Injecting creativity from a programmer perspective
When developing eLearning modules, developers often work with Instructional Designers. These experts ensure that the course content enforces the learning objectives in the most effective way. But sometimes the documents and storyboards provided to the programmers may not be the most creative, from a developer perspective. As a developer you have the power to supplement creativity to further enhance user engagement beyond what has been established in the instructional design.
Below are 5 steps that you can use to work collaboratively with Instructional Designers to create true masterpieces of eLearning.
Respect the Instructional Design
As developers its easy to get lost in creating interactions and design, but we need to remember that the learning comes first. Which means 2 things. One: We need to respect the learning objectives and not add frivolous features that don’t enhance. And two: We need to respect the Instructional designer. In my experience a seasoned instructional designer has a thorough understanding of best practices, and when proposed a viable creative concept embraces it, but also knows when it will take away from the learning objectives.
Establish an effect and positive line of communication
Work collaboratively. While it is not quite possible at all stages of storyboard development, I find working with an instructional designer who keeps the developer in the loop, goes a long way. The same goes for the developer. Being able to have good rapport, bouncing new concepts and clarifying existing ones is the cornerstone of strong eLearning modules.
Work with visuals but also with audio
Once your creative ideas are aligned to the learning objectives and you create strong graphic designs, compositions, and animations you are sure to have an eLearning module that is an effective learning tool, and also keeps learning engaged using exciting graphics, and appealing graphic designs. But don’t forget about audio. The use of background music and sound effect can really set make an eLearning module a stand out piece of interactive media.
Ancillary tech
And lastly if it supports the project scope consider implementing ancillary technologies/talents. eLearning modules are quite flexible and can import various types of media, including video and flash files. In essence, this means that you can incorporate 2D animation, 3D animation, interactive flash games, flash based parallax effects, white board animation, as live action video to enhance your learning. This is easier said than done, as each of these require cutting edge software and talented artists and designers to utilize the tools to create good results. Thankfully we at Pathways have got you covered, as are known for creating cutting edge eLearning modules incorporating all facets of digital media to bolster our eLearning products.
If you would like to learn more about developing great eLearning modules please visit www.pathwaystrainingandelearning.ca
