When developing custom e-Learning, you must choose from many processes and models. Two of the most prominent ones are ADDIE and SAM. Let’s examine these in depth:

ADDIE Model: A Proven Framework

ADDIE stands for Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. This five-step instructional system design has been the backbone of many e-Learning projects. To learn more about ADDIE, consider enrolling in our course:

Analysis

This stage is about understanding the “why” and “what.” Why is the training needed? What are the learning outcomes? This might mean identifying a skill gap in the workforce or realizing the need for training on a new software platform in a corporate setting.

Design

Here, instructional designers lay out the “how.” This involves crafting a detailed storyboard, defining learning objectives, and determining assessment strategies. It’s like laying out the blueprint for a house.

Development

This phase is all about bringing the design to life. It involves creating the course materials, from interactive elements and multimedia to quizzes and assessments. Imagine this as the construction phase of building that house.

Implementation

This is where learners access and go through the course. It’s about delivering the course via a Learning Management System (LMS) or another platform and ensuring smooth access for all intended users.

Evaluation

Continuous improvement is vital. This phase focuses on gathering feedback post-course delivery to refine and optimize the content. Think of it as a homeowner suggesting modifications after living in the new house for some time.

Why Choose ADDIE?

ADDIE’s systematic, linear approach makes it a choice process for many. Its comprehensive nature ensures that every aspect of e-Learning development is addressed, from understanding learner needs to continuous improvement. It’s ideal for projects with a clear scope and where incremental refinements after the course launch are acceptable.

SAM Model: An Iterative Approach for Custom e-Learning Development

SAM (Successive Approximation Model) is a more modern, agile approach to e-Learning development. SAM is characterized by its iterative cycles, allowing for continuous improvements and adjustments.

Preparation Phase

Instead of an exhaustive analysis, SAM begins with basic information and preliminary design ideas. It’s akin to sketching rough ideas on a napkin before a detailed design.

Iterative Design Phase

This phase involves creating prototypes, obtaining feedback, and refining the design in successive approximations. It’s a design, prototype, and review loop until the desired result is achieved.

Iterative Development Phase

Like the design phase, development here is iterative. Course elements are repeatedly created, reviewed, and refined, ensuring they align perfectly with learner needs and expectations.

Why Choose SAM Over ADDIE?

SAM is particularly effective for projects where requirements might evolve or when there’s a need to see tangible results quickly. Its iterative nature allows flexibility and adaptability, making it suitable for projects with uncertain or evolving parameters.

Deciding Between ADDIE and SAM

Choosing between ADDIE and SAM comes down to project specifics:

Scope & Clarity

ADDIE’s structured approach is beneficial for projects with well-defined objectives and scope. But if there’s uncertainty or a possibility of frequent changes, SAM’s flexibility can be a boon.

Timeline

Need to show quick results or prototypes? SAM’s iterative cycles can offer faster, tangible outcomes, whereas ADDIE might require more time upfront before showing concrete deliverables.

Stakeholder Involvement

With its repeated feedback loops, SAM requires consistent stakeholder engagement throughout the process. ADDIE, while also involving stakeholders, might not require as frequent check-ins.

Risk Tolerance

SAM is a good fit if stakeholders are open to evolving outcomes and can handle shifts in course direction. For projects where risks need to be minimized, and predictability is essential, ADDIE stands strong.

Whether you opt for the tried-and-true ADDIE model or the agile SAM approach, what’s paramount is understanding the unique requirements and constraints of your e-Learning project. Both methodologies can lead to effective and engaging custom e-Learning solutions when applied judiciously.

When considering e-Learning solutions, it helps to recognize that not all digital courses are created equal. Generally, they can be grouped into three broad categories, each offering different degrees of customization and flexibility:

• Off-the-Shelf Courses:
  These are pre-built, ready-made e-Learning modules available on platforms from providers like LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, or Coursera. Off-the-shelf courses are designed for mass appeal and immediate deployment. They cover broad topics—think compliance, software basics, or workplace etiquette—and are best suited for general training needs where content relevancy outweighs brand alignment or specific internal processes.

• Customized Content:
  This level takes existing off-the-shelf materials and adapts them to better fit your organization. Customization may include adding company-specific branding, swapping out examples or case studies for ones relevant to your industry, or tailoring assessments to reflect internal policies. It’s a middle ground that allows organizations to put their own spin on tried-and-tested content without reinventing the wheel.

• Fully Custom Courses:
  The most tailored approach, fully custom courses are built from the ground up to match your organization’s processes, culture, and goals. From bespoke graphics and videos to scenarios modeled after real company challenges, every element is hand-picked and designed for your unique context. This option shines when training needs are highly specialized or when you want to deliver a distinctive, branded learning experience.

