“YOUR E-LEARNING DESIGN CHECKLIST”

Unfortunately, Instructional Design has become more of an engineering function these days. Too often, design-for-learning has been replaced by a design-for-information approach. And, when that happens, we all lose. E-Learning courses become a memorization activity instead of delivering the skills-acquisition benefits our American workforce needs.

With that in mind, the following five essential requirements will give you an outline of attributes you should find in E-Learning courses that are designed for skills-acquisition and retention:

1) Navigation through a lesson is simple, consistent and intuitive:

The graphic interface (GUI) is attractive, inviting and meaningful.

The components for learning appear in a consistent and logical location.

The components for learning are always visible to the user and accessible with a single click of the mouse.

Individual segments of instruction appear on one screen without the need for scrolling.

2) Instruction is meaningful and interactive:

Lesson content is subdivided into meaningful topics.

Instructional information flows logically from one screen to the next.

Embedded practice with supportive feedback enhances both learning and learner confidence.

Assessments, prior to and after instruction, are integral components within the learning environment.

3) Adult learning characteristics are accommodated:

Learners have control within a non-linear learning environment.

Instructional content is meaningful and relevant to the learner.

Concrete examples are used to support learning.

The lesson content is structured to accommodate learner time constraints.

4) Media is integral to the learning experience:

Full motion video or high definition visuals occur on all instructional screens.

Optional Word-for-Word Audio narration accompanies all text.

Individual screen text is limited to short sentences and, whenever possible, directed to a 4^th Grade reading level.

When appropriate, special sound effects are integrated within the instructional environment.

5) Administrator management requirements are satisfied:

The on-line lesson provides adequate learning for the targeted audience.

The on-line lesson “works” on the intended delivery systems, be they internet-access or internal networks.

The on-line lesson is SCORM compliant.

There you have it: a short outline of the salient characteristics found in meaningful E-Learning design. In sum, you should be looking for E-Learning courseware that can deliver skills acquisition to your trainees. Simply presenting information will not accomplish that goal. You should be selecting those courses that will increase on-the-job performance by enhancing each worker’s learning and retention.