ID Zone: Is Rapid e-Learning a Myth?

Tom Kuhlmann, Articulate
Author of the Rapid E-Learning Blog

Finally, after reading his blog for months, I get to put a face to a name!

Rapid isn't a myth, it 's a reality. Its' not PPT to Flash. (Bad PPT = bad e-learning). Rapid eLearning is the allowing the software to automate the production process for you.

It's not how great your tools are, is how great you're getting the information to the learner.

10 (really 4) you need to know about e-learning:

1. Types of authoring tools
   Form based
   Freeform
   Screencast
2. You are the bridge between the client and the learner
   You need to create that environment that will help the learner actually learn.
   
3. Make rapid elearning your default position
   Start thinking that that's the approach you'll take. Then as the needs presents itself, look for hybrid, then custom solutions. Save your Flash designers' skill sets (and budgets) for more complex, challenging projects.
4. There's more to it than the course
   

Check out some examples:

• CPR Demo
  Learner has the option to get info linearly, or jump into the activity.
• JustLeapIn.com
  3D Virtual reality tool that can be imported into PPT for a more engaging exprience
• Tinychat
  Embed a chat room to allow learners (or maybe even a SME) to interact real time Creates sort of a blended-learning environment

You can include interactive development, despite the limitaitons you might have with the tools you have.