The concept behind learning management systems are difficult to understand – and once you throw in all the industry jargon, it can be nearly impossible. We’ve got the basics for you in 29 slides. Need a bit more help? We offer learning management system consulting services. Learning Management Systems 101 from MicroAssist, Inc
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The Note-Taking Myth
While preparing a training session on conducting effective webinars, I read The New Virtual Classroom by Ruth Colvin Clark and Ann Kwinn. When I give presentations, I always have handouts for note-taking ― in part, because I always take notes when I’m in a learning environment. I was really surprised by what the authors had to say about note-taking in webinars and other learning events. Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
READ MORE about The Note-Taking MythAvoid Elearning Project Failure: Communication and Collaboration Lead to Success
According to the Project Management Institute, 75% of projects annually come in over budget or run past deadlines, adding up to a loss of over $75 billion. Elearning projects are at a high risk for delays and cost overruns because they are complex to manage. Elearning projects are actually two projects: a software project combined with a training project. This means greater scope, more stakeholders, increased risk, and significant opportunities
READ MORE about Avoid Elearning Project Failure: Communication and Collaboration Lead to SuccessWeb-Ready Images: Graphic File Size and Format
Graphic file size and format are topics that did not interest me when I started using software to create and manipulate images for the web. However, a little bit of experience demonstrated the need for some basic understanding of factors related to the way my images displayed on a computer monitor. The smaller the file size, the faster the image loads in a browser. When I create online training, I
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The pixel is a concept you need to understand in order to comprehend computer monitor resolution and color depth. Both factors influence the way your online courses appear. If you don’t consider pixels as they apply to monitor resolution and color depth, you may make some unintended mistakes. Estimated reading time: 5 minutes Computer Monitor Resolution Computer monitor resolution is measured in units called pixels – short for picture element.
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Selecting a color scheme and designing graphics are important considerations for creating web-based training. Professional visual communicators use powerful software such as Adobe®Illustrator and Photoshop to design course templates and create graphics. These programs have a steep learning curve. The complexity of the programs makes them difficult to use if you work with graphics sporadically. When we use graphic software, we often focus on accomplishing our goal (e.g., airbrush over
READ MORE about Color ModelsTop 10 Ways to Annoy a Project Manager
Microassist’s years of experience developing Elearning have taught us how vital project management is. Elearning projects are more complex to manage than traditional learning projects because they involve technology and training. There’s more risk, more time constraints, more budget pressures, and more potential for communication failure. We are dedicated to using our experience to help Elearning project managers find success (check out our workshop on the topic!). We’ve asked our
READ MORE about Top 10 Ways to Annoy a Project ManagerDiversity & Learning – What’s Missing from Your Internet?
Bill Taylor’s post on the Harvard Business Review’s Blog Network really got me thinking this week. The question he poses is whether you are learning as fast as the world changes, and Taylor leaves readers with three takeaways, centered around the idea of diversity in learning: The best leaders (and learners) have the widest field of vision. Avoid stale sources of information, and take a cue from Steve Jobs: diverse
READ MORE about Diversity & Learning – What’s Missing from Your Internet?Creating Memorable Elearning with Linda Warren
Interview with Instructional Designer Debby Kalk
Debby Kalk is an instructional designer and elearning project developer with over 20 years of experience producing interactive, video, and classroom-based learning programs. She has developed training and customer education programs for companies such as USAA Insurance, Dell Computer, and Verizon Wireless. She has also worked with publishers such as Prentice Hall, McGraw-Hill, and Addison Wesley to develop online educational products. At, Microassist, Debby has developed training for a statewide
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