I am putting together a list of skills (and related training requirements) to support an eLearning initiative in a mid sized corporation.

The basic training needs are easy to understand. If you are using a given authoring tool ( such as Captivate, Articulate etc) you need to know the tool. And, for new users they might need formalized training on the tool itself.

What is harder to see are the associated supporting skills that are required and the related training needs. Here's an example. Audio: If the developer/designer has a basic understanding of sound files, how to record, how to setup microphones etc, it will always make for a better eLearning course. Similarly, having an understanding of video formats and some video background helps when you are working with multi-media.

Here is what I am looking for. Can you list what you feel are the basic skills that a new user would need, for eLearning?

Please note, I am not referring to a large development shop where they might have a specialist for everything. I am referring to development shops / eLearning authors where they primarily DO EVERYTHING, from A to Z.

Your comments would be appreciated

In addition to the technical skills needed for e-learning, one also needs instructional design skills. Actually this is more important than tool proficiency. One model of instructional design is the ADDIE model, wherein much of the expertise is used in the analysis and design phases. Abilities include: comfort working with subject matter experts (SMEs), ability to create business objectives and turn those into learning objectives, the ability to translate difficult concepts into easy-to-understand chunks of information, and the ability to create meaningful information and interactions for your audience. In smaller shops, instructional designers often become project managers too, holding accountability through the remaining phases.

Hopefully that helps add some things to your list. Another consideration is bringing in an outside vendor to help get you started. We actually work with mid-sized clients and I'm sure you can find other consultants in your region.

Sheldon Murphy
Solid State Learning
www.sslearn.com
724-452-6945

Thanks Sheldon. I should have been a bit clearer. We have about 1/2 dozen experience ID's. Existing design models, business concepts, interview skills etc. We are also quite versed in project management. The mission is to take the learning team and seed skills pertinent to the on going developemnet of eLearning.

My question is really an open one in regards to peripheral skills sets and knowledge. Our organization has purchased 10 licenses for the Adobe eLearning Suite but..... most of the designers have never had experience with things such as audio recording, video conversions and the such.

I am in the process of creating training for the org on these peripheral skills sets. For example: Topic - how to convert media files using Adobe CS4 encoder. Topic: How to create high quality sound files. Topic: How to take and edit photos to use within eLearning courses. Topic: Understanding file types and the implication on bandwidth/quality etc.

I agree with you that is also starts with design. But unfortunately these days, the designer can also be the developer, graphic designer, sound editor, videographer, html coder and much more. Which leads to my original question: What other skills / knowledge is required... in you opinion?

So many really talented technicians often stumble in the interpersonal relationship and communications arenas. Consider including Customer Service skills (especially for internal customers) that include effective active listening skills. We must also be able to respond to questions at the level the appropriate level of detail for the client.
Also consider some Emotional Intelligence to handle frustration when clients are not clear or want changes in the product. Handling delicate conversations is an art, but there are some important foundation skills and models that make it easier to develop.
- Anne Hull
www.hullstrategies.com

One necessary skill that is often overlooked is what I refer to as WBT-Instructional Design. This is a skill unique to WBT (CBT) that takes into consideration the following:
- Navigation: Are there too many options? Is the wording for your buttons clear?
- Visual clues: Are you removing instructions from the screen that no longer apply? (e.g., Does the screen still read: "Click Here" when the learner already clicked what needed to be clicked?). Do you have legends on the screen to explain what your icons mean? Does your mouse cursor indicate appropriate behavor (e.g., hand cursor for clickable object; pointer if not clickable).
- WBT behavior: Are you taking control of your content; i.e., are you making sure the learner cannot skip important content (e.g., do not allow a "Next" button until all material has been presented)?

These design features are separate from the content/writing of the course and go beyond how to simply use the authoring system. They are design considerations that take into account the best practices of good WBT design. Since WBT is primarily stand alone, it is highly important that the learner has a pleasant experience using the course.