e-Learning Blog

When creating e-learning materials, PowerPoint is the most convenient method.
From the start of creating the manuscript to delivery, it can be done in a relatively short period of time, reducing costs.
Therefore, it is suitable for materials that require frequent updates or for quickly sharing information.
For example, for things such as laws and regulations that are regularly revised, or for sharing information about internal systems and rules.
Also, if there are already materials available for group training, it is more efficient to utilize those existing assets when creating materials.

In PowerPoint, you can add animations and narrations. You can record movements such as displaying bullet points in order and emphasizing them according to the narration, and export them in video format.

In addition, if you load a video in the slide, you can also play the video within the teaching material.

Notes

When the narration becomes longer or the number of pages increases, it may become cumbersome to create with just PowerPoint.
Also, there may be a need for movements that cannot be achieved in video format. (Example: Implementation of interactivity that progresses based on the learner's actions)
In such cases, PowerPoint is combined with e-learning creation tools such as iSpring.
By combining PowerPoint and the tool, it is possible to synchronize the narration and movements on the screen, allow learners to interact, and create quizzes.
The export format can be selected from multiple options such as html5 format.

About each file format

File Format	Overview	Tool
Video (*.mp4 or *.wmv)	Export from PowerPoint to video format for distribution. Animation effects and narration available.	Microsoft PowerPoint
html5	How to combine PowerPoint and tools. Export in html5 format for distribution. It is possible to implement relatively complex effects, precise narration synchronization, and interactivity. Some tools also allow for creating quizzes and branching stories.	Microsoft PowerPoint, iSpring, Adobe Presenter, etc.

Depending on the type of LMS and delivery method, it may be possible to deliver PowerPoint files (*.pptx, *.ppt) as is. However, please note the following points.

1. - Even if animations are set, it is not guaranteed that learners will view them in slideshow format.
2. - Some learners may not be able to view files depending on their environment (such as not having PowerPoint installed).
3. ・Learners can freely change and modify it

One of the representative tools that can be used to create e-learning materials in combination with PowerPoint is "iSpring".
iSpring is used as an add-in software for PowerPoint.

With iSpring, you can use the timeline to make detailed adjustments and corrections for narration and animation.
If you only use PowerPoint, you will need to run the slideshow and record it. Therefore, if any corrections occur, you will need to redo the recording from the beginning, on a slide-by-slide basis.
With this tool, you can simply specify the narration file to replace it, and adjust the timing of animations with drag operations, etc.

In addition, it also comes with quiz generation tools and screen capture tools that record on-screen operations, and allows you to choose the format and style of the teaching materials.

iSpring operates from the PowerPoint tab

We will explain how to create instructional materials in video format from PowerPoint.

Step1. Planning and Design

This is the process of finalizing the specifications of the teaching materials, such as functionality, design, and delivery methods.
By properly completing this process without any contradictions, each step will proceed smoothly and efficiently.
File formats and slide sizes will also be determined at this stage.

Step2. Manuscript Creation

"Slide" in PowerPoint refers to the part displayed on the screen. Learners will consider learning by looking at the screen and decide on the font size and layout.
If you want to add narration, it is convenient to write it in the "Notes" section.
If you do not want to add narration, you can assemble the slide with only explanations, images, and movements to convey the message.

Once the elements and narration to be placed on the slide have been determined, we will decide how to move them.

Even without narration, we will plan the movements and timing of displaying in order. Please make sure to display in the order that needs to be explained and consider the timing for reading the text, as there will be no narration. It is also possible to proceed with still images without any animation.

If you add narration, it is convenient to determine the timing of the movement based on the narration.
You can also create an effect where the movement is not added within the slide, but instead transitions to the next slide after the narration finishes (still image + narration).

Annotated data is useful for keeping notes in "notes".
In addition, if visual materials such as illustrations, photographs, and videos are available, it is also possible to add animation effects at this stage.
We will explain about animation effects later.

Step3. Preparation of visual materials (illustrations, photographs, videos)

When creating slides, in addition to using PowerPoint's drawing function to create figures, we also prepare materials such as illustrations, photographs, and videos as needed.
Materials can be purchased from specialized vendors such as Pixta and Afro, or downloaded from sites that offer free illustration materials.
For videos, for example, if you paste a video file that was shown during a group training session, you can play it within the teaching materials.

Step4. Narration Recording

For materials with narration, we will record the narration.
We will consider whether to request a professional narrator or have the instructor or employees from the Education Solutions Department handle it, and then proceed with the recording.

