Table of Contents
In this article, we will tell you what difficulties you can face when developing an e-learning project and how to successfully overcome them.
Ask as many correct questions as possible
During the kick-off meeting, when the manager is discussing the project with the client, it is important to find out as many details as possible. The brief may include over a hundred questions. Here are some key points to discuss during negotiations: Who is the target audience of the course? What should listeners learn? What devices will the course play on? Who will provide the necessary materials, and who will become the “final authority” in the chain of approvals?
Don’t lose your tasks
When creating a classic course, all tasks are performed in stages, and each manager chooses a convenient tool to control deadlines. Someone keeps tasks in the calendar, someone in Trello, and someone in notes or a regular diary. Tasks are categorized by project, importance, and urgency. The main thing is to fix all the tasks so as not to lose them.
Sometimes it seems that you can not write down, but keep in mind, but most likely, it will fly out of memory, and an unresolved task in a timely manner will slow down the whole process.
Agree everything
Having received all the input from the manager, the methodologist proceeds to create a matrix and then – a course scenario. The script will become the terms of reference for the designer. In order to eliminate disagreements with the client, we must send the matrix for approval, and then the course script. The matrix lists course topics, the number of slides per topic, and formats. It is important to agree on absolutely all course content.
The slide course uses various forms of content: texts, graphics, and photographs, infographics, videos, animation, exercises. Competent alternation of formats allows you to make the course interesting. But sometimes, the customer expresses a desire to add even more creativity to the courses, for example, some characters. You need to be careful with this: in most courses, the presence of characters does not help the learning but only distracts.
Limit the number of iterations
Each team member has their own tasks and associated difficulties.
To avoid endless negotiations, it’s better to agree on a certain number of iterations. At each stage, the client can make changes – both minor, and ask to redo everything, but this can be done no more than two times. This allows both the developer and the customer to approach the collection of comments in a disciplined manner and to better plan the project.
Optimize your work and take into account the seasonality
Saving time and optimizing processes in our area are achieved through the continuous professional development of specialists. It also happens that in order to speed up, you have to conduct processes in parallel, but this requires a lot of effort from the project manager in order to manage to coordinate everything.
The project manager must take into account the seasonality factor when shaping the work schedule. The wave of demand for training courses begins in September, then another peak occurs during the post-New Year holidays, and a decline begins in the spring. If possible, put projects in the queue.
Avoid templates and think for the future
This applies not only to e-learning but to any area related to creative production. Over time, we have developed standard techniques and methods. When making this or that decision, it is worth asking yourself – is it really the most effective or just the most familiar?
A well-built project management system allows you to avoid major mistakes and optimize the process, use the e-learning development services. Find the best solutions, experiment, save and improve proven methods. Good luck!