There are a number of variables that affect the development time of E-Learning. The number of development hours depends on the complexity of the content and finished media elements. It also depends on the starting state of the content that is to be developed into an E-Learning module.
For example, if the content is in raw form and a large amount of research and SME interaction is needed to complete it then the hours are higher for content development and instructional design. On the other hand, if the content is from an existing course and just needs to be redeveloped as an E-Learning module then the development time is shorter.
This is also true from a media production standpoint. For example, if the content is from a medical program that consists of text based case studies along with still images of X-Rays, the development time is shorter. If the content will consist of advanced anatomical 3D Modeling/Animation, video production, and advanced programming then the development time is longer.
At best, average times can be determined based on the complexity of content and media production. Feel free to contact me directly for more information regarding production time.
Most clients will want a firm price or at least a "Not to Exceed" clause. The most important thing to do is to determine the scope of the work. If you can get the client to REALLY participate in a scoping session they may realize that it is difficult to set a price on a project that is too vague. What works for us it to quote a firm price and offer a "Maintenance Agreement" that is billed hourly.
You would need to set definite project approval/signoff parameters at each phase of development with the agreement that any changes after approvals would result in maintenance fees. This makes more sense to clients from a billing standpoint.
In addition to the audience and existing course analysis process, be sure to include technical and branding components in your plan. Many of our clients are providing training for customers as well as employees. You would want to determine if at any time you will need to provide e-learning to your organizations customer base and will you need to track student results. If you will be developing product training it will be important to get input from the marketing department. We have seen entire projects that needed reworking because a marketing exec brought down the "branding" hammer. The IT department can be a valuable team member if included early in your plans. There is always the feedback from IT that there is not enough bandwidth on the Intranet for e-learning. If the proper development tools are used and the IT department is included in any prototyping and benchmarking sessions you will have a strong partner for your implmentation plan. If you do not include IT, they can make it difficult for you to launch any program. Feel free to contact me directly for further information
The E-learning market is somewhat fragmented at this point. There is also the difference in off-the-shelf versus custom content developers. In the past most vendors were rated based on either size or the number of on-line courses they had in their catalog. Now that there are LMS's in place, negative numbers are showing up and students are complaining about the lack of interactivity and the poor quality of courses. The result can be having access to thousands of courses that do not deliver results.
The most important thing to do when researchng vendors is to visit their web site and look for samples and references as well as history. If a vendor has provided successful programs for businesses similar to yours and can prove it through demonstrations and references that would be the best choice.
As more and more people become accustomed to the highly interactive and 3D realm of "Play Station 2" like video games it will raise the bar for E-Learning content.
Most clients will want a firm price or at least a "Not to Exceed" clause. The most important thing to do is to determine the scope of the work. If you can get the client to REALLY participate in a scoping session they may realize that it is difficult to set a price on a project that is too vague. What works for us it to quote a firm price and offer a "Maintenance Agreement" that is billed hourly.
You would need to set definite project approval/signoff parameters at each phase of development with the agreement that any changes after approvals would result in maintenance fees. This makes more sense to clients from a billing standpoint.
While quality E-learning is an excellent knowledge delivery tool it is not a total solution for all types of educational content.
The type of content and audience is important when determining what courses are delivered with E-Learning. For example, a highly motivational sales training program maybe best presented with a high energy "Motivational Speaker" in a classroom situation to "rally" the troops. In this case E-learning could best be used for pre-class study work so that everyone is on the same page at the meeting. Keep in mind though that the cost savings from a travel standpoint is moving more live courses to blended learning delivery where the "Motivational Speaker" goes virtual and is video or web conferenced to the troops.
Software and process training courses are excellent candiates for E-Learning. Students can take their time and repeat steps.
I agree with your statement regarding "boring" courses. That applies to both e-learning and traditional courses. What is happening today is that people are becoming more "multimedia" literate. Most people have seen the high interactivity and engaging graphics of "Play Station 2" type games. What is it that keeps people in front of these devices for hours while only spending minutes in front of an e-learning program?
The answer is engaging content and constant screen interaction. Gaming techniques can be effectiveley transfered to e-learning programs to deliver the same effect.
We use 3D character/component animation coupled with advanced programming techniques to deliver effective courses. These programs can be delivered to locations that have slow internet access as well.
E-learning alone is not the total solution for all learning programs. In some cases it is best used in a blended solution.
