- [Instructor] The traditional elearning module
is popular for a reason.
It's scalable,
capable of meeting many educational objectives,
and is a perfect fit
for many types of simulations and scenarios.
So now let's talk about some tips
that will help you get started developing elearning.
The basis of an elearning module is a text document
commonly referred to as a script, or storyboard.
The script contains all of the content
to be presented in the module.
Everything from welcome to the module
on the basics of Salesforce,
to here are the key takeaways of this module.
Even though the content in the script
may eventually take the form of voiceover narration,
or learning interaction within the module,
it begins life as the written word.
For this reason, the script must be well organized,
and the writing clear, concise,
with good use of transitions.
In addition to clear and concise content,
you'll also want the module to look good.
Here's a dirty little secret,
most stakeholders care more about the look
of your elearning module
than they do about how good of a learning experience it is.
You may be asking,
"Well, Daniel, how do I get that nice visual look,
"I've never done this before?"
The answer is to use a prebuilt slide template.
Whatever tool you eventually settle on,
there will be an online community of users
who post free templates.
For example, the Articulate's E-Learning Heroes forum,
where you can download free PowerPoint,
Storyline and Articulate Studio templates.
A pre-built slide template also allows you
to be consistent from slide to slide.
Consistency is important, but you also want to find variety
to keep the learner engaged.
One way to do this is vary the way you present material.
Mix up text only slides with those that use voiceover.
Use a bit of video every so often,
offer a different question types to your learners.
Another tip is to build small modules,
say, anywhere from five to 20 minutes.
People learn better when content is broken up.
Breaking up the modules will also make updating them easier.
The best way to learn how to develop great elearning
is to analyze existing modules that you think are effective.
That's my last tip.
Once a week, find a module online,
perhaps on the Articulate Super Heroes forum,
or Adobe Captivate community portal, and break it apart.
What about it grabbed your interest?
How is it constructed?
Might you build something similar for your organization?
Yes, there is a lot to know
when it comes to building effective elearning.
But if you write a clear script, use a template,
vary the way you present material,
and keep on learning from others,
you're going to be off to a fantastic start.