Worksheet for e-Learning Analysis: Determining Constraints for e-Learning

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Determining Constraints for e-Learning

By Saul Carliner

About this Worksheet

One of the challenges of starting an e-learning are the constraints. If you don’t uncover them before you begin a project and choose software, the issues can come back to haunt you.

Following are questions you can ask to determine the constraints you'll need to address when implementing e- learning in your organization. You might need to ask additional questions, but these should give you a good start.

About the Subject Matter

Are computers an integral part of the subject matter?
Can the team designing the learning program play a role in developing the aspect of the subject matter that is performed with the computer?
What opportunities are there to integrate learning resources into the computer?

Access to Computers

Does every learner have their own PC? If no. Which groups of learners do have their own PCs? Don’t?
If not, does every learner have access to a PC? . If no, which groups do not have access to PCs?
Does your organization have a Learning Center or similar facility where learners can take online course? If no, which groups do not have access to PCs?

Environmental Issues that Promote or Hinder Learning

In what physical location will learning occur?
Will learners have access to their telephones, the Internet, and other sources of interruption? If yes, are learners likely to allow themselves to be interrupted?
How much privacy will learners have?

Much. They’ll learn in private rooms with doors.
Some, they’ll be in private cubes but affected by noise in cubes nearby.
Little.

How much physical space is available in the learning area for other materials like workbooks?

Much. Desk areas near the learning station are large and empty.
Some. Desk areas near the learning station have some space, but some of it is used for work information and supplies.
Little. Desk space is at a premium in this area.

Previous Experience with Computers in General

Can learners do the following:

Turn on the PC?
Start programs using Windows?
Type input on a keyboard?
Use a mouse?
Use specialized application programs, like a hotel reservations system?
Use general application programs, like a word processor or a spread sheet?

Previous Experience with Online Learning in Particular

Do learners in this organization have previous experience with online learning?
On average, how many online programs have a learners participated in?
What is the general feeling towards online learning ?

Fine.
Intimidated by technology.
Comfortable with technology, but believe that classroom learning is the most legitimate form of learning.

Constraints

Can you assess the budget for this project?

Yes. What is the approximate budget for this project (either a firm dollar amount or a range)?
No. Determine the relative budget for this project:

McDonald’s
TGI Friday’s
Morton’s of Chicago

Capabilities of Existing Staff for Producing and Managing Online Learning

Assess each staff member according to the following criteria:

1=has heard of the term
2=can describe key concepts
3=has tried
4=regularly uses this skill
5=expert that others in and out of the company seek out

Type of Product	Staff Person 1	Staff Person 2	Staff Person 3	Staff Person 4
Classroom course design
Classroom course instruction
Video design and scripting
Audio design and scripting
Computer-based training design
Computer-based training
Workbook instruction

Technology Infrastructure: Individual’s Workstation

Minimum configuration of typical workstation	In a manufacturing area	In a typical office setting	In a technical group
Minimum main memory
Minimum disk storage
Minimum operating system
Office applications that are installed (such as MS Office)
Other applications that are standardly installed
Web browsers (types, levels supported)
Sound card
CD ROM drive
Printer access	Attached to the PC On a LAN within the facility Within the building No available printer

Technology Infrastructure: Organization

Has the organization chosen an Learning Management System (LMS) or Learning Content Management System (LCMS)? If so, what have they chosen?
Has the organization chosen software for:

Authoring content? If yes, which software?
Synchronous communications? If yes, which software?
Preparing graphics? If yes, which software?
Preparing animations? If yes, which software?

Additional Questions about the Technology Infrastructure

How frequently are PCs replaced?
Does the I/S group have any long-term projects that might affect any program to implement online learning?

Standardized Development Tools or Standards, If Any, in These Areas

Does your organization already have standards for the following? Is so, what are they?:

Computer-based training authoring tools
Word processing tools
HTML development tools
Graphics software
Video and audio production tools

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