Improve Learning Content Development Process Example
Using best-practices to implement a continuously improved content development process
Challenge
A major computer manufacturer desired to implement a professional program for the development and delivery of their training initiatives. The company engaged ARI to assist with this process.
The project required a thorough understanding of the existing workflow, an extensive knowledge of best practices in training development and delivery, and the ability to articulate this information to company personnel. A primary goal was to gain acceptance of the new direction from employees.
Approach
Information Gathering
ARI consultants conducted meetings with key personnel regarding the company’s methodology, workflow, and products being produced for training. ARI thoroughly reviewed existing materials to identify inconsistencies and areas for improvement.
Presentation of Findings/Recommendations
Once the information-gathering stage was completed, ARI presented the findings to senior management personnel along with a set of recommendations and project deliverables. Project deliverables are divided into major categories with an explanation of each below.
Category 1: Process Documentation and Procedures
ARI designed a customized process in response to the findings. Each phase clearly demonstrated the required personnel and tasks to be performed, as well as identified the tools to be used throughout the project.
Category 2: Instructional Design Tools/Training
ARI created tools and delivered training to customer content development personnel to enhance the overall understanding of the process of instructional design. The primary focus of the training involved the ADDIE instructional design methodology along with RLO/RIO (reusable learning object/reusable information object) architectures. ARI created the following tools for the Dell instructional design team:
- Course design document template
- Storyboard template
- Audience analysis template
- Course matrix
- Learning objective guidelines
Category 3: Design Templates
The key to providing an overall consistent design required production of a variety of design templates. The following design templates were created.
- SME Design Template
- Classroom Manual Template and Student Lab Guide Template
- Classroom Slideshow Template
- Online Learning Template
Category 4: Training Material Production
ARI provided the client with a variety of checklists, guidelines, and job aids to assist with the production of Dell training material for all modes of delivery. A detailed process and design style guide outlined the standards for audio, mechanical, substantive, and content copy edits.
Category 5: File Management
Company personnel received training and guidance in the process of securing copyright protection for training materials. Methods of grouping source files, versioning strategies, and file archive recommendations rounded out the file management component of the deliverable.
Category 6: Certification Assistance
In most cases, the content developed involved company-specific certification. ARI constructed certification tracks/guidelines to provide direction to the student through the series of courses within a specific certification goal.
Business Results
As a direct result of the consulting engagement with ARI, the company now has a documented and proven instructional design strategy and a process that is repeatable and highly scalable. New employees of the training division have a thorough orientation guide to get them up to speed quickly and work productively. This firmly positions the company to meet the changing demands of the training market.