Each level serves different organizational needs, timelines, and budgets—making it essential to choose the one that best aligns with your learning objectives and internal resources.

You may get frequent requests from stakeholders in your organization to convert existing Instructor-led Training or ILT courses to custom e-Learning. Transforming ILT into e-Learning modules may seem straightforward to those unfamiliar with the intricacies of Instructional Design. However, it’s more than a simple content transfer from one format to another. Let’s examine the potential pitfalls and considerations to bear in mind.

Loss of Human Interaction:

In traditional ILT, the human touch – the real-time feedback, the spontaneity of a classroom setting, and the dynamism of a live instructor – plays a pivotal role. When transitioning to e-Learning:

• Challenge: For courses like language training, the nuances of tone, pronunciation, and emphasis are critical. These might be lost when moving to a purely digital format.
• Solution: Implement digital solutions that integrate video sessions or voiceovers. Incorporating interactive video modules where learners can listen, pause, and replay sections can significantly help bridge this interaction gap.

Content Overload if Custom e-Learning Development Projects Don’t Account for Absence of an Instructor

The digital learning environment is different. Learners often access modules on the go and in between other tasks.

• Challenge: An exhaustive handout that worked in a 3-hour classroom session can become overwhelming in e-Learning.
• Solution: Adapt content for the digital age. Break it into bite-sized modules, and use engaging multimedia and interactivity to keep learners engaged and prevent cognitive overload.

Ignoring Tech Constraints that are Associated with Custom e-Learning

While technology has revolutionized e-Learning, it brings its own set of challenges.

• Challenge: An elaborately designed course might work seamlessly on a desktop but may be barely navigable on a mobile device. Not to mention, some learners might have bandwidth constraints.
• Solution: Always design with a “mobile-first” approach. Ensure videos are optimized, graphics are responsive, and the overall course is accessible across devices and varying internet speeds.

Misunderstanding the Conversion Complexity before taking up Custom E-Learning Development Projects

A common misconception is that converting ILT to e-Learning is a quick job. This can lead to unrealistic timelines and inadequate budgets.

• Challenge: Stakeholders or management without a background in Instructional Design might undervalue the effort and expertise needed for such conversions.
• Solution: As an Instructional Designer, it’s crucial to communicate that converting ILT to custom e-Learning isn’t merely a copy-paste job. While ILT materials serve as invaluable, well-organized reference sources, and the instructor can be a great subject matter expert, the process involves reimagining content for the digital landscape. It’s advisable to treat ILT to e-Learning conversions similarly to developing new e-Learning courses regarding timelines, budgeting, and resource allocation.

Always consider the context. While the raw content from ILT sessions is valuable, converting it for e-Learning requires understanding the digital learning environment, user behavior, and tech constraints. Ensure you’re not just transferring but transforming content to suit the new medium. Effective e-Learning is more than content; it’s about the experience.

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A crucial aspect to consider when choosing an e-Learning solution is who ultimately owns the course content. Let’s draw some lines between the three main approaches.

Off-the-Shelf Courses:
With these pre-packaged solutions (think LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or Udemy libraries), your organization simply licenses access to a vast collection of existing courses. The upside? Speed and convenience—you’re up and running in no time. However, content ownership isn’t part of the deal. You can’t modify the core material, extract modules for reuse, or adapt it to your language and data. The provider retains all rights, and your team is merely renting access. This “ready-made” approach suits broad topics but won’t flex for proprietary processes or unique organizational language.

Customized Course Options:
Some platforms allow basic personalization—like adding your logo, corporate colors, or a branded intro slide to a standard module. This looks nice on the surface, but the bulk of the content still remains locked down. You don’t own the intellectual property. Major updates or meaningful adaptations, such as weaving in confidential data or using in-house terminology, typically aren’t allowed. Think of it as getting a pizza with your favorite toppings, but someone else always gets to choose the crust and recipe.

Fully Custom eLearning Development:
If your goal is to truly own the learning experience, custom e-Learning is the way to go. Here, every element—from the learning objectives to branded visuals and real company scenarios—is created for your organization, with full ownership rights handed over upon completion. You’re free to revise, update, or redeploy content however you wish, without seeking third-party permission. While this approach requires a larger investment of time and resources (and usually an internal or contracted development team), it lets you future-proof your learning materials and protect proprietary knowledge.

In summary:

• Off-the-shelf = fast access, but no content ownership.
• Customized = a dash of your brand, but minimal control.
• Fully custom = full ownership and total flexibility—built to fit and evolve with your organization.

If you’re considering customizing a pre-existing (or off-the-shelf) course, it’s important to weigh both the benefits and the limitations before you commit.

