Someone recently asked me this question: How do you know which content is suitable for e-learning?
It seems so obvious to me but I decided to see whether there are some examples or guidelines for e-learning content suitability.
I managed to find this interesting paper from Raytheon. It was written by Dr. Susan Codone who is with Raytheon Interactive based in Pensacola in Florida.
The following is extracted from page 5 of this article titled "An E-Learning Primer":
"To determine content suitability for WBT (Web-Based Training) development, conduct content analysis using the following questions:
1. Does the number of potential users justify the cost of development?
2. Does the target audience have computers and access to the Internet?
3. Will the target audience be receptive to web-based training?
4. Will Internet distribution of the content provide a method of instruction that is easier, faster, cheaper, safer, and/or more engaging than other formats in current use?
5. Is the content suitable for chunking in small units as reusable learning objects?
6. Is the content adaptable to embedded learner control, and will the intended instruction become more effective if the user controls the pace of delivery?
7. Can the content be more effectively delivered with multiple technologies, i.e. multimedia (sound, video, animation, etc.)?
8. Will the content be strengthened from computer-generated illustrations and animation?
9. What impact will immediate assessment feedback have on users?
10. Is the content adaptable to either linear or dynamic navigation?
11. Will the content benefit from dynamic links to other external web sites?
12. Will the content be strengthened by the use of supplementary audio used as instructional commentary or explanatory sound effects?"
I think this checklist of questions is useful for e-learning practitioners doing content analysis.
Regards
Kin Chew
