I would follow the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation) framework.
Analysis: Under the analysis step, I complete the needs assessment questionnaire using the data I have initially received from the stakeholders. I would then set up a meeting with the stakeholders sharing the needs assessment to ensure all parties are on the same page. I would update any missing data.
Based on the data gathered during the first meeting, I would update the Design Document containing the project scope and get sign-off from all stakeholders (either scheduling a second meeting or via email). After the sign-off, I would meet with the SME(s) to plan on a method of receiving the content (including the exercises, pre-post course knowledge checks, assessments, surveys, etc.) for the eLearning course.
Design: Once I have the content that needs to be taught, I would begin the design of the course. I would create a storyboard (please see this example linked here) or a prototype that includes a script and visual elements of what will appear on the screen. Before beginning development, I will once again meet with the necessary stakeholders (listed in the Design Document) sharing the storyboard and getting approval. Once approved, I will move to the next step which is development.
Development: Based on the feedback received, I would update the storyboard or prototype and meet once more then begin organizing the necessary resources (voice talents, content developers, etc.). I would share the final storyboards or prototypes with the writers so they can begin creating the content. I would also meet with the voice talent and serve as the director if needed or record it myself. I would also systematically test the accuracy of the content and the utility of the navigation. I would also check if the content is engaging and the length is appropriate. I would get feedback from peers and supervisors at this stage as well.
Implement: I implement the course or training based on what is decided during the design phase. I pilot the course to a small group of learners who can give me feedback on the course. I would also monitor the course, forums, assessments, surveys, etc. to make sure everything is being conducted as planned.
Evaluate: I would evaluate the course internally with the team. I would also gather feedback from learners to improve and revise the content for future iterations. I would create surveys and ask learners to complete them at the end of the course using a tool such as SurveyMonkey or Google Forms. I would create an evaluation report based on the feedback and actionable changes to make on the course.
My Plan to work with SMEs effectively and efficiently: With the advent of tools like Slack or Teams, communication is much easier. I would also use project management tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello, as needed. I would ensure that a clear communication channel was set up from the start with additional virtual/in-person meetings established in the Design Document.
Working with with course writers to create course items once the course is outlined (Items could include video scripts, readings, hands-on assignment, and quizzes.) It would be a similar manner as the communication with SMEs. A Slack or Teams channel would be set up in addition to set meetings established in the Design Document. (i.e., once a week meetings)
Plan for delivering feedback to writers to ensure quality stays high while sticking to a production schedule: A platform will need to be set up to provide feedback offline (Articulate Review 360, Google Apps, etc.) In addition, weekly scheduled meetings will allow all parties to calibrate/get on the same page. For example, if we use Articulate Storyline, we could use the Review 360 platform to review any updates.
Working with stakeholders to ensure the course meets their needs and expectations: During the stakeholder needs analysis meeting, I would establish expectations and create a schedule with dates for content review. We would also decide on deadlines together. I would use the project management tool or a Google Sheets document to create a Project Plan to track progress and share status updates. I would refer to the initial timeline created in the Design Document. I would make notes and confirm decisions to avoid misunderstandings. I would also share an example course. I also would utilize this project plan template that is at the end of this page.
Strategies to employ to ensure the course is engaging to a diverse audience of online learners: I would refer to the Design Document. Strategies I would employ include tell stories, break up information to avoid cognitive overload, use a variety of materials including multimedia, visual, audio, and graphics to ensure there is diversity in the content. I would also engage the learners through discussions on forums and knowledge checks. Another way to engage learners is to have office hours so learners can join in to ask questions in real-time.
Pain points I foresee in creating course material, and how I would plan for them: One pain point is lack of learner motivation and for that, I would try to add gamification such as badges or points and learners can have a friendly competition. I would make sure to break content into bite-sized learning. I would also try to adhere to deadlines by sharing my activities and development plan with stakeholders. The technology could become a pain point so it is important to plan ahead of time if learners will be able to access the course on desktops, mobile phones, or both.
As a training consultant, I create project plans to organize tasks. They are a great way to make sure all parties, including team members and stakeholders, are aware of the current status of projects, the schedule, and who the owner or directly responsible individual (DRI) for the task is.
Here is a project plan that I created.