6 STEPS TO START YOUR OWN E-LEARNING INSTRUCTIONAL TOOL

Learning doesn’t stop in the four corners of the classroom. It always been a challenge to educators and instructional developers to cater the needs of the pupils. Innovations and techniques in teaching is rampant. Everything focused on the welfare of the learners. But how can we contribute to all of these changes and start the light in our own community? The answer is very simple; Its just you, your time and your interest.

Our society today is mainly a mobile being. In just one click, information comes in. Everything we wanted to know is just a seconds away. These globally inclined scenario affected most of the industries even the educational sector. First world countries already started the techniques and planning. A lot of association related to e-learning emerged. But, these boils down to one question; Can the Philippines be one of them?

The answer is YES! We are on that track. You can start making your own independent e-learning tool in just a matter of 123 will a few penny on hand. The following are 6 steps on how to start your own e-learning instructional tool.

1. PLANNING

Think what do you like your learners to know. Try to put yourself in their shoes so that your objectives are met. List it down. It is better also to asks colleagues so that another idea may come in. Planning usually takes place for about two weeks. Setting a time frame or calendaring is needed.

2. LOOK FOR A PARTNER

It takes two to tango. Better yet ask someone who knows something with the use and browsing of the internet. They can be your partner in this project. Just think of the following qualifications of a good partner: self-driven and trustworthy.

3. CONTENT GATHERING

Since you are producing an e-learning tool, It is a must that your content is valid and reliable. We need to remind ourselves to respect the intellectual property of an individual by not copying their content or ideas. Try to venture and discover your authorship capability. In case of videos and images, hyperlinked is needed. It will lessen your burden.

4. INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN

It is the fun part of the e-learning project. You need to consider the following:

a. placement of a content, images and videos in a desired page/ column

b. color combination (follow your school/ institutional color)

c. design of the icons

d. gamification

e. script intended for audio learning

5. STORYBOARDING

It is the longest part of the e-learning project because it may take a month or so to finish. It needs time and effort to fulfill this stage. Ask your superior or administrator to look for the content and search for errors. Proofreading is needed. All grammatical content and spelling should be checked.  This stage also includes the searching of a voice talent who will read and record your content.

6. DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION

Since your materials are now ready for conversion in an e-learning instructional tool, you need to follow these things:

a. Signing up for a web hosting site (some are free)

b. Design the site according to plan (refer to Step 4)

c. Copy and paste your content (refer to Step 5)

d. Set an appointment of the voice talent and record the audio.

e. Save your work and publish it online.

In my own point of view, the above mentioned steps to start your own e-learning instructional tool is a way to start a change in your community to have an accessible and reliable teacher-made material that has a strong sense of your institutions’ trust vision and mission.

About the Contributor:

The contributor, Mark Anthony C. Sy is a currect graduate prgram student in Rizal Technological University in Mandaluyong City. He is fond of browsing the net and uses his free time in creating instructional tools via the blended learning approach and transfer it to the e-learning portal of La Salle Green Hills.