by Jane Bozarth
Formal design process gets a lot of attention, but not every problem requires the full treatment. Consider first what your client needs, before you start working on what the process flow chart requires, and when the problem is simple, keep the solution simple. Jane offers the key to remedies for performance issues.
by Pam Boiros
Social interaction has always been, along with experience and practice, a mainstay of learning for human beings. Until recently, this took place primarily in the “informal” arena. The use of online social media to support formal learning has now entered the picture, extending the blended learning paradigm. Here is a set of tips for adding powerful social support for learning.
by Judy Unrein
The typical objection to prototyping in eLearning is that there is neither time nor money for it. Yet, in other fields, prototyping is not only accepted, but expected. There are compelling arguments for prototyping, including dramatically shortened development cycles and improved product quality. Here is a review that may help you find what you need to overcome objections to prototyping.
by Clark Quinn
Julie Dirksen has just published an excellent guide to better learning design. Here are the details. Her book is recommended for beginning designers, and for subject matter experts who have found themselves drafted into creating eLearning.
by Kim Bahr, Rebecca Bodrero
To accomplish more with fewer resources, many organizations are turning from costly traditional face-to-face (F2F) training to alternate methods, such as self-paced eLearning and distance learning. Here is a summary of the techniques used recently to convert a four-day F2F course to a synchronous distance format, highlighting design considerations, successes, and best practices.
by Mary Arnold
Mobile and social technologies can combine to support learning and performance, as can simulation and gaming. But games, simulations, and social technologies can also be combined collaboratively to support learning, performance, and other real-world tasks. Here is an example that also suggests a model for collaborative development of such applications.
by Jane Bozarth
By all indications, 2012 is going to be a year of some major transitions in the way we develop and deliver eLearning. However, this should not distract any of us from the fundamentals that support actual learning. Jane offers some suggestions for resolutions that will keep us all on the right track.
by Bill Brandon
In 2012, without a learning strategy (whether for their organizations or for themselves) and without a development strategy, professionals in the learning business (training, education, or what-have- you) will be seriously challenged by the most fundamental decisions. The key to strategy is context.
by Judy Unrein
We welcome Judy Unrein's column, Well Read, to Learning Solutions Magazine! To be a successful instructional designer takes broad knowledge of design principles and business concepts that go beyond our narrow field of practice. Each month, Judy will review a book that should be on your shelf or in your eReader. She starts this month with an exploration of creativity!
by Patrick Gardner, Chris Stape
Course navigation, and how to best manage the limited resources of working memory and the computer screen, are key considerations in eLearning design. The effect of course maps on learning is difficult to assess, as the research findings are mixed. This study examined whether a course map affected the length of time to complete a training course and the achievement results of 846 adult learners.

