how do they
link in to the skills the audience should
acquire?
What should the audience know after they have completed the training?
Application: What must your audience
be able to do at the end of the training?
What tasks or activities must they be
able to perform that they can not now
do?
What prevents them from doing the
task now?
What constraints are they likely to face
in applying their new skills?
Domain Knowledge:
Is this a new or different subject
matter?
Is this a new tool/application?
Process/workflow changes?
Technical Knowledge
What functions do they need to
know?
When will they use those functions?
Where will they use the application?
Why will they use the application?
How will they use the application?
How much/often will they use the
application?
Key topics:
What are the key topics the training
should cover
Who comprises the audience for the training?
Current user base:
Who is currently using this module?
Tasks:
What task or job does this training
support?
Demographics?
How many people are likely to require
training? Where are they located
(single site, multiple sites)?
What language do they speak? Are
they new employees or existing?
Reasons for Taking Training?
Why would someone want to take this
training? What is the likely interest
level? Whats in it for the audience?
What are the participants
expectations?
Resources?
What resources will be or are currently
available to support training rollout?
(e.g., classroom workshops,
computer/internet access, super users,
etc).
Timeframe?
When will your audience take the
training?
Are there constraints on the duration or
time window of the training delivery?
What are the consequences if the
training is not conducted on time?
Other Considerations?
What challenges do participants
currently face in carrying out this task?
What will happen if we dont train in
this task?
What is the consequence if the task is
performed incorrectly after training?
Previous training?
Have users already completed or
attended training in these topics? If so
when and what did they learn?
Training Strategy (For roll outs)
Is there a training strategy to
accompany this training? (document
with schedule for rollout, objectives etc)
How will this training be rolled? In
phases? By location? By user groups?
What other support initiatives will
accompany the training? (documents,
train the trainer, FAQs, targeted
helpdesk etc)
Is there content available to use as a
basis for training materials? If so in
what format?
Will the training be delivered in any
language other than English? If so
what are the impacts for our
deliverables?
Usage analysis of existing training and support around the module
Who is using the training?
Location, language, number of users
Learning goals
Is the lesson teaching users how to DO
something? Are there enough practical
examples and opportunities for users
to practice their new skills?
What should the lesson be teaching
users to do?
What is the lesson not teaching that is
now required?
How does the <support team> use
the training?
When does <support team>
recommend the lesson to users?
How does <support team>
recommend or encourage its use?
When does <support team> promote
the use of the lesson?
Is the lesson used in combination with
face to face workshops?
Is the lesson used instead of face to
face workshops?
Is there any follow up from <support
team> after a user has completed the
lesson?
Does <support team> use the lesson
to train its own support staff?
Support
What types of questions does
<support team> receive re this
module?
What is the biggest hurdle or issue
users have with this module?
What parts of the module are most
difficult for users to learn about?
Future plans for the module
Rollouts:
Are there any module rollouts coming
up?
If so when and who are the users?
Module Updates:
Are there any significant updates to the
module planned? Will these updates
require training?
Will existing courseware require
modification?
2
This document is optional and can be used when you have background knowlege re e-learning topic and need to extra info to support your design
e-Learning Intake Worksheet
Training Goals
1.
What business problem or project needs addressing?
Content
8.
What key topics should the training cover (concepts and functional
aspects of the software?)
2.
9.
Will you need the training to cater for different user groups? (e.g.
activities, examples and concepts for account managers need to be
different to those needed by front office staff)
What change will you see in the business after this training?
3.
What are the most critical outcomes for this training module? How
will you know it has been successful?
4.
What does the learner need to know how to DO by the end of the
training?
Learners
5.
Who are the learners for this e-learning and where are they
located?
6.
What do these learners already know about the topic?
7.
Have the learners received any type of training on this topic? If so
when? What was covered?
10.
What scenarios should be used to describe each concept and
functional aspect? Please include at least 2 correct and incorrect actions in
the scenario. For incorrect actions please explain the consequences and
why user should not do this.
