How to Create Self-Directed e-Learning

Abstract

This is a practical, interactive, hands-on workshop that will teach you how to create or convert training programs for delivery on the Internet or an intranet.

  • You will create a real module of self-directed e-learning in class on your own laptop computer, using authoring software that we will provide*
  • Two instructors, an instructional designer and a web site developer, facilitate this workshop. This will give you the “big picture” of both the technical and instructional aspects of delivering training on-line
  • This workshop was created to accommodate a broad range of knowledge and skill. No prior computer or design experience is required to attend.

 

*Note: For practice purposes, we have selected Adobe Dreamweaver with the CourseBuilder extension. Please note that we do not sell either hardware or software.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Participants will gain the ability to be able to:

  • Determine what type of training is well suited for self-directed (asynchronous) e-learning and what should remain in a traditional classroom
  • Identify the best instructional strategy for teaching various types of content and objectives on-line
  • Describe ways to “blend” self-directed e-learning with other delivery methods to achieve maximum learning effectiveness and efficiency
  • Use authoring software to create highly interactive, learner-centered, performance-based e-learning
  • Create an aesthetically pleasing and well-balanced web page with a focus on “need to learn” content
  • Make practical decisions regarding hardware, software, design and management issues when choosing an e-learning solution
  • Validate a module of self-directed e-learning to ensure its effectiveness

 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Anyone wishing to convert training programs to an e-Learning environment.

PREREQUISITE

This course has no prerequisite.

MATERIALS

You will receive a course binder containing a copy of the presentation slides.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

Day 1:
Overview of asynchronous (self-directed) e-learning: hardware, software, design and management issues

Five instructional strategies for self-paced computer delivery
  • Tutorial
  • Drill and practice
  • Gaming
  • Simulations and generative learning
  • Design tips and techniques for each

 

Introduction to HTML and authoring software for the Internet
  • Practice in using simple HTML tags
  • Authoring software commands

 

Connectivity issues
  • From dial-up to networks
  • The advantages and disadvantages of each

 

Pre-conversion design considerations
  • Should you even be considering e learning?

 

Determining content suitability for self-directed, computer-delivered content
  • What should be taught on-line, remain in the classroom or be delivered in a blended solution

 

A simple design process for creating learner-centered, interactive, on-line instruction

Day 2:
Screen design issues

  • How to make effective use of color, sound, text, graphics, animation and composition
  • introduction to JavaScript and other screen enhancement tools

 

Instructional techniques for e-learning

  • embedded questions
  • exploration and many more

 

Storyboarding

  • How this simple technique can assure that your product is on target and save you from doing unnecessary work

 

Lesson Flow

  • How to sequence self-directed instruction in the most engaging and effective manner possible

 

Introductions

  • The 5 critical elements that should be a part of the beginning of every e-learning module

 

Practice

  • given hypothetical subject matter and an authoring software tool, students will work in design teams to create a module of asynchronous e-learning

 

Day 3:
Validation

  • How to determine if your e-learning is effective
  • How to conduct individual testing
  • How to orchestrate a pilot of your course

 

Critiques

  • The entire class will participate in an analysis of the modules that have been developed as class projects
  • Observations, suggestions and comments will be considered in the spirit of making e-learning the best that it can be

 

Blended learning options
  • How to integrate classroom instruction
  • “Live” (synchronous) e-learning
  • Knowledge management and other alternatives

 

Learning management systems (LMS)
  • learning content management systems (LCMS),
  • learning objects
  • e-learning standards and Section 508
  • what you absolutely need to be aware of as a developer of e-learning

 

Learning management systems (LMS)

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