Advantages of Course Customization

• Faster Implementation: Since these courses are ready-made, you can quickly launch training without the long lead times of fully custom development.
• Branding Flexibility: Many off-the-shelf platforms allow you to add your logo, adjust color schemes, or incorporate some brand fonts. This helps align the look and feel with your organization’s identity at a basic level.
• Cost Efficiency: Customizing an existing course is often more affordable upfront than building a fully bespoke module from scratch.

Considerations and Drawbacks

• Limited Ownership: You don’t actually own the course content, so your options for deep customization are restricted.
• Content Restrictions: Major changes—like adding organization-specific scenarios, proprietary visuals, or industry-specific terminology—are usually off the table.
• Ongoing Investment: There are still costs and time involved in tailoring the course, but you may not get the depth or flexibility your learning objectives demand.

In short, customizing off-the-shelf courses can be a smart interim solution for some training needs, blending speed with a touch of personalization—but it may fall short when your organization requires truly tailored learning experiences that align with unique goals, complex processes, or specific compliance requirements.

If you’ve ever been tempted by the allure of an off-the-shelf eLearning course—think platforms like Udemy or LinkedIn Learning—you’re not alone. Ready-made content libraries promise quick results, but are they always the right choice? Let’s break down the advantages and potential drawbacks you’ll want to keep in mind.

Benefits of Off-the-Shelf Solutions

• Speed and Convenience: One of the main advantages is immediacy. You can have a library of courses available to your learners almost instantly—no waiting for lengthy development cycles.
• Budget-Friendly: Licensing existing content is typically less expensive than creating courses from scratch, making it an attractive option for organizations with tight budgets.
• Vast Selection: These libraries offer an impressive array of topics, from leadership skills to software tutorials, making it easy to address general training needs.

Drawbacks to Consider

• Lack of Customization: The biggest limitation? You can’t edit the courses to reflect your company’s unique processes, culture, or branding.
• Ownership Limits: Since you don’t own the content, there are restrictions on what you can do with it long-term. Plus, if a course is removed or updated by the provider, your access may change unexpectedly.
• Relevance Gaps: With so many offerings, it’s easy for learners to feel lost in a sea of content. They might be presented with material that doesn’t quite match their specific goals or roles.
• Learner Fatigue: An abundance of choices and a compressed timeline for completion can overwhelm users, leading to disengagement or low retention rates.
• Extra Curation Effort: To ensure relevance, you may find yourself spending significant time selecting and organizing courses so your team gets the most value.

Ultimately, while off-the-shelf eLearning libraries offer speed and variety, they’re best suited for broad foundational learning—not for requirements that need a bespoke touch or deep organizational alignment.

In the realm of e-Learning, the tool you choose can significantly affect the quality and interactivity of the final product. Each tool has its unique features and strengths. Let’s delve deeper into these tools and understand how each one stands out:

Articulate 360: Rise and Storyline for Custom e-Learning Development

Articulate 360 offers a suite of tools ideal for creating engaging and visually appealing courses. It’s especially known for its ability to incorporate rich animations and interactivity.

Strengths:

• The suite includes tools like Storyline, Rise, and more.
• Excellent for mobile learning.
• Extensive community and library for templates and characters.

While both Articulate Rise and Articulate Rise are part of the Articulate family, Rise is known for its rapid e-Learning development with a responsive design. In contrast, Storyline is ideal for creating custom interactions.

Strengths (Rise):

• Quick and easy course creation.
• Cloud-based, allowing for collaborative development.

Strengths (Storyline):

• Customizable interactions and scenarios.
• Slide-layering feature for complex courses.

TechSmith Camtasia for Custom e-Learning Development

Camtasia is a go-to software for those who need impeccable screen recording capabilities. Its intuitive video editing features make it great for creating tutorial videos or demonstrations.

Strengths:

• High-quality screen recording.
• User-friendly video editing interface.
• Library of assets for enhancing videos.

Adobe Captivate for Custom e-Learning Development

Adobe Captivate stands out for its responsive design capabilities, ensuring that e-Learning content looks good on any device.

Strengths:

• VR and 360° learning experiences.
• Geolocation-based learning.
• Inbuilt assets and characters.

Lectora

Lectora is prized for its powerful scripting capabilities and is ideal for advanced developers who want to push the boundaries of e-Learning interactivity.

Strengths:

• Seamless integration with other tools.
• Advanced scripting and variables for complex courses.

iSpring Suite for Custom e-Learning Development

iSpring is lauded for its ease of use and PowerPoint integration, making it easy for beginners to start with e-Learning development.

Strengths:

• PowerPoint-based course creation.
• Quiz-making capabilities.

Tool Selection Checklist

To help you pick the tool that aligns with your needs, consider this checklist:

Tool Selection Checklist

To help you pick the tool that aligns with your needs, consider this checklist:

Note: The ticks in the table are indicative and based on the primary features of each tool. Most of these tools are continuously updated with new features, so checking the latest versions and their capabilities is always a good idea.