A scenario is a typical person carrying out a typical task or asking a typical
question. For example a front office manager is asked to run a X report by
their account manager in order to verify what overdues are coming up in
the next week.
2
This document is optional and can be used when you have background knowlege re e-learning topic and need to extra info to support your design
10.
Is content on the topics already available?
11.
Does the training need to be translated? Into what language?
12.
Can the scenarios supplied be used in the localization?
13.
How will the training be used? Is there a training strategy in place?
3
This document serves as a guide as to what types of deliverables we can create
Delivery/ Development Matrix
Training
Training
Requirement
Product,
&/or policy,
&/or process
Product,
&/or policy,
&/or process
- Change
Systems
New User
Systems
Major
Change
Systems
Minor
Change
Systems
Skill
Assessment
Knowledge
Assessment
Face to
face
workshop
Phone
conference
Performance Support
Live
Web
cast
OLH
Cheat
Sheets
e-Learning
Quick
reference
guides -
Screencast
Demo
Screencast
Tutorial
Screencast
Test
Info e-L
Module
Recorded
Webcast
QRC
Captivate
Captivate
Captivate
AuthorIT
LiveMeeting
3
This document serves as a guide as to what types of deliverables we can create
Delivery/ Development Matrix
Offering
Function
Possible Use
Time to develop
Screencast Demo
A video that demonstrates how to
complete a task.
No interaction the learner
watches
System demonstrations during
workshops.
New system rollouts
System updates
System Training refreshers
0-6 weeks for 1 hour module
Screencast Tutorial
A video that demonstrates how to
complete a task and then prompts
the learner to mimic the steps .
Medium interaction the learner
watches then follows.
System face to face trainings.
New system rollouts
System updates
System Training refreshers
0-6 weeks for 1 hour module
Screencast Test
A video that asks the learner to
complete an activity. The learner
receives feedback after
completing the task.
High interaction.
System face to face trainings.
New system rollouts
System updates
System Training refreshers
0-6 weeks for 1 hour module
Information Modules
e-Learning module consisting of
mainly concepts and theory.
Policy rollout
Procedure rollout or update
0-8 weeks for 1 hr module
Live: synchronous meeting held
over the internet using file sharing,
phone and video.
Recorded: Recording of a video or
AuthorIt + Captivate
Captivate
Hosted on e-Campus or
Intranet.
AuthorIt + Captivate
Captivate
Hosted on e-Campus or
Intranet.
AuthorIt + Captivate
Captivate
Hosted on e-Campus or
Intranet.
AuthorIt
Captivate
Hosted on e-Campus or
Intranet.
Low to medium interactivity can
include case studies and other
clickable activities.
Webcast / Webmeeting
Software used /
Hosting
Message broadcasts
Product info Release note
Product/service updates
Microsoft Live Meeting
3
This document serves as a guide as to what types of deliverables we can create
Delivery/ Development Matrix
voice message using web cast
software and delivered as podcast
or vidcast.
Determine the objectives
The participant should know/recall/recognize
Scenario based e-learning with knowledge test
The participant should understand/explain/interpret
Scenario based e-learning with knowledge test
The participant should apply/produce/demonstrate
Interactive simulation based e-Learning with skills assessment.
The goal of the training is to realise an attitude change
Other forms are more appropriate. E-learning can only be used as additional support.
3
This document outlines your proposed solution to the training issue.
To
From
Department
Location
Page no.
