Project Checklist for Creating a New e-Learning Program

Starting a new eLearning project? You can minimize stress and maximize efficiency by clearly spelling out the details of the program before production begins. The following Project Checklist will serve as a handy guide to the key steps, benchmarks and sign-offs needed for most e-learning projects.

This checklist will help:

• Organize your project
• Ensure you have proper approvals
• Serve as a project blueprint for your production team

How do you use this checklist? It’s simple. Keeping the end goal in mind, envision your course step by step thorough production. Keep in mind the needs of both your client and your production team.

The process has been simplified by breaking it down into 4 key components: the Plan, the Resources, the Assets and the Technology.

1. The Plan – The following documents will serve as a blueprint to help drive the project
   

   	Task Analysis – Determine if a task analysis is necessary and if so, assign responsibility
   	Budget – Clearly define the line items to be included in the budget
   	Objectives – Make sure course objectives are identified and agreed upon
   	Timeline/time period  for completion – identify major benchmark phases in the project and how long it will take for each
   	Content outline – Outline the main and sub-sections of the course
   	Storyboard/script – Develop a detailed storyboard for client approval and to assist the production team
   	Assessment plan – Describe the type of assessment and grading structure, if any
   	Functional requirements list – develop a list of all functionality to be included in the program such as SCORM compatibility, bookmarking, printing, etc.

 

2. The Resources – Define and recruit the following personnel and tools
   

   	Subject Matter Experts – Identify SMEs that may be needed and are able to assist
   	Authoring tool – Determine the authoring tool to be used
   	Team roster– Identify the key members of the team: Instructional designer, writer, project manager, e-learning authors/developers, graphic designer
   	Quality assurance/testing – Define how the program will be tested and by whom

 

3. The Assets – Procure and/or create the needed resources
   

   	Style guide –  Be sure you are complying with the latest company standards
   	Graphics – Good resolution, relevant graphics (icons, tables, charts, logos, photos, etc.)
   	Video  and audio files – Schedule the production of new video and audio well in advance and produce in the highest quality possible
   	Additional content – Identify and round-up any additional resource material that your course may include, i.e. presentations, reference materials, links, etc.
   	Screen captures – Free of extraneous data and up-to-date

 

4. The Technology – Define the platforms you are delivering to
   

   	Hardware – Identify the hardware platforms to be supported
   	Software – Identify the software to be supported
   	LMS – Identify the LMS if applicable

Developing an e-learning program is a complicated undertaking. Streamline the process as much as possible by using the Project Checklist to grease the production wheels. Good planning upfront minimizes re-work and revisions down the road.

Ron Trilling

Author of Learning Lines | Founder and Partner, at Media Dynamics

Ron is a great source of information when it comes to eLearning. He has a background in instructional design and has worked with many companies to help develop their eLearning content and courses.