I know this sounds like an odd question. We all want quality stuff, but the question is serious.

I read this morning an article about eLearning development time. The usual 200:1 ratio of dev time to seat time was quoted with a note that a Brandon-Hall research report (no link provided) said that the reality was more like 700:1 to 1300:1 if the eLearning was good quality.

I know about developing good instruction, actvities and all that for quality eLearning, but is that consistant with Learning 2.0, adult learning and all that? I mean with Customer Generated Content being all over the web, the prosumer being the centerpiece of lots of marketing discussion, and the youtube phenomenon, is slick eLearning really necessary or appropriate?

Couldn't one just shoot some quick and dirty videos with a Flip camera stick 'em on a moodle site, glue it together and have a good product? If it meets the educational objectives and incorporates appropriate adult learning principles, would it be alright? If it were appropriately designed, it could surely do all that.

What do you all think?

Considering how so many companies seem to think they're going to save money by "converting their ILT to elearning" I would assert that quality really isn't all that important to most stakeholders (even though they say it is). I feel that 9 times out of 10, when/if they do allow budget for training at all, it's so they can say they have it. Based on the "here take this order and don't question it" mentality I have seen for nigh on 20 years, I believe that most companies don't really give a flying fig. Jaded? You bet I am. But I continue to bang my drum and beat my head against the brick wall.

Important to whom?

For me it boils down to credibility. As a learner, and for that matter, a consumer and web-surfer, I will always believe a well-produced, professional-looking source more than a bubble-gum and string presentation.

Quickie-elearning is fraught with the kind of flaws (read: distractions) that make any homemade product charming. When my aunt makes coffee for me and apologizes because it's not very good, it's endearing. If the guy at Starbucks does the same thing, I want a refund - and I'll think twice about going back.

The folks with the checkbook will keep coming for the cheapo learning products. The learners, every bit as savvy about the web as we are, are quick to distinguish between something to be taken seriously and something that's been slapped together.

The rub for me continues to be how comfortable I am putting my name on a product that has conceded enough learning-quality to be cheap and quick. If it doesn't work, it's still my product, you know?

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For me it boils down to credibility. As a learner, and for that matter, a consumer and web-surfer, I will always believe a well-produced, professional-looking source more than a bubble-gum and string presentation.

Have you looked at Wine Library TV? Garyvee (Gary Vaynerchuk) is an internet sensation. His videos are nowhere slick. Check it out and report back, please. Sure he has a videographer, but I saw him do a show live once. It's one take.

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The learners, every bit as savvy about the web as we are, are quick to distinguish between something to be taken seriously and something that's been slapped together.

There is a difference between rapidly-developed and "slapped together". I don't consider WineLibraryTV "slapped together", there's lots of planning and prep, but not nearly as much as if it were a traditional network tv production. Surely one needs good instructional design as I said.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: travelerjjm,

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Why can't we do this for corporate training?

Didn't you know? They (the big Corporate They) put a kabash on anything that requires even the slightest bit of bandwidth that allows anything beyond text and a few pictures to get through... and heaven forbid we use any type of fun or creativity --- that might give the impression that *gasp* learning happens when people are *gasp* entertained...

I have more, but need to stop. This is making my heart hurt.