EL7001+E-learning+Models


 * ** EL7001-8 ** ||  ||
 * ** Principals and Practices in e-Learning ** || ** 3 E-Learning Experiences ** ||
 * Excellent work Stephen! Well organized and well presented. **
 * Excellent work Stephen! Well organized and well presented. **

=E-Learning Models= Implementing an e-learning program in any organization is difficult and requires effective leadership and a detailed plan to bring it about. The purpose of this paper is do identify a project management approach best suited for that implementation in a specific organization, and to discuss the elements and tips that will be critical for the program’s success and future growth.

Organization and Model
The organization I have chosen is a US-based Technological Company that already has in place much of the infrastructure required to implement an e-learning framework. This company also has in place many of the elements identified in the first phase of the seventeen-step work plan, although there is a need for element three – “ exploring research and anecdotal information to determine how to implement e-learning successfully in [this] environment ” ( Broadbent, 2002, p. 74 ). For this reason the best project plan to implement the e-learning initiative is the instructional systems design (ISD) model. This model is “ more appropriate for a course development project ” ( p. 73 ) which is the need that this organization has to extend their current traditional course offerings to a digital environment. By choosing the ISD approach the management team has an integrated plan of action that allows for analysis, and appropriate decision making along the way similar in concept to Creswell’s (1998) data analysis spiral. As more information is collected it can be organized, studied, classified and then synthesized so that the whole becomes greater than the parts. This result can then be used to drive additional collection of information and further synthesis to arrive closer to the overall goal. For the management team of this company the ISD model grants a “ systematic, logical process for chunking large challenges into manageable tasks ” ( <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 90%;">Broadbent, 2002, p. 71 <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">). This company has hundreds of traditional course offerings in many technologies and programming languages, as well as various applications and modules that are in great demand. With the ISD approach we can determine what is possible, do a cost-benefit analysis, and determine where to begin, proceed with the design, selecting appropriate training methodologies, then develop, test, then deliver, evaluate and maintain what is built, while maintaining the flexibility to proceed or stop as information is collected and analyzed.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Critical Tips
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">This project will be a learning experience for the implementation team as well as management. Although the process will involve experienced project managers there will be gaps in knowledge regarding e-learning instructional design techniques – technology and andragogy that works in a traditional classroom may not work in a virtual classroom, and that knowledge will have to be gained. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">The implementation will be accomplished by an internal team of full-time employees so gathering background information and context is not as critical for this implementation, but a concrete written contract is. It is very easy for there to be project creep that can become overwhelming if a specific start and end point are not identified up front, and a detailed and formal change process put into place. Critical to the implementation of this plan is a written contract of what is to be designed, created, and implemented, as well as a formal revision process. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Finally, two additional tips suggested by Broadbent (2002) are critical for success in any project plan, and that is the keeping of excellent records and the necessity of reporting “ <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">early and often <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">” ( <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 90%;">p. 86 <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">). It has often been said that that which is not inspected cannot be expected, and this is true of any project plan. By ensuring that stakeholders are kept appraised of how the project is going, of the current progress and bottlenecks of the different phases, and allowed to review and provide feedback on the deliverables the project is much more likely to be delivered with full satisfaction and no surprises. Careful record keeping is essential as well. This record keeping needs to be in several areas; the overall project and any change requests must all be in writing with sign-off by all parties, and the efforts made in terms of whom, how long, difficulties encountered, and receivables delivered. =<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Conclusion = <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Implementing any technology project takes careful hands-on and detailed project management. In this instance the eight-step method is most appropriate for taking traditional classes and transforming them to online virtual classes. This project will require considerable time, effort, and forethought; but must specifically ensure that (a) the project team has the necessary knowledge of andragogy and online instructional design techniques, (b) have a specific and concrete written contract, (c) have a formal and approved change request plan, (d) stakeholders are kept informed at frequent and regular intervals of the progress being made, and (e) good record keeping of efforts, as well as any documentation regarding the project and its movement.


 * = References ||
 * * Broadbent, B. (2002). //ABCs of e-learning: Reaping the benefits and avoiding the pitfalls//. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer.
 * Creswell, J. W. (1998). //Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five traditions//. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. ||