Goal 3: Understand the various stages of eLearning programs and initiatives in an organizational context.
My last Blog 8, “Research and evaluation of eLearning Projects,” captures this goal. My assumption for the blog is that I work as external consultant to create an eLearning initiative proposal. The proposal must address the following questions by order of importance:
“1. What are the goals or objectives of this eLearning program?
2. Who is the target audience of this eLearning?
3. Do we have leadership or administrative support?
4. Is the project feasible from cost/benefit analysis (ROI)?
5. What are the needed resources, other constraints and limitations?
6. What kind of process is used to manage the eLearning initiative/project?
7. What are the measurements of success?
8. What is the plan to maintain, revise and update course materials in the future?
9. What are the criteria for continued funding and support?
10. Is there any legal issues related to the implementation and operation of eLearning initiative, including intellectual property rights, copyright concerns?”
Coming up with these questions help me consolidate various aspects of my learning experience together. I believe that these questions should not be prioritized, but weighted equally, for a successful eLearning initiative. My list of questions also takes practitioners through various stages of eLearning programs from its planning and management stages to the support and maintenance activities. Answering these questions also motivates companies to think how eLearning can fit into the context of their organization. I consider my list the ‘aha’ list of eLearning initiative success, but there could be more as I gain more practice and learning experience through UIUC’s elearning program.
References:
Bates, A. W. (2000). Managing technological change: strategies for college and university leaders. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers.
Lockee, B., Moore, M. and Burton, J. (2002). Measuring success: evaluation strategies for distance education. Educause Quarterly, November 1, 20-26.