Essentials of E-Learning Design Virtual Training Syllabus
This 5-session interactive virtual training features group discussions, hands-on practice, and coaching to enhance your e-learning design understanding.
You’ll meet some of our design and development team, network with peers, and work through exercises to apply what you’ve learned. By the end, you’ll have practical knowledge and examples to lead conversations that establish you as an expert. This training also covers improving content quality, graphic design, and effectiveness for diverse audiences.
From writing learning objectives and scenarios to bringing your content to life with a visual voice, we’ll cover it all.
Prerequisites
Training sessions are designed for a variety of skill levels.
Session Details
Training sessions are hosted on Zoom Meeting. Please visit zoom.us/test to test your system compatibility prior to the session.
Throughout the training, we’ll use breakout rooms to work collaboratively, and have discussions as a group using audio and video. Sessions are action-packed with hands-on application of concepts discussed throughout. Practice exercises and links to view the session recordings are provided at the end of each session, allowing you to apply concepts using your own content.
System Requirements
Participants will need a computer with webcam and microphone capabilities. (Articulate software is not required for this training.)
Duration
10 hours of live instruction, divided into 5 sessions, 2 hours each session. Sessions are action-packed with hands-on application of concepts discussed throughout the modules.
Course Outline
Session 1
Why E-Learning?
To get started, we’ll discuss what constitutes good e-learning. We’ll answer questions like: “Why is e-learning so popular?” and “What are the trends in e-learning right now?”
Understanding by Design: Models & Methodologies
In this session, we’ll review and discuss well-known instructional methodologies and models, such as ADDIE, Dick and Carey, Action Mapping, and SAM. From there, we’ll examine an agile model that is more suited for use in rapid e-learning.
Big Idea Mind Mapping
The “Big Idea” discussion and exercise will help you zero in on the desired results, or goals, of the training through brainstorming and mind mapping.
Facets of Understanding
During design, it’s important to be clear about what level of understanding we are aiming for with our desired results. To help us investigate, we’ll work through Bloom’s Taxonomy and the Facets of Understanding.
Writing Effective Learning Objectives
The learning objectives discussion and exercise will demonstrate the importance of writing effective objectives that are centered on the “Big Idea.” We’ll also brainstorm instructional strategies that could be used along with these objectives.
Session 2
The Power of Assessing
Once we have clarity around the desired results, we’ll discuss assessment types and brainstorm the questions we can ask in order to adequately assess understanding.
Adult Learning Theory
We’ll consider principles and best practices that we apply to building training for adult learners. We’ll also discuss the preferences adults bring to learning and explore about how accessibility can change our course design.
Engagement and Why Framing
Before creating storyboards, we’ll talk about what constitutes engagement. From there, we’ll discuss storytelling and how we can use the “Why framing” approach to build courses that create (aka, “hook”) and hold interest for the learner. We’ll also compare and discuss “before and after” course makeover examples that utilize the “Why framing” approach.
Session 3
Plan for Learning/Storyboarding
In this section, we’ll review best practices related to course design and uncover the importance of storyboarding, looking at examples of storyboards and learning how to determine what content should be covered in the training.
Writing a Driving Script
We’ll also uncover the importance of writing a driving script by reviewing key tips and tricks to scripting for e-learning. Together, we’ll analyze sample content and work collaboratively to rewrite it for engagement.
Scenario-Based Learning & Simulations
In this discussion, we’ll learn why scenario-based learning is one of the most effective ways to teach adults. We’ll review examples of existing simulations, discuss a road map for simulation design, and examine how to write scenarios that engage our learners and allow for the application of knowledge.
Session 4
Interactivity
Typically, when e-learning designers talk about engagement, they are referring to interactivity. In this module, we’ll discuss what makes for good interactivity versus having the learner click for the sake of clicking. We’ll also review examples of different types of interactions and the potential use cases for each. We’ll then work together to turn ordinary, bulleted content into interactive exercises to engage learners and help with knowledge retention.
Building a Visual Design
Once we have a feel for the course flow, we’ll shift gears and focus on the visual design of e-learning courses. This in-depth design module will cover topics such as: color theory, font guidelines, design basics, and the effective use of text, graphics, and animation.
Visual Design Mind Mapping
The “Visual Design” discussion and exercise will help you zero in on the visual design of the training through brainstorming and mind mapping.
Session 5
Animate to Communicate
Continuing the previous session’s theme of visual design, we’ll review how animation can be used to obtain and hold learner’s attention, as well as show meaning, rather than just trying to explain it with words.
Gamification
One way to assess learners and engage them at the same time is to use gaming components. In this section, we’ll explore how we can apply the concepts from gaming (such as scoring, player controls, rules, etc.) to e-learning content to make it fun and engaging.
Micro-Learning
In this exercise, we’ll discuss chunking content into small courses that can be quickly completed and digested. We’ll work collaboratively to analyze an existing storyboard and determine which pieces of content work best in a micro-learning approach.
Working with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
The relationship you have with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) can be vital to the success of your project. In this session, we’ll review questions that can help gather information from the SME and tips for a successful relationship.
Managing E-Learning Projects
Throughout the development of e-learning, you’ll want to manage timelines, stakeholder expectations, and the overall process for development. In this section, we’ll review tips and tricks doing just that. We’ll also answer the question: “How long does it take to create e-learning?”
Where to From Here?
To wrap up the training, we’ll discuss ways to overcome designer’s block and discover inspiration. Then, we’ll review helpful resources, allowing time for Q&A and open discussion.
Continuing Education Credits
This program has been pre-approved by Training Industry for 24 continuing education recertification hours toward the Certified Professional in Training Management credential.
Yukon Learning has been pre-approved by the ATD Certification Institute to offer educational programs that can be used towards initial eligibility and recertification of the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) and Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD) credentials. This program qualifies for a maximum of 10 points.
Questions?
We have answers!
Have any questions about the training experience or which course is right for you? We're here to help!
Email our Training Team at [email protected] and we'll get right back to you. Otherwise, we look forward to having you join us in class!