My Approach

My approach to e-learning projects has been shaped by my own experience in the industry and the wisdom I’ve gathered from several e-learning practitioners. In particular, Cathy Moore’s Action Mapping model and more recently, Nick Shackleton’s 5Di model have had an influence on me.

I begin with the end in mind. Typically, these are the steps I follow:

1. Analyze the business problem

First and foremost, I identify the business problem we want to solve.

  • What is the problem?
  • Why do we have the problem?
  • What needs to change?
  • What is the goal?
  • Can training help?
  • How can we measure success?

2. Identify how training can solve the problem

I find out what training solutions can be used to solve the problem.

  • What do learners need to know, do or feel?
  • What skills do learners need to achieve the goal?
  • What’s the best type of training we can implement?
  • Do we need to design experiences or resources?

3. Gather Information

I gather information about everything around the project, including:

  • Learners – What are their motivations and their abilities?
  • Stakeholders – What are their aspirations and their constraints?
  • Existing approach to the problem
  • Existing training content

4. Design the solution

I design the learning solution. It could be a traditional e-learning course, microlearning module, a job aid, a learning game, a series of learning activities or a combination of different learning interventions. At this stage, I prepare the Design Document, which provides the outline of the solution. The Design Document comprises:

  • High-level design
  • Detailed design
High-level Design: Employee Onboarding
Detailed Design: Social Media for Sales Prospects

5. Develop the prototype

Once the design is confirmed, I develop a prototype of the solution. This usually comprises:

  • A draft storyboard, which includes the script (if the solution is a course or video).
    You can view extracts of my storyboards and also read my brief take on storyboards.
  • A developed e-Learning prototype, which reveals the look-and-feel of the solution.

You can access one of my prototypes by selecting the image below.

Sample Course Prototype

6. Develop the final e-learning solution

After a couple of rounds of review and revision, the final e-learning solution is completed and delivered to the client. It is then implemented at the client’s location. After this stage, the client is usually in charge. They evaluate the success of the solution and may ask for improvements and updates over time.
For some of my sample learning solutions, please check out my portfolio.