How to Create e-Learning Materials ① ~ Advantages and Disadvantages by Type ｜ e-Learning Blog

2020.12.04

2024.10.08

iSpring

Material Creation

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How to Create e-Learning Materials ① ~Advantages and Disadvantages by Type~

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As we enter the era of living with COVID-19, there may be those in charge who are considering a review of the internal training programs.

For example, switching group training to e-learning might be one of the options.

Here, we will explain the following for those who want to challenge themselves with implementing e-learning but do not know where to start and wish to create as much of the teaching materials in-house as possible.

1. "Systems" and "Materials" Required for e-Learning
2. Formats of Materials and Suitable Topics
　1) Animation (HTML5 format)
　2) Video Format
　3) PowerPoint, PDF
3. How to Utilize Existing Internal Materials

1. The "System" and "Materials" Required for e-Learning

E-learning refers to learning conducted via the internet using computers or mobile devices. To implement e-learning, a "system" for distribution and "materials" that serve as content are required.

The system for delivering e-learning is called an LMS (Learning Management System).*
When equipped with an LMS, you can do the following:

・Issue IDs for each learner and record individual histories
・Assignment of materials by learner type (for administrators, for technical positions, etc.)
・Management of learning status by teaching materials (study time, test scores, etc.)
・Setting the Learning Period
・Acquisition of statistical data such as participation rate, study time, and correct answer rate

*Currently, the mainstream is shifting towards a "Talent Management System" that is managed in conjunction with HR information, rather than an LMS specialized for education.

However, an LMS is not required to implement e-learning. Implementing an LMS involves both cost and time.
If there is urgency in conducting training or if you want to start e-learning simply, there are methods that do not involve an LMS.
While it becomes difficult to obtain learning history, if you place educational materials on a shared server within the company or group, or on the company's internal portal site, online learning is possible.
Alternatively, you can create and distribute DVDs, etc.

2. Format of Teaching Materials and Suitable Topics

Now, let's focus on the teaching materials and explain them.

There are various formats for teaching materials.
From very simple ones that are just paper texts converted into formats like PDF, to rich ones featuring characters in animations with elaborate movements, to those that require participants to perform actions like clicking or dragging, and even those composed of live-action videos, there is a wide variety.

There are three types of materials that we often assist in producing.

1) Animation (HTML5 format)
2) Video Formats
3) PowerPoint, PDF

Each format has its advantages and disadvantages, and there are subjects that are suited for expressive representation.
Let's take a look at each characteristic.

1) Animation (HTML5 format)

Features	Animated format materials. Explanation using illustrations and animations. Participants can also perform operations within the materials (quizzes, pop-up displays, simulations).
Representative Software	AnimateCC, iSpring, Articulate Storyline, etc.
Benefits	・Able to create rich content that is expressive, aids understanding, and strongly motivates learning ・Can express matters that are difficult to present in live-action
Disadvantages	There is a strong tendency for labor and costs to increase.
Suitable Themes	Explanations of business skills, analytical methods, screen operation procedures, and the mechanisms of machines
Example of Teaching Materials	• Business procedures spanning multiple departments • Case studies of incidents • NG examples related to harassment • Mechanisms and movements of machines such as car engines • Screen operations of business systems (simulation)

2) Video Formats

Features	Edit videos shot with camcorders or smartphones. In addition to the footage, create by adding subtitles or captions to supplement the explanations.
Representative Software	Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, etc.
Benefits	Due to the video file format, it can be used on various devices such as computers and smartphones during learning.
Disadvantages	・Correction requires shooting, making it difficult to make changes easily ・There is a strong tendency for file sizes to increase (high load on communication lines, delays in playback are likely to occur)
Suitable Themes	It is often easier to understand by seeing the actual object than by explaining it with words.
Example of Teaching Materials	・How to operate equipment (especially complex operating procedures) ・How to use tools during construction ・Documenting and creating teaching materials from technical training conducted in group training

3) PowerPoint, PDF

Features	Use files in PowerPoint format and PDF format as e-learning materials. There are cases where existing materials are used as is, and cases where they are restructured based on existing materials (such as adding explanatory text or narration for content explained orally).
Representative Software	Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, iSpring, etc.
Benefits	・Easy to handle ・Easy to modify ・Short production time leads to quick delivery ・Often low cost and effort required
Disadvantages	Depending on the motivation of the participants, the completion rate and understanding may be low.
Suitable Themes	・High frequency of updates ・Materials prioritized by time and cost ・Items to be utilized as technical information and manuals
Example of Teaching Materials	Educational materials with high update frequency, such as legal-related content Quickly disseminating explanations of rules and relatively simple business procedures Essential knowledge and manuals for business (in cases where a dictionary-like usage is expected)

3. How to Utilize Existing Internal Documents

If you already have PowerPoint files or PDF files as internal materials, we can create teaching materials in various formats based on them.
As mentioned above, depending on the theme of the materials, there are suitable and unsuitable formats, but here are some images of each.

To create an animation format, you can visualize the information presented in text on PowerPoint or PDF, add illustrations, and apply animation effects.
You can also design navigation characters to add a friendly touch.
Additionally, you can create narration that matches the animation, resulting in richer content.

To create video formats, we will actually film the items explained in existing materials and capture the appearance of the instructor providing explanations, followed by editing.
However, for this type of teaching material, we can only accommodate themes that can be filmed or if the instructor can be made available.
When filming the instructor, it is also possible to composite slides such as PowerPoint with the instructor's appearance on screen.

You can reuse existing materials as they are to create PowerPoint and PDF formats. In doing so, correcting unclear parts or areas where the text is too small for on-screen viewing as e-learning can make the materials easier to learn. It is also possible to utilize PowerPoint animation effects or add narration.

From the next time, we will specifically explain how to produce e-learning materials in each format.

Author:

Shizuko Sase

Education Solutions Department Production Group Writer
After joining Human Science, worked as a technical writer,
gaining experience in the design and writing of product manuals and business manuals.
Subsequently engaged in writing and production direction of e-learning materials.
Involved in the production of approximately 200 educational materials so far.

Contact Information:

Phone Number: 03-5321-3111
hsweb_inquiry@science.co.jp

Understand the features and usage of iSpring Suite / iSpring MAX!Complete Guide to iSpring

This section introduces the overview and usage of the animation teaching material production tool "iSpring."
This book provides a complete understanding of iSpring. You will also have an image of the teaching material production after implementation.
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