Subject
Date
Introduction
To address the training issues we offer the following options:
Current situation:
Proposal:
What is needed:
Resources required:
Future Actions
3
This document is optional and can be used to present a comprehensive outline of the problem, analysis and proposed solution
< > TRAINING RECOMMENDATIONS
REPORT
Author
Owner
Reviewer
Version
Date
DRAFT
Document History
Version
0.10
1.0
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
Date
Author
Summary of changes
DRAFT
Contents
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................ 1
1.1
Summary ............................................................................................................................................................................ 1
AREAS BEING ADDRESSED PROBLEM ANALYSIS .............................................................. 2
2.1
<Area 1>............................................................................................................................................................................. 2
2.2
<Area 2>............................................................................................................................................................................. 2
2.3
<Area 3>............................................................................................................................................................................. 2
DELIVERABLES - RECOMMENDED ACTIONS........................................................................... 3
3.1
<Action 1> .......................................................................................................................................................................... 3
3.2
<Action 2> .......................................................................................................................................................................... 3
3.3
<Action 3> .......................................................................................................................................................................... 3
MAPPING OF OBJECTIVES TO DELIVERABLES ...................................................................... 4
TIMELINE FOR DELIVERABLES ................................................................................................. 5
SUCCESS FACTORS.................................................................................................................... 6
6.1
Future Actions Needed....................................................................................................................................................... 6
6.2
Critical Success Factors ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
6.3
Roles and Responsibilities ................................................................................................................................................. 6
VERSION 1 | <DATE> | Training Recommendation Report | PAGE II
DRAFT
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Summary
VERSION 1 | <DATE> | Training Recommendation Report | PAGE 1
DRAFT
AREAS BEING ADDRESSED PROBLEM ANALYSIS
Based on the information gathered there are <> key areas that need to be addressed through this proposed Training Plan.
2.1
<Area 1>
2.2
<Area 2>
2.3
<Area 3>
VERSION 1 | <DATE> | Training Recommendation Report | PAGE 2
DRAFT
DELIVERABLES - RECOMMENDED ACTIONS
3.1
<Action 1>
3.2
<Action 2>
3.3
<Action 3>
VERSION 1 | <DATE> | Training Recommendation Report | PAGE 3
DRAFT
MAPPING OF OBJECTIVES TO DELIVERABLES
Below are the identified learning objectives that will be addressed through the <> Training Plan. Each objective will be met by
one or more training plan deliverables.
Please note that the schedule for development of these deliverables is yet to be confirmed.
VERSION 1 | <DATE> | Training Recommendation Report | PAGE 4
DRAFT
TIMELINE FOR DELIVERABLES
VERSION 1 | <DATE> | Training Recommendation Report | PAGE 5
DRAFT
SUCCESS FACTORS
6.1
Future Actions Needed
6.2
Critical Success Factors
6.3
Roles and Responsibilities
The following individuals are responsible for the key roles for this project:
For example:
Project Manager
e-Learning Developer
Technical Author(s)
Subject Matter Expert(s)
Implementation Manager
VERSION 1 | <DATE> | Training Recommendation Report | PAGE 6
This document should be used to document the scope and responsibilities of the e-learning project. It will form the basis of your
project plan and storyboard.
e-Learning Documentation Plan
e-Learning Documentation Plan
Approval
Name
Function
Signature
Date
Business Project Manager
Implementation Manager
Business Analyst(s)
Technical Communications QA
A = Approval I = Information
Project Information
This documentation plan describes the e-Learning product intent, overall design considerations, breakdown of
deliverables and overall project management considerations.
The responsible Technical Authors complete the deliverables in consultation with the Lead Implementation Manager
for the module and the Project Manager. It requires sign off by the Project Manager, Lead Implementation Manager
and Technical Communications QA.
Project Details Roles and Responsibilities
Module
Module Version
Sponsor
Owner
Technical Author
Issue date
Status
Confidentiality
e-Learning Product Intent and Overall Design Considerations
Scope of e-Learning Module
The e-Learning module is designed to achieve the following business outcomes:
The learning objectives are:
Audience and Distribution
The audience (Aud) for the e-Learning module is:
The distribution method is:
Email notification from <>
Listing on the <>
News item on <>
Upload to e-Campus
Upload to LMS
Product Context Diagram
The Product Context Diagram outlines individuals, organizations and systems that will interact with the eLearning module
IT Infrastructure Requirements
The hosting requirements and other hardware requirements for this module are:
Authoring Tools
The authoring tools used for this project are:
Web Browser Compatibility Requirements
The browser types, versions and plug-ins requirements are:
Tracking Requirements
The bookmarking, scoring or user access tracking requirements are:
On-going Support
The update requirements moving forward and maintenance plans include:
e-Learning Deliverables
e-Learning module structure
The high level overview of topics and assessments to be included are:
Content Mapping
The learning objectives and activities and how they map to content elements are:
Media content
The media contents to be included in the e-Learning module (simulations, demos, audio, graphics)
Testing Script
The high level testing script including navigation, links, user volume etc is:
Navigation Rules
The outline of user profiles required and navigation/branching requirements are:
Multilingual text
When local language versions of e-Learning deliverables are required, they are prepared by a translation
vendor and reviewed and approved by local business subject matter experts. In these instances a new project
is established.