Choosing an e-Learning tool is akin to picking the right brush for a painting. While each tool can get the job done, the right one can make the process smoother and the outcome more refined.

Disclaimer:

The tools highlighted in this article represent only a selection of the e-Learning development tools available in the market. They are chosen based on popularity and unique features. However, many other tools with different capabilities might suit specific needs. As with any technology purchase, conducting thorough research, exploring demos, and evaluating your organization’s requirements before deciding is essential. Always review the market landscape to choose the most appropriate tool for your instructional design and e-Learning development needs.

As organizations continue to adopt e-Learning for their training needs, the question often arises: Should we develop in-house or outsource? Each approach has its merits, but outsourcing often stands out for various reasons:

1. Expertise on Tap: E-Learning companies specialize in creating educational content. By outsourcing, you’re not just paying for a service—you’re gaining access to a team of professionals who live and breathe e-Learning. They bring years of experience, tried-and-tested methodologies, and industry-specific knowledge.
2. Cost-Efficiency: In-house development can get expensive. It all adds up from hiring permanent instructional designers, graphic artists, and developers to investing in state-of-the-art software licenses. Outsourcing can often deliver the same, if not better, quality at a fraction of the price.
3. Scalability: Maybe you need a single course immediately, but what about when you need ten or more? e-Learning companies can scale up their services to match your requirements, ensuring timely delivery even on large projects.
4. Staying Updated: The e-Learning industry is dynamic, with new technologies and methodologies emerging regularly. e-Learning companies are always on the cutting edge, ensuring that your content isn’t just relevant today and future-proofed for tomorrow.
5. End-to-End Solutions: A reliable e-Learning company won’t just develop content. They will help you analyze training needs, design courses, develop content, implement the training, and even evaluate its effectiveness.

When should you consider outsourcing? Here are some scenarios:

• Lack of In-house Expertise: If your team isn’t versed in instructional design or lacks experience with e-Learning tools, it’s a sign to outsource.
• Tight Deadlines: Need to roll out a course quickly? Outsourcing can speed up the development process.
• Consistent Quality: If you want your e-Learning modules to maintain a consistent quality and tone, outsourcing to a single, trusted company is a good idea.

Consider companies like Check n Click Learning and Technologies. With a track record of serving global clients since 2012, they’re not just vendors but partners in your e-Learning journey. Proficient with tools ranging from Articulate 360 to Captivate, they have the expertise to transform your training vision, however nebulous, into a polished, engaging e-Learning module.

While a vast course library offers breadth, curating content is what sharpens its impact. Thoughtful selection ensures learners aren’t navigating a sea of irrelevant modules, which can quickly lead to disengagement and missed learning objectives. Instead, curated content is handpicked to address specific knowledge gaps, keeping training laser-focused and meaningful.

However, it’s important to recognize the limitations here. Even with the ability to bundle chosen modules—perhaps from platforms like Lynda.com or Coursera—your curation is confined to the courses available in your subscription. Not all needs can be met by off-the-shelf options, and assembling the right learning path is still a significant investment of time and attention.

In short, effective curation within your library significantly increases relevance and interest, but its potential is bound by what’s on offer and the effort invested in aligning those resources to your unique organizational context.

Custom e-Learning development isn’t merely about transferring content onto a digital platform. It’s the fine art of sculpting bespoke educational experiences that resonate with the learner, keeping them engaged and ensuring the knowledge sticks.

At the heart of this art lies the Instructional Design process. The Instructional Designer is a craftsman, shaping raw information into meaningful, structured, interactive learning experiences. With models like ADDIE, they analyze, design, develop, implement, and evaluate e-Learning courses, ensuring each module is tailored to meet the learner’s needs and the organization’s objectives.

But why is custom e-Learning so sought after?

• Specialized Content Needs: Off-the-shelf courses might not address the intricacies of proprietary software or the unique protocols of a company.
• Branding Requirements: A company’s identity can be woven into the training, making it familiar and aligning with its ethos.
• Unique User Experiences: From gamified modules to VR simulations, customization pushes the boundaries of traditional learning.

Transitioning from conventional instructor-led training (ILT) to e-Learning can be tempting for its perceived ease, but it comes with its pitfalls. While ILT provides a wealth of reference material, translating it into a digital format requires a fresh perspective. Factors like loss of human interaction, content overload, and tech constraints must be addressed proactively.

Choosing the right tools is equally vital. Whether it’s the rich animations of Articulate 360, the screen recording capabilities of Camtasia, or the responsive design of Captivate, the tool can make or break the learning experience. But remember, the landscape of e-Learning tools is vast, and selecting one based on individual project needs is crucial.

In conclusion, custom e-Learning development is a journey that promises rewarding outcomes when navigated with expertise, the right strategy, and the best tools.