By the way, PowerPoint has a function to record narration at the same time as recording a "slide show record". You can use it by connecting a microphone to your computer. If you use this function, please record the narration at the timing of "Step 5. Slide Show Record". It is suitable for simple teaching materials of a few pages or for cases where priority is given to delivery and maintenance after completion.
However, it is recommended to record the narration in advance because there is a possibility of NG takes occurring and because having the narration as an audio material allows for more versatile use. If you have it as an audio material, you can reuse the unchanged parts or edit and replace only a part when revising the teaching materials, reducing the workload for modifications. Also, even if you use tools other than PowerPoint to create teaching materials, you can use it as a material file.

Narration can also be done using synthesized speech.
In the case of synthesized speech, the audio file is created while checking whether it is read correctly or not.

Step5. Slideshow Recording

Once the manuscript and materials are ready, we will finalize the PowerPoint file.
The narration data will be inserted into each slide.

In addition, let's add animation effects based on production instructions.
Here are some points to consider when setting up animations.

1. ・Narrow down the types to use
2. ・Choose simple movements as a general rule
3. ・Utilize the "Effect Options"

PowerPoint animations are classified into "Entrance", "Emphasis", and "Exit". Each has various movements available, but it is recommended to limit the effects used for "Entrance", "Emphasis", and "Exit" to 1-2 types each. Additionally, it is best to choose simple effects as a general rule.

By limiting the types of usage, you can create a sense of unity and give a sophisticated impression. Also, be careful not to make the movements too flashy, as it may distract from the content and draw attention to the movements instead.
However, in cases of utmost importance or when you want to make a strong impression, you can intentionally use effects that are not used elsewhere. Especially in teaching materials that include promotional elements, it may be better to use flashy movements intentionally.

In addition, animations are not used with the default settings, but rather, the "effect options" are utilized as needed. With the default settings, the order of display may be reversed from the order of explanation, or the movement speed may be too fast/slow.
By selecting "effect options" from the "animation window" and opening the dialog box, detailed settings can be made.

　

The tabs and items displayed may vary depending on the type of animation.

Once the slides are completed, use "Slide Show Recording" and record the slide show according to the production instructions devised in "Step 2. Manuscript Creation".
When recording the slide show, make use of the production instructions and timing that were noted in the "Notes".

Once all recordings are finished, select "Create Video" from "Export" and export the video.
If you select "Use recorded timing and narration", the video will be created as recorded in "Record Slideshow".

Step6. Delivery

The created file will be converted to SCORM and installed for each LMS.

[Reference] When using iSpring

When combining PowerPoint and iSpring, the process of creating the manuscript and materials is almost the same.
In iSpring, the text written in "Notes" can be used as subtitles. In "Step2. Manuscript Creation", there may be notes for production instructions, so edit as needed.

The animation effect will be added using the functionality of PowerPoint.

Loading narration and adjusting animation timing using iSpring's functionality.
In addition, we also perform tasks such as implementing interactivity and creating tests as needed.

Finally, after setting the export format and communication with LMS, we will perform the export (publish).
With iSpring, you can choose from various video formats, as well as HTML5 format. It is also convenient as it allows for SCORM conversion based on the settings.

So far, we have explained how to create e-learning materials in four parts.
When actually creating them, please choose the file format and tools to use based on the following points.

1. ・Course Content・Theme
2. ・Your materials, equipment, and tools
3. ・Creation Period (Deadline)
4. - Personnel, skills, and supervisors available for creation
5. ・LMS compatibility status (which file formats are supported)
6. - Equipment and editing software for narration recording, as well as purchasing costs for iSpring (if necessary)
7. ・Cost for using external resources (materials such as illustrations, pro narrators) (only if necessary)

As mentioned above, even if only part of the process or materials are used, I believe that utilizing external resources appropriately can help create better educational materials more efficiently.

When using external resources, you can create teaching materials in a shorter amount of time if the following items are specified specifically.

1. ・Content, curriculum, and structure of teaching materials
2. ・Learning Objectives (Ideal state of learners after completion, creation policy and direction)
3. ・Finished image (what kind of teaching material do you want)

Furthermore,

1. ・Manuscript

If it is well-formed, the role of external resources (scope of work) will become clearer, allowing for more cost-effective operations.

We hope you will take on the challenge while reviewing the information we have explained so far.