The following steps are required:
Localization Information
The current e-Learning module will be available in < > , < >
Other language versions may be added in a future release.
Overall Project Management
Roles and responsibilities
The following individuals are responsible for the key roles for this project:
Project Manager
PM
e-Learning Developer
eLD
Technical Author(s)
TA
Subject Matter Expert(s)
SME
Implementation Manager
IM
Priority Matrix
To ensure that e-Learning quality is adequate for the release, we have prioritized:
Measurement
Time
Cost
Quality
Risk Matrix
The following risks have been identified:
Risk
Likelihood
Impact
Mitigation
Schedule
Source Materials Schedule
The following source materials are required:
What
Who
Functional Design (FD/FS) documents
PM
Training Needs Analysis completed by SME
SME
Existing training documentation used by <>
PM
Documentation Plan (for existing OLH etc)
Change Requests
PM
List of new features
PM
Documentation Schedule
The schedule for the e-Learning deliverables is:
Event
SMART Learning objectives
Storyboard
Prototype 1
Final e-Learning
Promotion materials
Start
Date
End
Date
When
4
This template is optional and should be used when working with SMEs to determine key content areas and how performance is measured.
Key Task Breakdown
Areas of Performance
Key Outputs
Describes what is
produced from doing
the job tasks and
identifies key
performance
measures of each
output
Notes:
Key Tasks
Describes the key
activities needed to
produce the outputs
Roles / Responsibilities
Clarifies who is typically responsible for performing
the tasks
Typical Performance
Gaps
Identifies any typical
ways the output or task
does not meet
performance standards
Probable Gap
Cause
Identifies most likely
causes for each
typical performance
issue/deficiency
Deficiency
E=environment
K= knowledge/skill
I=individual
This template should be used for all projects
e-Learning Project
Days Complete
Days Remaining
13/3/09
50%
Intake meeting
SME to complete Intake Worksheet
DG
10/3/09
10/3/09
0%
Create e-Learning Documentation Plan
Sign Off from key stakeholders
DG
11/3/09
12/3/09
0%
Create Project Plan
Sign Off from key stakeholders
DG
MileSt
Tasks
Task Lead
Project Initiation
1
1.1
2
2.1
3
3.1
% Complete
WBS
(Tue)
Working Days
Project Lead CRI:
Project Team (PT):
Today's Date: 10/03/2009
Start Date: 10/03/2009
End date:
Start
10/3/09
End
WBS
MileSt
Tasks
Task Lead
Start
29 / 6 / 09
22 / 6 / 09
15 / 6 / 09
08 / 6 / 09
01 / 6 / 09
25 / 5 / 09
18 / 5 / 09
11 / 5 / 09
04 / 5 / 09
27 / 4 / 09
20 / 4 / 09
13 / 4 / 09
06 / 4 / 09
30 / 3 / 09
23 / 3 / 09
16 / 3 / 09
09 / 3 / 09
Days Remaining
Days Complete
% Complete
Working Days
End
This document should be used for all projects. It outlines the flow, detailed structure and functionality of your e-learning.
e-Learning Storyboard
e-Learning Storyboard
Approval
Name
Function
Signature
Date
Business Project Manager
Implementation Manager
Business Analyst(s)
Technical Communications QA
A = Approval I = Information
Project Information
This storyboard provides an overview of the content and structure of proposed e-learning lesson.
Project Details Roles and Responsibilities
Module
Module Version
Sponsor
Owner
Technical Author
Issue date
Status
Confidentiality
Overall course structure
Insert diagram of overall course structure screens and where they navigate to and level of interactivity.
Topic Name:
Topic No.:
Screen:
Screen ID:
<Insert screenshot of screen or description of what appears on screen or steps carried out in screen>
Overall goal of screen:
What should the learner do on this screen:
Graphic files used:
Audio files used:
Graphic notes:
Interactions used:
Correct feedback pop up text:
If correct branch to:
Incorrect feedback pop up text:
If incorrect branch to:
Back:
Forward:
Topic Name:
Topic No.:
Screen:
Screen ID:
<Insert screenshot of screen or description of what appears on screen or steps carried out in screen>
Overall goal of screen:
What should the learner do on this screen:
Graphic files used:
Audio files used:
Graphic notes:
Interactions used:
Correct feedback pop up text:
If correct branch to:
Incorrect feedback pop up text:
If incorrect branch to:
Back:
Forward:
7
This template is optional and can be used with SMEs to document exact steps and data needed for Cp demos
Captivate Demo / Scenario Requirements
The following checklist outlines the requirements needed to create demos in Captivate. Each requirement
must be checked off before starting production. For more information please see the <Documentation Plan /
Storyboard / Other document>.
Tasks to be carried out in demo:
Module
Task
Key outcome
Data needed
Scenarios:
Please provide 2 scenarios for each topic (contextual information, case study, example of what the context is
when the user carries out the above tasks). These scenarios give background information as to why the user
is required to do something or apply the knowledge acquired in the training.
7
This template is optional and can be used with SMEs to document exact steps and data needed for Cp demos
In order to carry out the above tasks and create demos we need:
Sample company 1:
Sample ID 1:
Sample company 2:
Sample ID 2:
Organisation 1 and 2
in FAT and UAT
Required data /
situation at start
9
This document is optional and can be used to gather feedback from users and test pilot groups.
Guidelines for evaluating eLearning lessons
Lesson title: <>
Questions*
* There is no need to check the language quality; thats taken care of by <>.
Yes / No
1. Does the lesson fulfill the goals set in the Welcome topic, specifically:
<>
<>
If you answer this question with No, please use the Comments section below to enter
your comments.
2. Does the lesson provide information about <> that you and your colleagues can
apply in your daily work? If you answer this question with No, please use the
Comments section below to enter your comments.
3. Are the examples easy to understand? If you answer this question with No, please use
the Comments section below to enter your comments.
4. Are the examples relevant? If you answer this question with No, please use the
Comments section below to enter your comments..
5. Are there enough examples? If you answer this question with No, please use the
Comments section below to enter your comments.
1/2
6. Is there anything else youd like to see added in this lesson? If you answer this
question with Yes, please use the Comments section below to enter your comments.
7. Is there enough information on each screen (not too little and not too much)?
8. Is it easy to navigate through the course (easy to start, find your way to different topics
and exit)?
Additional comments
Please enter additional comments here. If you have specific comments, please print the page from the
eLearning lesson and add your comments on the page.
2/2
9
This template is optional and can be sent to SMEs to guide them in reviewing your e-learning project.
SME Review Checklist
The following checklist provides a guide as to what you should be reviewing as an SME.
Please review the following:
Key outcome
Are the instructions for completing the course clear?
Is it clear to the learner what they will learn in the course?
Are the video demos correct? (they demo the correct steps/procedure and
display the correct settings, environment etc)
Are the video demos placed in the correct location throughout the course?
Are the video simulations correct? (they test the correct steps/procedure
and display the correct settings, environment etc)
Are the video simulations placed in the correct location throughout the
course?
Is the content relevant to the target audience?
Are the examples or practice scenarios realistic and representative of dayto-day situations?
Is there enough information to absorb on each screen (not too little and not
too much)?
Do the graphics enhance, not detract, from the content on each screen?
Is it easy to navigate through the course?
Yes
No
9
This template is optional and can be sent to SMEs to guide them in reviewing your e-learning project.
Additional comments: